Can I Hire the Skilled Workers I Need? A Simple Guide to Sponsoring Occupations on Skilled Visas in Australia

Navigating the Maze

If you’re a business owner in regional Australia, you’ve probably felt the challenge of finding the skilled workers you need to keep things running smoothly. Maybe you’ve thought about hiring internationally, but the process can seem like a maze, especially when you’re not sure which occupations can actually be sponsored.

This guide is here to make things easier. We’ll answer the big questions on your mind, like:

“What occupations can I hire on skilled visas?” 

and 

“What if my needed role isn’t on the list?” 

By the end, you’ll know exactly where to check, how to figure out pay requirements, and what to do if your occupation isn’t listed—all without needing a background in visas or migration.

Let’s dive in!

How to Find Out if Your Occupation Qualifies for a Skilled Visa

A common question we hear from business owners is, “How do I know if the job I need to fill is eligible for a skilled visa?” The good news is that Australia has put together specific skilled occupation lists to help you identify which roles can be sponsored for a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.

These lists are set up to address skill gaps in the Australian workforce, so only certain occupations qualify. Here’s how to find out if your role is eligible:

1. Start with a Simple Check: Visit ANZSCO Search, an easy-to-use tool that lets you quickly look up occupations and see if they’re on the skilled lists. This site covers the most up-to-date occupation lists, helping you confirm if the role you need—like a welder, chef, or auto electrician—qualifies for sponsorship.
2. Get to Know the Three Lists:
   • MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List): This list includes occupations with high demand in Australia, and it’s ideal if you’re looking to sponsor someone for a longer stay.
   • ROL (Regional Occupation List): If you’re based in regional Australia, this list is particularly useful. It includes occupations specifically in demand in regional areas.
   • STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List): This list covers occupations that are in demand in the short term, allowing for a temporary solution to immediate skills shortages.
3. Cross-Check with DHA’s Skills Occupation List: For an additional layer of accuracy, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) skills occupation list is also a valuable resource. This site will confirm if your desired role is listed for visa sponsorship under Australian migration laws.

These lists may look overwhelming at first, but using tools like ANZSCO Search makes it much simpler to see if you can bring in skilled talent. Once you know where to look, checking your occupation against these lists can be a quick way to get clarity on your hiring options.

How Much Do I Need to Pay Sponsored Workers? (Understanding TSMIT)

Another question we often hear is, “How much do I need to pay if I sponsor a skilled worker?” This is where the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) comes into play. TSMIT, or the minimum salary you’re required to pay a sponsored worker, ensures that sponsored roles offer fair pay and reflect genuine skills demand in Australia.

Here’s what you need to know about TSMIT:

1. TSMIT as a Baseline: TSMIT, which stands for the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, is the minimum annual salary you must offer when sponsoring a skilled worker on a TSS visa. Currently, TSMIT is set at $73,150 AUD, but it’s essential to double-check the latest figure on official sites, as this amount may be updated over time.
2. Why TSMIT Matters: TSMIT is a safeguard. It confirms that the role you’re hiring for requires a certain skill level and ensures that international workers receive competitive pay comparable to local workers. Offering a fair wage also means that you’re contributing to a healthy labour market, supporting the industry, and attracting skilled professionals who can make a difference in your business.
3. How to Ensure You Meet TSMIT Requirements: Review your budget and ensure that the salary you’re offering is above the TSMIT threshold for the role. Remember, in some cases, the market rate for your industry might even be higher than TSMIT, especially in highly skilled or technical roles. If you’re unsure, consulting with a migration expert can help clarify what’s required for your specific role.

By keeping TSMIT in mind, you can approach the skilled visa process with confidence, knowing that your salary offer will meet the requirements for sponsoring a worker and supporting their transition to your team.

What If My Occupation Isn’t on the Skilled List?

So, what happens if you need to hire for a role that isn’t on any of the skilled occupation lists? This is a concern for many business owners, especially when facing critical staffing gaps. The good news is that there are options to help you work around this challenge.

1. Consider a Labour Agreement: If your occupation isn’t on the standard lists, a labour agreement might be the solution. In simple terms, a labour agreement is a formal arrangement between an employer and the Australian government that allows for sponsorship of specific roles not included in the usual lists. These agreements are often customised for industries or businesses with unique needs, such as agriculture, hospitality, or specific regional industries.
2. Company-Specific Labour Agreements: For businesses with highly specialised roles, a company-specific labour agreement can be developed. This type of agreement is tailored specifically to your business, allowing you to sponsor occupations that are otherwise not eligible under the standard skilled visa pathway. While it does take time to establish, a company-specific labour agreement can be an invaluable tool for filling crucial roles that don’t meet traditional criteria.
3. Industry-Specific Labour Agreements: Some industries with widespread skills shortages, like agriculture, meat processing, and hospitality, have established their own industry-specific labour agreements. These agreements make it easier for businesses within those sectors to sponsor skilled workers for hard-to-fill roles. If your business falls within one of these industries, an industry-specific labour agreement could be a fast-track solution to bring in skilled talent where local supply is lacking.

By exploring options like labour agreements, you can often secure the skilled workers you need—even if your occupation isn’t on the main skilled lists. A migration agency like You Solved can guide you through the process, making it easier to get the talent essential for your business success.

The Benefits of Partnering with a Migration & Recruitment Expert

Hiring internationally can be complex, especially when you’re unsure which occupations qualify for skilled visas. One of the biggest advantages of partnering with a migration and recruitment expert is their ability to help you look beyond standard job titles to identify roles on the skilled lists that might still meet your needs.

Here’s how an expert can help make this process simpler:

1. Navigating Alternative Job Titles: Sometimes, the role you need to fill might exist on the skilled occupation list under a different title. For example, if you’re looking for a “heavy-duty mechanic,” that role might qualify under a similar classification like “diesel motor mechanic.” A recruitment expert familiar with these lists can help identify job titles that match the skills and experience you need, even if they’re not the exact words you’d use.
2. Insight into Skill Levels and Requirements: Experts can also guide you on how different classifications apply to various skill levels. They understand how the lists work, including which skill levels and certifications meet Australian standards, so you don’t have to spend time guessing.
3. Access to Specialised Knowledge: When your role isn’t immediately visible on the lists, an expert can explore options like industry-specific labour agreements. They’ll know if your industry has an agreement in place or if it’s possible to create one, providing additional ways to meet your hiring needs.

With the right guidance, you can find skilled workers who are a great match for your business—even if the path to hiring them isn’t immediately clear. A migration and recruitment expert ensures you’re making informed choices that save time, money, and effort in the long run.

Conclusion

Finding the right skilled workers doesn’t have to be a struggle. Skilled visas offer a pathway to bring in talent, and with the right guidance, you can simplify the process—even if your role isn’t immediately listed or has unique requirements.

If you’d like help navigating skilled visa sponsorship or identifying alternative job titles that might suit your needs, contact You Solved for expert support in making your next hire a success.