Step 1 - Employer Applies to be a Sponsor

From 14 September 2009, when you apply for sponsorship you will no longer be required to nominate the number of positions you want to sponsor. If your application is approved, you will be able to nominate overseas workers under the Subclass 457 visa program for three years.  After this period, if you want to continue to sponsor overseas workers under the Subclass 457 visa program, you must make a new sponsorship application.
See: Form 1196S - Sponsoring overseas employees to work temporarily in Australia (230KB PDF file)

Preparing your sponsorship application

Information on costs, documents to attach to your application, and other information to help you prepare your application.
See: Preparing your sponsorship application

Completing your sponsorship application

Application forms and information on how and where to lodge.
See: Completing your sponsorship application

After lodging your application

Information on processing of applications including processing times, decisions on applications and change of circumstances.
See: After lodging your application