Many practices across Australia are turning to overseas talent to fill critical skill shortages so understanding how visa sponsorship works is essential.
As the demand for qualified veterinarians and vet nurses continues to outpace local supply, many practices across Australia are turning to overseas talent to fill critical skill shortages. Understanding how visa sponsorship works is essential to building a sustainable, compliant, and diverse veterinary team.
The Sponsorship Process
If your clinic or animal hospital is looking to employ international veterinarians or nurses, an employer-sponsored visa is the most direct pathway. This process allows you to legally hire qualified overseas professionals.
Step 1: Become a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS)
Your practice must first become an approved standard business sponsor. Your sponsorship remains valid for five years, allowing you to hire as many overseas veterinary professionals as needed during that period. To qualify, your business must be financially viable, actively operating, and comply with Australian workplace laws.
Step 2: Nominate the Role
You’ll then nominate the specific veterinary position – for example “Veterinarian” or “Veterinary Nurse.” This stage validates that the role is genuine and meets market salary requirements (minimum base salary of AUD 76,515). This part of the application is also where you will need to demonstrate that no suitable local candidates are suited for the position.
Step 3: Visa Application
The visa application is all about the candidate themselves, the is where we provide evidence of their qualifications, registration, and work experience in the nominated occupation.
Common Visa Pathways for Veterinary Professionals
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – allows overseas veterinarians and nurses to work in Australia for up to four years.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – a permanent residency pathway for long-term employees.
At Vetvisa, we specialise in helping veterinary practices navigate the entire process. From eligibility and sponsorship setup to ongoing compliance, making it simpler for you to attract and retain skilled international talent.
Visit www.vetvisa.com.au to book a free consultation with their team of migration experts.
