Corporate Migration Advisory for Australian Employers
Hiring from overseas, or keeping skilled people you already employ, depends on getting sponsorship right the first time. Southern Stone advises businesses on the visa pathway that fits each role, and on the obligations that come with sponsoring. We are big enough to handle complex and high-volume matters, and small enough that a senior adviser stays on your file.
Sponsoring overseas talent is a business decision as much as a visa one. We look at your workforce plan first, then at which pathways suit each role, and what each will ask of your business once sponsorship begins. The aim is one clear plan, rather than a series of separate applications.
- ForAustralian employers
- FocusWorkforce planning
- CoversSponsorship and compliance
- SupportSenior adviser on your file
Why sponsor
What sponsoring skilled workers does for a business
When local recruitment has not found the person you need, sponsorship opens the door to skills that would otherwise stay out of reach.
A wider talent pool
Recruit from overseas, or from the skilled people already in Australia on other visas.
Critical roles filled
Keep projects, service and production moving instead of leaving key positions open.
Skills you keep
Retain people you have trained, with a clear route from a temporary visa to permanent residence.
A workforce you can plan
Map each position to the right pathway, so timing and cost are known before you commit.
Overview
Corporate migration advisory is for businesses that recruit overseas talent regularly, or plan to.
- We look at your workforce plans first, then map the visa options, sponsorship and compliance steps that fit.
- The aim is to avoid last-minute decisions and keep your sponsorship in good standing.
Who this suits
Businesses sponsoring skilled workers for the first time
Employers with several sponsored staff and renewals to manage
HR teams that want one reliable point of contact for migration
Companies recruiting offshore for hard-to-fill roles
Key facts
- Planning covers recruitment, sponsorship, nomination and retention
- It can include labour agreements where standard programs do not fit
- Compliance and record-keeping are part of the plan
How it works
- 01Initial consultation to understand your business and roles
- 02Pathway and risk assessment, with a clear recommendation
- 03Sponsorship, nomination and visa applications prepared and lodged
- 04Ongoing support as your team and the rules change
How we help
- Skilled recruitment support: advice on which roles and candidates can realistically be sponsored before you commit to an offer.
- Workforce planning: mapping each position to the right temporary or permanent pathway, so you can plan timing and cost.
- Sponsorship obligations and compliance: helping you understand and meet your duties as a sponsor.
- Ongoing HR support: a consistent adviser for visa expiries, changes of role and new hires.
- Complex matters: refused or cancelled visas, tight deadlines, and cases where earlier advice has gone wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to be an approved sponsor first?
For most employer-sponsored visas, yes. We assess whether your business is eligible, prepare the sponsorship application, and explain what approval will mean for your day-to-day obligations as an employer.
Can you help if we already sponsor staff?
Yes. We review your existing arrangements, upcoming visa expiries and compliance obligations, so you can see where things stand and plan renewals or changes of role before deadlines become urgent.
Do you work with overseas candidates and onshore visa holders?
Both. Many employers recruit offshore while also supporting people already in Australia. We have a particular focus on employer-sponsored pathways, and we advise on whichever route suits each candidate and role.
Can you advise before we make a job offer?
Yes, and we encourage it. Checking whether a role and candidate can realistically be sponsored before you commit to an offer helps avoid delays, wasted recruitment effort and awkward conversations later.
Will one adviser handle our matters?
We aim to keep a consistent senior adviser on your file, so you are not explaining your business each time. That continuity helps with visa expiries, changes of role and new hires as your team grows.
What if a visa has been refused or earlier advice went wrong?
We handle complex matters, including refused or cancelled visas and tight deadlines. We review what happened, explain the options that remain, and give you an honest view of the risks. We cannot promise an outcome.
Talk to us about your sponsorship
Tell us about your business and the role you need to fill. We will review your circumstances and explain the suitable pathway and next steps.