Published Jul 12 | 2025
Sponsoring Existing Australian Visa Holders
Onshore Sponsorship
Start todayA Complete Guide for Employers
Looking to retain a valuable employee already working with you in Australia? Employer sponsorship offers a practical solution to secure long-term talent without needing to recruit from overseas.
If your team member holds a valid visa and aligns with your business needs, onshore sponsorship may be the right move.
You can sponsor eligible employees currently on visas such as:
- Working Holiday
- Student
- Graduate (Subclass 485)
- Skill in Demand (SID 482)
This approach allows you to build your workforce locally and avoid the delays and costs of offshore recruitment.
Who Can You Sponsor Onshore?
| Visa Category | Work Rights | Typical Use-Case | Sponsorship Steps | When Can They Work? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday (417 / 462) | Full-time, up to 6 months per employer | Short-term roles in hospitality, trades, etc. | Apply for a TSS 482 or other skilled visa | Immediately (limited); full-time once visa granted |
| Student Visa | Up to 48 hrs/fortnight; unlimited in breaks | Part-time staff; future talent pipeline | Nominate for TSS 482 or ENS 186 after study | Part-time now; full-time post visa grant |
| Graduate Visa (485) | Full-time work rights | Trial recent graduates in professional roles | Transition to TSS 482 or ENS 186 | Immediately (visa allows full-time) |
| TSS 482 (Change of Employer) | Full-time with current sponsor only | Hire someone already on a 482 | Lodge nomination transfer | Only after transfer is approved |
| Visitor/Tourist Visa | No work rights | Candidate cannot work yet | Apply for TSS 482, ENS 186, or SESR 494 | Only after new visa is granted |
Important: All nominees must hold a valid visa while their new work visa is being processed. If their current visa is expiring, include a Bridging A visa application with the new lodgement to ensure they remain lawful.
Working Holiday Visa Holders
Ideal for short-term roles in hospitality, agriculture, or construction. If they’re a good fit, you may transition them to a TSS 482 visa for long-term employment.
Student Visa Holders
Students can work part-time while studying. After completing their course, you can sponsor them for full-time skilled positions—provided they meet the job’s skill and qualification requirements.
Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Holders
These graduates can work full-time after study. Many employers support them with skilled visa pathways like the 482 or 186 to help secure their future in Australia.
TSS 482 Visa Holders Changing Employers
If someone is already sponsored and wants to join your business, you must lodge a sponsorship transfer before they begin working with you.
Employer Sponsorship Obligations
As a sponsor, you’re legally required to:
- Pay salaries in line with or above market rates
- Maintain accurate records and documentation
- Report any changes such as resignation, role changes, or visa status updates
- Ensure lawful, safe, and fair working conditions
- Cooperate with audits and monitoring by authorities
Failure to comply may result in penalties or cancellation of your sponsorship rights.
What If the Sponsored Employee Leaves?
If your sponsored employee resigns or is terminated before their visa expires:
- You must notify the Department of Home Affairs within 28 days
- The employee will have 180 days to find a new sponsor or apply for another visa
- Once notified, your sponsorship obligation ends
Onshore Sponsored Visas – Processing Times
The processing duration for visas depends on the visa stream and applicant profile together with government workload requirements. The official government source provides the most accurate and current information about visa processing times.
đź”— Check current visa processing times
Why Sponsor Existing Employees?
Sponsoring employees already in Australia offers benefits such as:
- Higher retention rates
- Lower training and onboarding costs
- Long-term staffing stability
- Access to job-ready staff who understand your operations and culture
It’s often quicker and more efficient to support current team members than restart the hiring process from scratch.
Yes, if they’ve completed their studies and meet the job’s skill requirements, you can sponsor them under the 482 or 186 visa.
Processing times vary, but most applications take 2 to 12 weeks depending on the visa type, business profile, and documentation quality.
Yes, as long as their current visa allows it, they can continue working during the transition.
Need Help with Onshore Sponsorship?
Let’s Chat.
Questra helps Australian employers sponsor skilled visa holders already based in Australia. From assessing eligibility to supporting the full visa process, our experts ensure everything runs smoothly and in full compliance.
Reach out today to get started and build a stronger future for your business.
Other Related Posts
Success Rate
Maximise your chances of a successful outcome with our highly experienced team.
Payments
We offer split fee payments to assist you financially whilst your application is being prepared. It’s easy to make a start!
Technology
Our team of developers build technology to help streamline the workflow of our migration team and improve the client experience for our clients
Partner
Our clients love our service! Check out our reviews for yourself. You too could be receiving a phone call from us with your visa approval.
Certainty
Know exactly every cent you will be paying upfront with no hidden additional charges along the journey with our transparent fees.
Seamless
We take the stress out of preparing and lodging visa applications.
We do this every day of the working week.