Sponsor Eligibility

A religious institution is required to be approved as a religious worker sponsor to employ or engage religious workers from overseas.  For the organisation to be regarded as a religious institution:

• its objects and activities must reflect its character as a body instituted for the promotion of some religious object, and
• the beliefs and practices of the members of the organisation must constitute a religion.

Lawfully and actively operating institution

The religious institution must be lawfully established and actively operating in Australia. 

A religious institution can include a body corporate or unincorporated body (other than an individual or a sole trader).

Good business record and abide by Australian laws

To meet this requirement:

• there must be nothing adverse known about the organisation
• if the organisation has previously sponsored overseas workers to Australia, they must have a satisfactory record of complying with Australian laws
• the activities of the organisation must not be illegal in Australia.

Capacity to comply with their sponsorship obligations

You must have the capacity to comply with sponsorship obligations.
See: Sponsor obligations

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