Sponsoring of Overseas Applicants
Overview
In circumstances where there are difficulties recruiting suitably qualified employees, schools may consider sponsoring a suitable person from overseas in support of applications for residence status or work permits. Any action to fill a vacancy through a skilled migrant sponsorship arrangement can only be considered within the context of the Department’s normal staffing procedures.
Employing a Skilled Migrant
Prior to employment, a prospective skilled migrant must meet the Department’s minimum qualification requirements (where relevant) for the category of position (e.g. teacher, speech pathologist, social worker, psychologist etc). If a skilled migrant is to be employed as a teacher, prospective teachers must also gain teacher registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (link below).
VISA Requirements
If a school is considering whether to employ a skilled migrant, it will be necessary to determine if a visa is required. If the migrant already holds a visa, check with the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) whether:
- the visa entitles the migrant to work in Australia, as well as providing permanent or temporary residency
- the person's qualifications have already been assessed
- professional registration and licensing requirements have been met.
Note that the school must meet all undertakings related to sponsored persons and pay all application, nomination and legal fees associated with the sponsorship. Schools should particularly note references in the DIAC booklets below to the obligations of the employer in relation to medical or hospital expenses and costs of return travel for the employee (as appropriate).
If a visa is needed, the currently available visa options applicable to schools are detailed below.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
Under this scheme, a rural or regional school may sponsor a migrant to fill a job vacancy. The scheme can provide permanent residency.
Features include the requirement for a minimum of two years full time employment, relevant qualifications equivalent to at least Australian diploma level (unless approved as 'exceptional'), no work experience requirement and priority visa processing.
For more information, see: DIAC Booklet 5, Employer Sponsored Migration.
Employer Nomination Scheme
Schools may use this scheme to sponsor and recruit to a skilled job vacancy on a permanent basis either highly skilled staff from overseas or temporary residents currently in Australia.
Features include the requirement for a minimum of two years full time employment, a minimum requirement of a three-year qualification and three years of work experience.
For more information, see: DIAC Booklet 5, Employer Sponsored Migration.
Temporary Business Entry (Long Stay)
Schools may use this scheme to sponsor a migrant to a skilled job vacancy on a temporary basis for up to four years.
Features include up to four years' stay initially, with the opportunity to extend.
For more information, see: DIAC Booklet 9, Temporary Business (Long Stay) Visa.
Other Resources
Further Information
- Live and Work in Melbourne and Regional Victoria (Victorian government) (http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/ )
- Department of Immigration and Citizenship(Australian Government) (http://www.immi.gov.au/)
- Teaching @DEECD
- Victorian Institute of Teaching