Attracting skilled workers from overseas is an option worth considering if you are unable to find the right people locally. There are several government initiatives to help you source skilled labour from other countries.
On this page:
Worker databaseMigration ExposRecognising skills and qualificationsSponsored migrationEmploying migrants and overseas student graduatesWorker database
Skill Select is a free web-based tool that links skilled workers who have applied to migrate with skilled vacancies in Australia.
The database contains educational, employment and work details of the migrants and identifies those who are interested in working in regional Australia.
Migration expos
Employers can take part in migration expos held by government and the private sector in various countries. These aim to attract skilled workers to Australia. They provide a good opportunity for companies to promote themselves and meet potential employees. Among the options currently available are:
Recognising skills and qualifications
A free service is provided by
Skills Recognition Services (SRS) to help employers find people with the right skills and qualifications. SRS plays a key role in recognising the overseas qualifications of migrants to help fill local skills shortages.
Sponsored migration
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) helps employers fill full-time positions using skilled people from overseas or temporary residents already in Australia. The positions must be available on a full-time and ongoing basis. The migrant must:
- be under 50 years
- hold appropriate qualifications
- have appropriate English language skills.
The main steps to recruit someone through the RSMS program are:
Step 1
Nominate a temporary resident or someone from overseas.
Step 2
Apply online to Immigration SA for assessment by the Regional Certifying Body (RCB). You will need to provide supporting documentation as outlined in the publication
RSMS Guide for Employers.
The RCB wil provide advice to you and the Department of Immigration and Citzenship (DIAC) on these criteria:
- the position is genuinely needed by the business
- the postion cannot be filled from the local labour market
- the position is paid at the market salary rate.
Step 3
Apply on line to DIAC to approve the nomination.
Step 4
If the nomination is approved, the skilled migrant you are recruiting can apply for a visa.
You can apply to the RCB and DIAC at the same time.
Employer nomination enquiries should be marked Attention: Employer Sponsored Unit and sent to
esu.sa@sa.gov.au[top of page]
Other visas
There is also a number of temporary and permanent visa options solely administered by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship that employers may wish to consider. They include:
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship employs an Industry Outreach Officer who can provide information about the 457 and ENS visa options. Contact details:
Mr Jan Schmortte
Department of Immigration And Citizenship
Level 4, 55 Currie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Phone: 0434 076 437
www.immi.gov.au
jan.schmortte@immi.gov.au
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Employing migrants and overseas student graduates
In South Australia, many migrants arrive on the Provisional Skilled Regional Sponsored visa (subclasses 475/487/495). Although these are regional visas, the holders are legally eligible to work anywhere in South Australia, including Adelaide.
Overseas student graduates may also remain in Australia following graduation from their studies on a Skilled Graduate Temporary visa (485 visa).
All of these visa subclasses (475/487/495/485) allow full work rights. The holders can work full-time or part-time. Indeed, obtaining employment is a pre-requisite for provisional migrants or temporary visa holders to achieve the often desired outcome of a permanent residency visa.
Advertising jobs
Very few industries and employers - the Defence sector is one - have legitimate reason to routinely restrict employment opportunities to permanent residents. However, many employers advertise positions with explicit reference to permanent residents only.
To have access to a larger pool of suitable applicants, employers should avoid discriminatory restrictions, whether explicit or implicit.
When in doubt, phone Immigration SA on (08) 8303 2420 or the Employers' Immigration Hotline 1800 040 070 operated by DIAC. They can verify the employment rights of migrants on all visa classes.
Alternatively, employers can verify the employment rights online of all visa sub classes on DIAC's website.
Immigration SA has also prepared a letter for use by provisional visa-holders to explain their work rights to potential employers. View the letter to potential employers under the heading Fact Sheets on the Immigration SA website.
All employers are encouraged to read this letter and include such visa-holders in their selection process.
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More information
Other websites
Skilled Migration information for SA Employers - Immigration SA
Frequently asked RSMS questions - Immigration SA
Employer sponsored migration - Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
Resources Sector Jobs Board - Australian Government
Skill Select - Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
Helping your skilled worker - Skills for All