Australia’s employer-sponsored visa system allows businesses to hire skilled overseas workers when suitable local talent is unavailable. One of the most important steps in this process is the nomination stage, where an Australian employer officially nominates a skilled worker for a specific role.
The nomination process is essential for several visa pathways, including:
For employers and skilled workers alike, understanding the nomination process is critical for successful visa approval.
In this guide, we explain what nomination services are, how the nomination process works, employer obligations, required documents, common challenges, and how professional migration assistance can simplify the process.
A nomination is the formal process where an approved Australian employer nominates a skilled overseas worker for a genuine job position within their business.
The employer must:
The nomination application is usually submitted after the employer receives Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval, unless exemptions apply.
The nomination stage is one of the most critical parts of employer-sponsored migration because it determines:
A strong nomination application can significantly improve the chances of visa approval for both employers and employees.
Nomination applications are commonly required for:
Employers nominate overseas workers for temporary skilled positions.
Employers nominate workers for permanent residency pathways.
Regional employers nominate workers for regional skilled positions.
Employers operating under labour agreements also require nomination approval.
To successfully nominate a skilled worker, employers generally must:
The business must hold valid Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval unless exempt.
The nominated role must be:
The offered salary must meet:
The occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Some visa streams require employers to demonstrate attempts to recruit Australian workers first.
Labour Market Testing is often required before nominating an overseas worker.
This generally involves:
LMT requirements vary depending on:
Common documents include:
Accurate and complete documentation is essential to avoid delays.
The employer obtains SBS approval if not already approved.
The correct occupation is selected based on the skilled occupation list.
If required, the employer advertises the position.
Gather all business, position, and employee documents.
Submit the nomination through the Department of Home Affairs portal.
The nomination is assessed based on:
Once approved, the sponsored worker can proceed with the visa application or continue visa processing.
Approved sponsors must continue to comply with Australian migration and employment laws.
Key obligations include:
Failure to comply may result in:
Employers and applicants often face issues such as:
Professional migration support can help reduce risks and improve approval chances.
Professional migration assistance helps:
For businesses hiring overseas workers regularly, expert support can save significant time and resources.
Employer-sponsored migration is widely used across industries such as:
Australia’s ongoing skill shortages continue to increase demand for overseas talent.
The employer nomination process can be complex, involving strict compliance requirements, documentation standards, and evolving migration regulations. At Orbit Global Mobility & Migration Advisory, we provide expert support for Australian employers and skilled workers across all stages of employer-sponsored migration.
Our services include:
Our experienced migration professionals work closely with employers to simplify the nomination process, reduce delays, and improve the chances of successful visa outcomes.
Whether you are sponsoring your first overseas employee or building a long-term international workforce strategy, Orbit Global Mobility & Migration Advisory provides trusted support tailored to your business and migration goals.
The nomination process is a vital component of Australia’s employer-sponsored visa system. A properly prepared nomination application helps employers access global talent while ensuring compliance with Australian migration and workplace laws.
With careful planning, accurate documentation, and professional migration support, employers can successfully navigate the nomination process and build a stronger skilled workforce for the future.