From December 7, 2024, Australian STEM start-ups that have received venture capital funding from a registered Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership can apply to be an accredited sponsor.
Accredited sponsors receive priority processing for nominations and visa applications for:
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Provisional) (subclass 494)
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
They will continue to receive priority processing when the Skills in Demand replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on December 7, 2024.
What to Expect
- Before the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) considers a start-up for accredited status, they need to approve it as a standard business sponsor.
- DHA has also strengthened the integrity of the accreditation process and will be more strictly enforcing accreditation requirements and sponsorship obligations.
- From December 7, 2024, DHA will also update sponsorship obligations. This means that once a sponsored visa holder leaves their sponsor’s employment, the sponsor doesn’t have to ensure they only work in their nominated occupation.
Temporary employer sponsored visa holders who stop work with their sponsoring employer have up to 180 days at a time and 365 days across their entire visa grant period to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or leave Australia.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.