Journalists, Correspondents or Reporters Nomination Eligibility

The sponsor must lodge a nomination to employ journalists from overseas to represent an overseas news organisation. The nomination must provide details of the position and the skills, qualifications and experience required by the overseas person who will fill the position.

Nomination requirements

To nominate a position the sponsor should have either:

• been approved as an entertainment sponsor
• already lodged an application to become an approved entertainment sponsor.

For a nomination to be approved:

For journalists, correspondents or reporters of news organisations represented in Australia:

• the nominated position is for a journalist, correspondent or reporter to represent an overseas news organisation
• the foreign news organisation is represented in Australia
• there is no suitable person who is capable of doing, and available to do, the work proposed for the nominated person
• the work will not be contrary to the interests of Australia
• the nominated person has the experience and qualifications suitable to perform the duties of the nominated position.

For journalists, correspondents or reporters of news organisations not represented in Australia:

• the nominated position is for a journalist, correspondent or reporter to represent an overseas news organisation
• the foreign news organisation is not represented in Australia
• the work will not be contrary to the interests of Australia
• the nominated person has the experience and qualifications suitable to perform the duties of the nominated position.

The salary or wages payable to the primary sponsored applicant in relation to the proposed work is required to be in accordance with Australian labour laws and practices.

If there is no award, and it is not a volunteer position, the primary sponsored person is to receive at least the minimum Federal award rate.

Supporting documentation

A statement of support, on letterhead providing the following information:

• confirming the nominated person's assignment to Australia as an accredited representative (journalist, correspondent or reporter) of that news organisation
• a brief description of the nature of the position
• the nominated person's experience, qualifications and current position in the organisation
• the intended length of stay in Australia and salary and allowances to be paid
• whether the organisation is already represented in Australia
• evidence of the nominated person's membership of the appropriate professional body.

If the overseas news organisation is not represented in Australia:

• the name of the news media organisation, country of origin and date of establishment
• the size of the organisation (approximate number of journalists and media staff employed worldwide)
• identify the proposed location in Australia
• indicate the proposed number of employees in Australia
• the proposed type of activities to be undertaken by the organisation in Australia
• that representation of the organisation would not be contrary to the interests of Australia
• the financial support provided to the nominated person during your stay in Australia
• arrangements for the nominated person's departure from Australia on or prior to the expiry date of your visa.

If the overseas news organisation is represented in Australia:

• confirm that there is no suitable person in Australia who is capable of doing, and available to do, the work envisaged
• confirm that the work would not be contrary to the interests of Australia.

Before lodging an application, please read all related requirements.
See: Eligibility