Step 1 - Organisation Applies to be a Sponsor

When a sponsor applies for sponsorship they will be applying for the relevant sponsor class to allow them to sponsor a person applying for the visa subclass that relates to that class. Sponsor approval may be valid for up to three years.

Sponsorship form

The sponsor must complete the sponsorship application and attach all necessary documentation.
See: Form 1377 Application for approval as a temporary residence sponsor (200KB PDF file)

Sponsorship fee

There is a non-refundable fee for this application.
See: Specialist Entry Visa Charges

How and where to lodge

The sponsor can lodge the sponsorship application (and appropriate fee) by post, courier or in person.

The sponsorship application with any supporting documentation must be lodged in Australia, preferably with the ACTRO Specialist Temporary Entry Processing Centre.
See: ACTRO Specialist Temporary Entry Processing Centre

After the sponsor lodges the application

If the sponsorship is approved, the department will send the sponsor an approval letter by post or email. The sponsorship approval letter is to be retained. A copy of the sponsorship approval letter is to be provided to each applicant you intend to sponsor. The visa applicant will be required to provide, with their visa application, the sponsor approval letter or a receipt that the sponsorship application has been lodged.  

If the sponsorship is not approved, the department will send the sponsor a refusal letter by post or email advising of the decision, reasons for the decision and information about any review rights.

Where should I go now?

See: Step 2 - Applicant Applies for the Visa