Employer Sponsorship in Australia: 7 Tips Before You Ask Your Boss
Nervous about asking your employer for sponsorship? This guide walks you through the steps: skills lists, visa options, costs, rights, risks, and what to say before approaching your boss.
Let’s paint the picture.
You’ve arrived in Australia, settled into your job, and suddenly hear murmurs that your company might sponsor. Your heart skips a beat — the dream of staying in Australia long-term is alive.
Now there’s only one thing left to do: walk into that office and ask the big question…
“Can you sponsor me?”
Easier said than done.
For many people (including myself when I was once in your shoes), the idea of asking an employer for sponsorship is daunting. There are so many variables, unknowns, and fears. That’s exactly why Shamrock Migration has created this guide — to make the process clearer and far less intimidating.
Going into that conversation knowing the visa options, costs, requirements, and risks gives you confidence and dramatically increases your chances of success.
TIP 1: Confirm You Can Actually Be Sponsored
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many clients come to us thrilled about being offered sponsorship… only to discover their occupation isn’t even on the relevant skills list.
TIP 2: Know Which Visa Subclass You’re Aiming For
Once your occupation is confirmed, the next question is: what visa fits your background?
Is it the 482 Skills in Demand visa?
Do you have the required years of skilled experience?
Could you qualify for 186 Direct Entry?
Are you working regionally, making the 494 possible?
It is crucial that you understand which visa aligns with your qualifications and employment history before you approach your employer. The stronger and clearer your plan, the better the conversation will go.
TIP 3: Understand the Costs Involved
If your employer has sponsored before, they may already know the costs. But if not, you need to go in informed.
Research:
The cost for the business to become a sponsor
Nomination fees
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
Visa application charges
Professional fees (migration agent, lawyer, etc.)
When you understand the financial commitments — both theirs and yours — your employer will instantly feel more confident considering sponsorship.
TIP 4: Know Your Rights
Unfortunately, we’re seeing more cases where employers tell workers they must pay all sponsorship costs.
This is illegal and a major red flag.
You should know:
Which fees must be paid by the employer
Which parts the applicant can pay for
What your workplace rights are as a temporary visa holder
How your rights compare to those of a permanent resident or citizen
Knowledge is protection. Don’t enter sponsorship blind.
TIP 5: Map Out Your Future Before Committing
Sponsorship can be exciting — but it’s also a big commitment.
Ask yourself:
Can you see yourself working for this employer for the next few years?
Are you living in a regional area, and do you want to stay there long-term?
Does this pathway align with your personal and professional goals?
Employer sponsorship can open amazing doors, but it should fit your life, not force you into a situation you’re unhappy with.
TIP 6: Plan for the “What Ifs”
Sometimes sponsorship falls through — business changes, restructuring, financial issues, or visa refusals.
What then?
Do you know how much time you’ll have left on your current visa?
Do you know the rules about finding a new sponsor if you lose your job?
Do you understand your options if your nomination or visa is refused?
Starting the sponsorship process early and having backup plans avoids stressful last-minute scrambles.
TIP 7: Get Professional Advice Before You Ask Your Employer
Before you walk into the boss’s office, talk to someone who understands the system:
A Registered Migration Agent
An immigration lawyer
They can walk you through your eligibility, costs, risks, timelines, and explain the specific visa pathway that suits you.
There is a lot of information online — some helpful, a lot not so much.
Getting expert advice ensures you approach your employer with confidence and accuracy.
Approaching an employer about sponsorship can feel intimidating, but preparation is everything. When you understand your visa options, know the costs, recognise your rights, and plan for different outcomes, you walk into that conversation with clarity and confidence. Sponsorship can open the door to a long-term future in Australia — but only when it’s done the right way. If you want to make sure you’re on the right path, Shamrock Migration is here to guide you every step of the journey.
