SID Visa Sponsorship: Proving Genuine Position and Financial Capacity
Australian employers looking to sponsor skilled overseas workers under the SID visa program must now meet a higher threshold of scrutiny. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is placing increased focus on two key criteria: whether the nominated position is genuine, and whether the business has the financial capacity to employ the nominee.
This guide outlines what these requirements mean, the evidence you’ll need to supply, and how to avoid common pitfalls that lead to nomination refusals.
What is a Genuine Position?
A genuine position is one that truly exists in your business and aligns with an eligible occupation under ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations). The position must not be created solely to secure a migration outcome.
Key considerations:
Does the role fit naturally within your organisation’s structure?
Are the duties aligned with the nominated ANZSCO occupation?
Is there a legitimate business need for the role?
Has the role existed before, or is it justified by recent growth?
If a nominated role appears to exist only on paper, or includes duties inconsistent with its ANZSCO classification, the DHA may refuse the application.
How to Prove a Genuine Position
Even businesses with a legitimate need may have their applications refused if the evidence is lacking or incomplete. Common issues include:
Inadequate organisational charts that fail to show how the nominee fits into the structure
Vague or inconsistent position descriptions
Missing proof of recruitment efforts or internal demand
No clear connection between business growth and the new position
Failure to demonstrate that the nominee will be paid the market salary rate
To strengthen your application, submit:
A clear and labelled organisational chart showing where the role sits
A detailed position description matched to ANZSCO duties
Evidence of past or projected business growth (e.g., new contracts, expansion plans)
Proof of unsuccessful recruitment efforts to fill the role locally
Explanation of how the role supports ongoing or future operations
The burden is on the employer to prove the legitimacy of the position. A weak or vague submission—no matter how genuine the business intent—can result in refusal.
Proving Financial Capacity to Employ
Sponsoring businesses must show they can afford to employ the nominee at the market salary rate. The DHA assesses whether your financial position can support the role now and in the future.
Supporting documents may include:
Profit and loss statements
Business Activity Statements (BAS)
Employment contracts
Payroll and superannuation records
Contracts or revenue projections for new work
Startups and small businesses are especially encouraged to provide detailed financial evidence to demonstrate viability.
Common Triggers for DHA Concern
Be aware of the following red flags that often trigger additional scrutiny:
The nominee is a family member or company director
The business is newly established (under 6 months)
The business employs few or no Australian workers
The nominee’s immigration history indicates prior attempts to remain in Australia
The job title and duties do not align with the nominated ANZSCO code
Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirements are unmet or poorly documented
In these cases, detailed and transparent documentation is essential. A strong submission must directly address these concerns to avoid refusal.
Prepare a Strong Nomination Application
With current trends pointing to more rigorous assessments, it is critical that your SID visa nomination is professionally prepared and supported by comprehensive, tailored evidence.
Best practice tips:
Match your position duties precisely to the ANZSCO code
Explain how the role contributes to business operations or growth
Submit complete, up-to-date financial records
Avoid generic job descriptions or templated documents
Address potential red flags head-on with strategic evidence
Download the Free Guide
To help you prepare a high-quality application, we’ve created a downloadable resource with:
A step-by-step checklist for proving a genuine position
Sample organisational chart and position description
Financial document checklist
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
👉 Download the SID Visa Sponsorship Guide (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my application is refused?
A refused nomination can impact the visa application and delay recruitment plans. If the nomination is refused, the visa cannot be approved, which will require a brand new application or review in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Can I sponsor a family member?
Yes, but you must clearly prove the role is legitimate, necessary, and not created for migration purposes.
How do I prove market salary rate?
Use industry awards, advertised salaries, and internal payroll records to support the salary offered.
Why Work With Us?
Even when your business need is genuine, applications can be refused without the right evidence or strategic presentation. At One Planet Migration, we are experts in SID visa sponsorships and skilled at navigating the complex criteria that the DHA expects you to meet.
We provide:
✔ Expert advice tailored to your business
✔ Strategic planning to address red flags
✔ Strong, evidence-based submissions
✔ Guidance through the full application process
📞 Contact us today to schedule a free strategy call and ensure your SID visa application is on the strongest possible footing.
Simplifying Immigration, Connecting Humanity
Note: The information provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalised advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for up-to-date insights tailored to your individual circumstances. We strongly advise seeking professional guidance to navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law effectively and to achieve the most favorable outcomes for your immigration journey.
