The 482 Visa for Startups

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24 April 2024

Startups can leverage the 482 visa to strategically bolster their teams by tapping into global talent pools, where local expertise may be scarce.

Have you heard of Atlassian, Canva, Airtasker, Airwallex, Linktree, SafetyCulture, Culture Amp, Deputy, and Pyn?

These companies are among the many Australian startups that have proven that local entrepreneurs can punch above their weight in relation to our market size and talent pool. And many (not necessarily all in this list!) of these startups and scaleups are able to grow through accessing international talent via the 482 visa.

Australia’s Got Talent (But Not Enough)

Quite frankly, finding the right talent is damn hard for startups in Australia. Startups need quality engineers, developers and tech workers. Australia has a whole bunch of workers who are qualified in those areas, but they’re in high demand and low availability.
Solving this problem becomes key when startups realise that it’s crucial for them to attract and retain the right talent in order to compete internationally. Enter the 482.

Say Hello To The 482 Solution

The 482 temporary work visa allows Australian startups to tap into the international talent market.

Found an amazing Data Architect in Bangalore, London, or Cupertino?

What about a scrum coach, Software architect, or Python developer in New York, Manila or San Francisco?

If they’re the right fit for your business then the 482 visa is an easy way to bring them into your office as your next employee.

The 482 allows startups to access international talent and become a Sponsor to foreign workers. In fact, the Department offers a distinct stream for businesses that have been operating for less than one year.

Startups can require a whole range of varied roles. Software engineers, developers, network engineers, CIOs, project managers, producers, testers, database admins, QA engineers: you’ll need ‘em.

In saying this, it’s also possible to sponsor workers for administrative, strategic and management roles. To sponsor foreign talent on a 482, the role needs to be listed on the skilled occupation list. 

So to recap: the 482 visa program can be a valuable resources when it comes to sourcing the right talent for your startup.

Some occupations that can be sponsored

Here are some of the occupations from various sectors that could be suitable for startups:

IT / code / devs

• Software Engineer
• ICT Business Analyst
• Developer Programmer
• Systems Analyst
• Network Administrator
• Multimedia Specialist

Business and Management:

• Accountant (General)
• Marketing Specialist
• Human Resource Manager
• Finance Manager
• Management Consultant

Design:

• Graphic Designer
• Fashion Designer
• Web Designer
• Artistic Director

What’s the Process?

Getting your startup to use foreign talent is a three-step process. Depending on circumstances all three components can be completed simultaneously, or Sponsorship can be applied for first, followed by the Nomination and Application (which can be lodged together).

1. Sponsorship: Let Your Startup Become a Standard Business Sponsor

This first step allows your business to sponsor foreign workers, for both 482 and other visas.

This is a one off process after which you can sponsor multiple employees on 482s.

To get the Standard Business Sponsorship your startup will need to demonstrate a properly established business structure, – such as a company, trust, partnership or registered business name – a sound financial position, and proof that training activities are in place that meet the Department’s benchmarks.

2. Nomination: Nominate the Role

This stage involves nominating the specific position for which you require a foreign worker.

The Department will be assessing the role itself rather than the person.

3. Primary Application: The 482 Visa

With the primary application, the Department looks at the individual applicant.

This worker needs to fulfill the specific requirements of the role being nominated: generally a Bachelor Degree or five years relevant work experience.

Once granted, the 482 is valid for four years, and can be used as a stepping stone to permanent residency if the employee is interested in remaining in Australia.

Does a startup need revenue? What if it is early stage but has raised capital?

Here’s a general outline of how startups can present their capital raising efforts:

1. Financial Documents: Provide financial statements or bank records showing the receipt of capital. These should include detailed information about the sources of funding, amounts, and dates of transactions.
2. Investor Details: If the capital was raised through investors, include details about the investors, the terms of their investment, and how these funds have been or will be used to support the company’s growth.
3. Business Plan and Projections: Present a comprehensive business plan that details how the raised capital contributes to the business’s expansion and sustainability. This should include projected financials and hiring plans that justify the need for foreign skilled workers.
4. Official Records: Include any official corporate records such as share allocations, changes in shareholding, or investor agreements that document the capital injection.
5. Proof of Expenditure: Demonstrating how the capital has been spent is crucial. Invoices, contracts, and financial statements detailing expenditures on business operations, product development, or expansion efforts can be effective.

Let Us Be The Matchmaker

If your startup would like to become a standard Business Sponsor or employ someone on a 482 visa, let’s have a chat about how we can help. We have a ton of experience working with startups. We want your startup to succeed as much as you do. Let’s make that happen.

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482 Sponsor Obligations – 2024 Guide

Changing Employers on a 482 Visa – Nomination Transfer