Intra-company transfers (ICTs) also known as ’employee assignments’ enable multinational organisations to transfer skilled employees to their Australian locations for short, medium and long-term periods.
This guide explores the key visa options for intra-company transfers to Australia, outlines the eligibility criteria, and highlights the benefits for businesses seeking to transfer international talent to Australia.
For organisations looking to sponsor an individual not via an intra-corporate transfer, click here to read more.
What Are Intra-Company Transfers?
Intra-company transfers refer to the process where a company moves employees from an overseas office or location to a related entity in Australia. These transfers are vital for project delivery, specialised skills knowledge transfer, leadership and development, and maintaining global standards across business units.
Australia offers various visa pathways to facilitate such transfers, primarily through the Skills in Demand (SID) Subclass 482 Visa (formally known as the ‘TSS 482 visa’) and the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Subclass 400 Visa.
Key Visa Options for Intra-Company Transfers & Employee Assignments to Australia
Skills in Demand (SID) Subclass 482 Visa
The Skills in Demand (SID) Subclass 482 Visa is the most commonly used visa for intra-company transfers involving skilled employees. It allows Australian organisations (and overseas registered Australian-based businesses) to sponsor overseas employees for up to four years in eligible occupations. The visa also facilitates an option for a pathway to permanent residency after two years of employment in Australia.
Key features:
- Suitable for medium to long-term assignments in Australia (generally more than 3 months)
- Option for a transition to permanent residency for eligible employees.
- Requires nomination by an approved business sponsor.
- Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- The employee must have the appropriate skills or qualifications to perform the role.
- Allows for dependent family members to accompany the primary visa holder.
Benefits for organisations:
- Supports the transfer of specialised knowledge and skills.
- Enables companies to respond quickly to business needs.
- Labour Market Testing (LMT) may be exempted for certain intra-corporate transfers that Australia has commitments under an International Trade Obligation (ITO).
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Subclass 400 Visa
The Subclass 400 Visa is ideal for short-term, non-ongoing and highly specialised assignments, such as project-based work, training, or urgent business needs.
Key features:
- Valid for up to three months (in some cases, up to six months).
- Suitable for employees with specialist skills or knowledge not readily available in Australia.
- Does not require sponsorship approval, but the business must demonstrate the necessity of the transfer.
Benefits for organisations:
- Faster processing times for urgent projects.
- Flexible option for short-term assignments or consulting roles.
Organisational Considerations for Intra-Company Transfers
When planning intra-company transfers to Australia, organisations should consider:
- Compliance: Ensuring adherence to Australian immigration laws, including sponsorship obligations, minimum salary requirements, and workplace conditions.
- Strategic Planning: Aligning transfers with business objectives, such as leadership development, project delivery, or technical upskilling.
- Employee Support: Providing relocation assistance, cultural integration programs, and ongoing HR support to ensure a smooth transition for transferred staff.
How Ethos Can Help
Intra-company transfers are not just about filling immediate skill shortages or gaps. Used strategically, they can assist businesses to build a globally competitive workforce and share skills, knowledge and expertise cross-border.
Navigating the complexities of intra-company transfers and Australian immigration law requires specialised expertise.
Ethos Migration Lawyers can help your organisation by:
- Assessing the best visa options for your organisational needs.
- Managing sponsorship and compliance requirements.
- Streamlining the application process for both employers and employees.
- Providing ongoing support for transferred staff and their families.
Get In Touch
If your business is considering intra-company transfers to Australia, contact us for tailored strategic advice to explore how we can help you unlock your organisations global talent in Australia.