The Certificate of Sponsorship Australia is one of the most searched migration terms in 2026. But here is the truth: Australia does not issue a formal Certificate of Sponsorship like the United Kingdom (UK). Instead, to address the workforce gaps, the Australian government uses employee sponsorship programs. With around 58,040 places in the 2026 to 2027 Employer Sponsored program, this is one of Australia’s largest migration pathways.
In this guide, you will learn what a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) (Australian Equivalent) is, how employer sponsorship migration programs work, the visa options and the 2026 salary threshold changes.
Among migrants, the Certificate of Sponsorship for Australia is a popular search term used to seek employer sponsorship for skilled visas. However, the Department of Home Affairs does not make a single certificate. Instead, the employer sponsorship is followed by the two stages below:
Employer sponsorship in Australia is a shared responsibility between the sponsoring business and the applicant. Typically, the employer sponsorship process works through the following steps:
Also Read: What Is Australia’s Core Skills Income Threshold and Why Does It Matter?
A number of employment-based visas are connected to the Australian version of the Certificate of Sponsorship. The main employer-sponsored visas for Australia are:
From 1 July 2026, the Australian government has increased the minimum salary threshold for the sponsorship work visa through annual indexation based on Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). Here are the latest salary threshold changes in 2026:
| Salary Threshold | Previous Threshold | New Threshold (Effective 1 July 2026) | Applicable Visa Subclasses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | AUD 76,515 | AUD 79,423 | Subclass 482 visa (Core Skills stream) and Subclass 186 visa |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | AUD 141,210 | AUD 146,576 | Subclass 482 visa (Specialist Skills stream) |
| Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) | AUD 76,515 | AUD 79,423 | Subclass 494 visa and Subclass 187 visa |
The above updated thresholds of skilled visa only apply to new nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Employers must also pay the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) if it is higher than the relevant income threshold. Nominations submitted before 1 July 2026 and current visa holders are unaffected.
Also Read: 482 Visa Salary Increase Confirmed: What Changes from 1 July 2026?
To become eligible for an employee sponsorship visa, you have to meet the following eligibility criteria:
Sponsoring an overseas worker in Australia is not a single fee or a one-step process. Employers move through three linked stages: becoming an approved sponsor, nominating the position and then the worker lodging the visa, with separate charges at each point. Here is a brief look at associated costs and typical processing time:
Costs (from 1 July 2026)
Processing Time
Most well-prepared Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) applications – the Australian version of the CoS – are decided within four to eight weeks, though renewal applications are often processed faster than first-time applications. Complex business structures, incomplete documentation, or high application volumes can extend this timeframe to several months in some cases. Besides the type of application, processing time also depends on:
Also Read: EOIs Explained: Understanding Points, Ranking & Invitation System
Whether you are seeking an employer sponsor or hiring overseas talent, a MARA-registered migration agent in Adelaide can assist you in the following ways:
Even though many applicants search on the web for the certificate of sponsorship for Australia, the nation follows the Standard Business Sponsorship system. Through this system, the employer applies to become a standard business sponsor and nominates overseas workers upon approval. If you’re planning to apply or sponsor a skilled worker, partner with a mara registered Immigration agent in Adelaide today.
1. Where can I find templates for certificate of sponsorship letters in Australia?
Australia does not use a standard Certificate of Sponsorship letter. Employers complete sponsorship and nomination applications online through the Department of Home Affairs instead of issuing a formal certificate.
2. Can I still work in Australia if my sponsor’s approval is revoked?
If your sponsor’s approval is revoked, your visa status may be affected depending on your circumstances. In this situation, you should seek advice immediately.
3. What occupations are eligible for employer-sponsored visas in Australia?
Employer-sponsored visas are available for several occupations such as registered nurses, software engineers, civil engineers, electricians, chefs, accountants, secondary school teachers, etc.
4. How does Australia’s Certificate of Sponsorship system differ from the UK’s?
In the United Kingdom, the government provides an official Certificate of Sponsorship that is used by employees in their visa application. In Australia, there is no separate document called CoS, but rather a nomination and sponsorship process is followed.
5. Is Labour Market Testing (LMT) mandatory before sponsoring an employee in Australia?
Labour Market Testing is required for many employer-sponsored visa nominations, including most Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) applications. However, exemptions may apply depending on the Australian sponsorship visa stream or international trade obligations.
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