Nomination Eligibility

As a sponsor, you must lodge a nomination to employ or engage religious workers from overseas. 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 been approved as a religious worker sponsor
  or
• have already lodged an application to become an approved religious worker sponsor.

For a nomination to be approved:

• the work must specifically require a religious worker and not merely a religious adherent to undertake the duties
• duties must directly serve an institution’s religious objectives
• identify the experience and qualifications required to undertake the duties of the nominated position
• identify the person and ensure their experience and qualifications are suitable to perform the duties of the nominated position.

Unpaid position

A nomination for an unpaid position can only be approved where the work or activity to be undertaken would not attract a salary or wage if undertaken by an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident.

If the nomination relates to a volunteer position the person will receive no remuneration for doing the work or activity other than reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by the person in doing the work.

Salary or wages

The salary or wages payable to you must be in accordance with Australian labour laws and practices.

If there is no award, and it is not a volunteer position, you must receive at least the minimum federal award rate.

Supporting documentation

A statement describing:

• how the position in Australia directly serves the religious objectives of the religious institution, and
• duties of the position and the number of hours per week spent on each duty.

 

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