Three requirements need to be met:

1. Employer needs to be approved as a sponsor. This will require the employer to present documents such as financial statements, training strategies, marketing material, company registration, organizational chart and identifying details about the company;

2. Position – the position that the company requires the overseas applicant to work in has to be presented and described in terms of an occupation on a Government Gazette Notice. Each occupation on this Gazette Notice is coded according to the Australian Standard Classification of Occupation (ASCO). In addition, this Government Gazette notice states the minimum salary payable under this visa category. At present the minimum salary is $41850 plus 9% superannuation and for IT positions it is $57,300 plus 9 % superannuation. Under certain circumstances a lower salary is acceptable by DIAC if the position is in Regional Australia;

3. The overseas candidate needs to demonstrate by presenting evidence that they have sufficient skills acquired through recognised qualifications, training or experience to meet the requirements of the position. There is also an English language requirement that needs to be met.

This visa can be issued for up to 4 years and can be renewed after that. Companies can sponsor multiple people for different positions if they and the positions are approved by DIAC.