Employer of Record in Australia for Work Permits, Visas & Immigration Support

Australia remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for international business expansion, with a strong economy, political stability, and access to Asia-Pacific markets. Skilled foreign talent is in demand across sectors such as healthcare, IT and software development, engineering, construction, and mining, where domestic labour shortages are common.

At the same time, Australia has one of the most tightly regulated immigration systems in the world. Employers must meet strict sponsorship obligations, demonstrate genuine skill shortages, comply with salary thresholds, and manage health and character checks for foreign workers. Employment cannot begin until the correct visa is granted, and any breach of conditions can lead to fines, visa cancellation, or loss of sponsorship status.

For international companies, this creates both opportunity and risk. Hiring expatriates in Australia can unlock access to highly skilled talent, but the process demands precision and full compliance with immigration and labour law.

Acumen International provides a lawful route to employ foreign nationals in Australia through our Global Employer of Record (EOR) solution. We act as the legal employer, sponsor the necessary permits, and ensure that your staff are onboarded compliantly without requiring you to set up a local entity.

Comprehensive Immigration & EOR Support in Australia

Bringing foreign employees to Australia involves more than just applying for a visa. Employers must first be approved as a sponsor, then register the specific job role they want to fill, and finally support the employee through their visa application. On top of that, they must comply with salary thresholds, labour market tests, payroll registration, and tax obligations. Mistakes at any stage can cause delays, rejections, or penalties.

Acumen International combines immigration and employment into one process, so your foreign staff can start work legally and on time. Our support in Australia covers:

• Helping employers gain approval as a sponsor and register the job role for which a foreign worker is being hired;
• Coordinating work visa applications for employees;
• Ensuring compliance with Australian labour, tax, and social security rules;
• Registering employees for payroll and managing statutory benefits;
• Supporting post-arrival onboarding and residence requirements;
• Providing ongoing compliance monitoring and handling renewals.

By managing all steps under one system, we reduce the risk of mistakes and make sure your expatriate employees remain fully compliant throughout their employment in Australia.

Types of Work Visas in Australia

Australia has a structured immigration system with specific visa categories for foreign employees. The most common options for employers are:

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)

• The main route for bringing foreign workers to Australia.
• Requires the employer to be an approved sponsor and to prove the role is genuine and cannot be filled by a local worker.
• Employees must meet skill, English language, health, and character requirements.
• Usually valid for 2 to 4 years, depending on the stream.

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

• A pathway to permanent residency for skilled foreign workers.
• The employer nominates the worker for a permanent role after they meet the requirements (often after time on a 482 visa).

Training and Specialist Visas

• Short-term visas for training placements or highly specialised work.
• Valid for limited periods and subject to strict conditions.

Visitor and Business Visas (limitations)

• Many foreign nationals can enter Australia visa-free or on a visitor visa.
• These visas do not allow employment. Starting work on them is a serious breach and can lead to cancellation of both the visa and the employer’s sponsorship status.

Understanding Australia’s Immigration Process

Hiring a foreign employee in Australia involves four main steps, all of which must be completed before the person can legally begin work.

1. Employer sponsorship – the company applies to become an approved sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs.
2. Job nomination – the sponsor registers the specific role, showing it is genuine, meets salary thresholds, and cannot easily be filled by a local worker.
3. Employee visa application – the candidate applies for their visa with evidence of skills, qualifications, English proficiency, and health and character checks.
4. Visa grant and entry – once approved, the visa is issued and the employee can travel to Australia and start work.

At each step, compliance is closely checked. Errors such as salary below the legal minimum, incomplete documents, or the wrong visa category can cause delays or lead to refusal.

Required Documents for Work Permit and Visa Applications in Australia

Both the employer and the employee must provide extensive supporting documents to meet Australia’s immigration requirements.

From the Employee

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Completed visa application form (subclass 482 or other relevant category)
• CV and evidence of employment history (last five years)
• Certified copies of qualifications and professional licences
• Skills assessment report from the relevant authority (if required)
• English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent)
• Police clearance certificate from all countries lived in
• Health examination reports as directed by the Department of Home Affairs
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Signed employment contract or job offer letter

From the Employer

• Proof of business registration in Australia
• Sponsorship approval (or application if first-time sponsor)
• Details of the nominated role, including salary and job description
• Evidence of meeting the minimum salary threshold
• Labour market test results or evidence that the role cannot be filled locally
• Completed nomination form
• Tax registration and company compliance records

Key compliance point: Missing or inconsistent documentation is one of the most common reasons for delays or refusals in Australian visa applications.

Processing Times and Permit Validity in Australia

• Work visa processing: Depending on the visa stream and documentation, processing can take anywhere from 15 to 61 days. More complex cases may take longer.
• Visa validity: The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) is typically granted for 2 to 4 years, depending on the occupation and employer sponsorship.
• Permanent options: After time in Australia, some employees may transition to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
• Renewals: Applications should be lodged well before expiry to avoid gaps in work rights. Late renewals may require a new application or even departure from Australia.
• Common Reasons for Rejections in Australia
• Visa applications for foreign workers in Australia are closely scrutinised. The most frequent reasons for refusal include:
• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation — missing health checks, police certificates, or incorrect details in forms.
• Employer non-compliance — if the sponsor does not meet its obligations, has outstanding tax issues, or fails to prove the role is genuine.
• Failure to meet minimum requirements — such as skills assessment, English language test scores, or mandatory work experience.
• Salary thresholds not met — the role must pay at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
• Wrong visa category — applying under the wrong stream or using visitor visas for work purposes.
• Timing errors — late renewal applications or starting work before visa approval.
• By ensuring that all requirements are met in advance, Acumen International reduces the risk of rejection and protects both employer and employee from compliance breaches.

Why Choose Acumen as Your Employer of Record in Australia

In Australia, foreign workers cannot begin employment until the correct visa has been granted. Acumen coordinates all steps — sponsor approval, job nomination, visa application, and payroll registration, so that expatriate staff can start work legally and on schedule.

All processes are managed by one coordinated team. Instead of dealing with multiple agents for visas, payroll, and compliance, you have a single accountable partner who oversees the complete process from start to finish.

Our service is designed for practical business needs. We assist companies relocating specialists, onboarding pre-identified hires, or entering the Australian market without establishing a local entity. We also support employers in resolving cases where earlier applications were delayed or refused.

Because immigration and employment are synchronised, there are no gaps. Sponsorship approvals, visa grants, residence compliance, and payroll setup move forward on a single timeline, reducing delays and avoiding risks of unlawful employment.

With Acumen International as your Employer of Record in Australia, you gain a unified solution: compliant onboarding of foreign staff, protection of business continuity, and assurance that all employment remains in line with Australian law.