If you run a business in regional Australia, you already know how tough it is to find skilled tradespeople. Whether you’re looking for chefs, fitters & turners, metal fabricators, or heavy diesel mechanics, the talent pool feels smaller every year.
At You Solved, we help businesses like yours cut through the confusion of hiring international workers. But one question comes up time and time again:
Should I hire a worker who is already in Australia (onshore), or should I sponsor someone from overseas (offshore)?
If you’ve asked yourself this, you’re not alone. Many business owners struggle to understand the difference between these two options, what’s involved in the process, and which one makes the most sense for their situation. That’s what we’re going to break down today.
What Is an Onshore Candidate?
An onshore candidate is already in Australia and holds a visa with work rights. These workers have often been in the country for months or years, typically starting as international students before deciding to build their careers here.
Why Do Onshore Candidates Want Sponsorship?
Most onshore candidates are looking for a long-term, stable employer who is willing to sponsor them. Many of them have wasted time with businesses that promised sponsorship but never delivered, leaving them in a difficult position.
Because of this, onshore candidates are highly motivated. They’re familiar with Australian workplaces, often speak English confidently, and are usually ready to relocate at short notice for the right opportunity.
The 180-Day Rule (Condition 8107) for SC482 Visa Holders
Here’s something most business owners don’t know.
If a worker is already in Australia on a Temporary Skill Shortage (SC482) visa, they don’t need immediate sponsorship to work for you. Thanks to Condition 8107, they can legally work for a new employer for up to 180 days (about six months) without transferring their sponsorship.
That means you can hire an onshore SC482 visa worker right away and take a few months to decide whether you want to commit to sponsorship.
For many business owners, this is a game changer. Instead of making a long-term commitment immediately, you get time to see how they fit into your team before starting the sponsorship process.
For more details, you can check the official Department of Home Affairs information on Condition 8107.
SC482 Visa Holders Looking to Change Employers – What to Watch For
It’s not common, but some onshore candidates on SC482 visas want to switch employers. If a candidate is looking to leave their current sponsor, ask:
- Why are they leaving? Sponsorship is a big investment for an employer, so if a worker is looking to move, there might be a reason worth investigating.
- Are they job-hopping? If they’ve switched jobs several times, you need to understand why.
- Are they upfront about their situation? A good candidate should be honest about their motivations.
This is where working with an experienced international recruiter makes all the difference. At You Solved, we thoroughly vet candidates, checking their work history, references, and reasons for moving, so you get the full picture before making a decision.
Pros of Hiring Onshore Candidates
- Faster hiring – They’re already in Australia and can start immediately.
- Trial period – The 180-day rule gives you time to assess before committing to sponsorship.
- Familiar with Australia – They understand workplace expectations and have often worked in local businesses before.
- Less risk – They’re already legally able to work and are motivated to stay.
Challenges of Hiring Onshore Candidates
- Limited pool – You’re restricted to people already in Australia.
- Higher demand – Many businesses are competing for the same candidates.
- Possible job-hoppers – Some candidates may have a history of switching employers frequently.
What Is an Offshore Candidate?
An offshore candidate is a skilled worker who is not currently in Australia. Unlike an onshore candidate, an offshore worker cannot start working until their visa is approved.
Who Are Offshore Candidates?
Offshore candidates tend to have built their careers in large international companies before deciding to migrate to Australia. They’re highly motivated because the process of skilled migration is a major investment in time, money, and effort.
What’s Involved in Hiring an Offshore Candidate?
To bring an offshore candidate to Australia, the nomination and visa sponsorship process needs to be completed first. This involves:
- Sponsorship Application – You Solved ensures your business is approved to sponsor workers.
- Nomination Application – We match the right candidate to your vacancy and submit the nomination.
- Labour Market Testing (LMT) – Advertising the role to prove no local worker is available.
- Visa Application – The worker applies for their visa and waits for approval before traveling.
Pros of Hiring Offshore Candidates
- Larger talent pool – You aren’t limited to workers already in Australia.
- Highly skilled – Many have experience working in high-level international roles.
- More committed – Migration is a huge investment, so offshore candidates are looking for long-term stability.
- Better employer loyalty – Once in Australia, they are far less likely to leave for another job.
Challenges of Hiring Offshore Candidates
- Longer process – Visa sponsorship must be approved before they can start.
- Higher initial cost – Visa fees and sponsorship applications require an upfront investment.
- Relocation adjustment – They may need time to adapt to Australian work culture.
Which Option Is Best for Your Business?
It depends on your hiring needs and timeline.
- If you need to fill a position immediately, an onshore candidate is the best option.
- If you’re looking for a long-term investment and want to secure top talent, an offshore candidate might be the way to go.
- If you’re unsure, you can trial an onshore worker using the 180-day rule before committing to sponsorship.
At You Solved, we specialise in both onshore and offshore recruitment. Our unique candidate filtering model ensures you only hire skilled, motivated, and reliable workers.
Why Work with You Solved?
- We handle everything – recruitment, sponsorship, and migration, all in one place.
- We filter candidates carefully – so you only get the best talent.
- We make hiring easy – removing the stress and confusion from international recruitment.
If you’re trying to figure out the best way to fill your skills gap, we can help. Contact You Solved today, and let’s find the right worker for your business.
