Can You Sponsor an Employee on a Student or Graduate Visa Case Study | Migration Republic
Case Study: Graduate & Student Visa Sponsorship

Ruby had a graduate on her team she didn't want to lose. But could she even sponsor him?

Ruby ran a small business that had taken a chance on a bright international student a couple of years back. He'd worked hard, finished his studies, and moved onto a Temporary Graduate visa while working for her part-time.
Now his visa was ticking down, and Ruby didn't want to let him go but she wasn't sure sponsorship was even an option for someone on a student or graduate visa.

Eligible Visas
Subclass 500 & 485
Strategy
Graduate to TSS / PR
Staff Retention
Kept Key Talent
Outcome
Long-Term Sponsorship
The Inquiry

Can You Sponsor a Student or Graduate?

Ruby ran a small business that had taken a chance on a bright international student a couple of years back. He'd worked hard, finished his studies, and moved onto a Temporary Graduate visa while working for her part-time. Now his visa was ticking down, and Ruby didn't want to let him go but she wasn't sure sponsorship was even an option for someone on a student or graduate visa.

So she asked.

Yes, it's possible! Employers can sponsor eligible workers who currently hold:

➡️ A Student Visa (Subclass 500)
➡️ A Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

As long as certain requirements are met.

Checklist

Employer & Employee Requirements

Employer Checklist Business Side
Sponsor Responsibilities

Employer Requirements

What Ruby needed to provide as the employer:

➡️ Be an approved/eligible sponsor

➡️ Offer a genuine, skilled position

➡️ Meet salary & labour market requirements

➡️ Nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled list

Approved Sponsor Genuine Position Salary Met Skilled List
EMP
Employer
Sponsor Obligations
Status
Approved Sponsor
SBS
Employee Checklist Candidate Side
Worker Qualifications

Employee Requirements

What her employee needed:

➡️ Relevant qualifications & skills

➡️ Meet visa-specific work experience requirements

➡️ English language requirements (if applicable)

➡️ A valid visa at the time of transition

Qualifications Experience English Met Valid Visa
GRAD
Graduate
Subclass 485 / 500
Transition
Ready to Sponsor
485
Can You Sponsor an Employee on a Student or Graduate Visa
Student & Graduate Visa Sponsorship Guide
Strategic Realization

A Smart Move for Skill Shortages

Ruby quickly realised why this mattered so much. Many international graduates are highly skilled, job-ready, and eager to build their careers in Australia sponsoring them can be a smart move for employers facing skill shortages, exactly the position Ruby was in.

With her eligibility confirmed and the process mapped out, Ruby moved forward with sponsorship keeping a great employee on her team, long-term.

Strategic Outcome

With her eligibility confirmed and the process mapped out: Ruby moved forward with sponsorship keeping a great employee on her team, long-term.

TALENT RETAINED
Long-Term Team
Thinking about sponsoring a student or graduate visa holder? Let's assess eligibility and find the right pathway together.
Get Started Today

CONTACT US TODAY

📩 Contact Migration Republic to assess eligibility and sponsor your student or graduate employees.

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