We Only Want Candidates Who Already Have Work Rights

Why This Thinking Is Costing Employers Skilled, Long-Term Talent

It’s a common line in job ads: “Only candidates with current work rights should apply.”
But in today’s labour market, that mindset could be keeping your business short-staffed.

Here’s the truth — most people who already have work rights didn’t come to Australia through a skilled migration pathway.

They may be on:

• a working holiday visa (short-term, limited duration)

• a partner visa (no connection to their skill set)

• or a student visa (restricted hours and other obligations).

None of these options guarantee long-term retention, eligibility, or the specific skills your business actually needs.

The Missed Opportunity

By excluding candidates who need sponsorship, many employers are overlooking the exact people who:
✔ meet Australia’s skilled migration criteria
✔ have the right experience and qualifications
✔ and want to stay and build a long-term career in your organisation.

These are candidates who bring staying power, not just availability.

Why It Happens

The migration system can look complex from the outside — full of acronyms, subclass codes, and legal steps that seem daunting.
So most employers put it in the too-hard basket, assuming it’s quicker and safer to hire someone already in Australia.

But the reality is, a properly managed sponsorship pathway is often simpler than cycling through short-term hires who leave just as they get trained.

How Sponsorship Actually Works

Sponsorship isn’t a gamble. It’s a structured, lawful framework that allows Australian employers to access the talent they genuinely need.

A standard sponsorship process includes three clear steps:

1️⃣ Sponsorship Approval – confirming your business meets eligibility and training benchmarks.
2️⃣ Nomination – linking the role to the correct occupation code and salary level.
3️⃣ Visa – preparing a compliant, evidence-based application for the chosen candidate.

Handled correctly, it becomes one of the most reliable ways to attract skilled, long-term professionals to your business.

What This Means for Employers

Whether you’re running a healthcare clinic, an aged-care facility, or a construction firm, understanding how sponsorship works gives you a powerful edge.
It means you can plan your workforce strategically, attract better candidates, and retain them for the long term.

The question isn’t whether to consider skilled migration — it’s whether your business can afford to overlook it.

Clarity Starts Here

You don’t need to become an immigration expert.
You just need the right information and a trusted partner to make the system work for your business.

👉 Take the 60-Second Eligibility Check:
solvi.com.au/hire-international-workers-eligibility-checklist

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#SkilledMigration #HealthcareLeadership #ConstructionAustralia #WorkforcePlanning #AgedCareAustralia #LegalClarity #SOLViMigration #RheaFawole