Applying for this Visa

Professional development visa applications can only be lodged by the approved professional development sponsor. Australian organisations or government agencies wanting to sponsor overseas participants for a professional development program must follow the three steps set out below.

Step 1 - Establish a professional development agreement

Before an Australian sponsoring organisation can apply to sponsor a professional development program, it must first establish an eligible professional development agreement with an eligible overseas employer. This agreement must fully support, and include details of, the proposed professional development program.
See: Step 1 - Establish a Professional Development Agreement

Step 2 - Apply for sponsorship approval

Once a professional development agreement with the overseas employer has been established, the Australian sponsoring organisation should seek approval as a professional development sponsor.
See: Step 2 - Apply for Sponsorship Approval

Step 3 - Lodge visa application/s

Once approved, the professional development sponsor should submit visa applications on behalf of all prospective overseas participants in the program.
See: Step 3 - Lodge the Visa Application/s

Transitional arrangements for sponsorship visa applications lodged before 14 September 2009

On 14 September 2009, changes came into effect regarding sponsorship requirements for temporary residence visas. Transitional arrangements are in place for visa and sponsorship applications lodged before 14 September.
See: Transitional Arrangements for Sponsorship and Visa Applications