If you are a lawfully operating business with a genuine need for sponsorship, it is a streamlined process to obtain this status. Generally speaking, you must satisfy the below criteria:

• You must be a legally established and currently operating business
• Have no adverse information regarding your business
• You should have a strong record of, or a demonstrated commitment to employing local labour

The TSS is designed to enable employers to address labour shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers where they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian. If your business has a genuine need, with the right help, it has never been easier to pursue a sponsor status.

There are three stages in sponsoring an employee from overseas under the TSS visa program;

1. Sponsorship: The employer applies for approval as a Sponsor.
2. Nomination: The employer/sponsor nominates an occupation of need
3. Visa: the applicant applies for their visa.

The Australian Government recognises that there are low risk businesses and organisations that have a history of compliant sponsorship and a genuine need to seek to engage foreign skills. Those businesses or organisations that fit within 5 specific and defined categories of sponsor, can seek Accredited Sponsor status. Once granted accredited status, the process of obtaining a 482 visa is streamlined and you will receive an answer on your applications within a reasonable and prioritised period.

An accredited sponsor receives priority when the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) nominations and visa applications are processed. The Department of Home Affairs process most Accredited Sponsor nomination applications in approximately 5 business days.

The 5 defined categories are:

Category 1: Commonwealth, state and territory government agencies

Category 2: Australian Trusted Traders

Category 3: Low volume usage and high percentage of Australian workers (at least 85%)

Category 4: High volume usage and medium percentage of Australian workers (at least 75%)  Category 5: Major investment in Australia

A SBS is valid for 5 years from the date it is granted and provides for an unlimited amount of positions over the period. You would reapply for the SBS every 5 years or when there is a substantial change to your business – i.e. if your ACN/ABN changes.