Recruitment and immigration for employers and job seekers.
GRIA is now part of Hire Australia.
Last updated 29 October 2026
GRIA has merged with Hire Australia. Hire Australia now handles recruitment, registration and enquiries. Australian Immigration Agency (AIA) is our immigration partner.
Country guide
Hiring talent from South Africa
This guide outlines occupation areas and practical checks when considering candidates from South Africa. Availability and suitability depend on the individual and the role.
Hire Australia now handles recruitment following the GRIA merger. Its recruiters run the search and send employers a shortlist. AIA advises on immigration requirements where sponsorship is needed.
15%one fixed recruitment fee, excluding super, plus GST
15+years of migration experience at AIA
MARAregistered migration agents handle the visa
Experience and skills
Occupation areas to discuss
Healthcare and care
Registered nurses, allied health professionals, aged care and disability support workers.
Engineering and technical
Civil, mechanical, electrical and structural engineers, quantity surveyors, electricians, fitters and diesel mechanics.
ICT and business
Developers, network and cybersecurity specialists, accountants, payroll and project professionals.
Education, agriculture and creative
Agricultural workers and technicians, teachers, vocational trainers and creative professionals.
Before a shortlist becomes a hire
Check English and qualifications
English use in education and business can be relevant to a candidate's background. Review each person's communication skills and the language evidence relevant to their role, registration and visa circumstances.
University, vocational and artisan training can form part of the candidate's evidence. Check qualifications and practical experience against Australian requirements; local registration or licensing may still be needed.
Evidence worth reviewing
- Qualifications, transcripts and relevant training
- Employment history and role-specific experience
- Professional registration or trade licences, where needed
- English communication and any required test evidence
- Current work rights and proposed work location
What it takes
Steps specific to hiring from South Africa
Trade skills assessment
For trades such as electricians, diesel mechanics, fitters, welders and carpenters, South African passport holders are on the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) list for the Skills in Demand (482) visa. Where this assessment is mandatory, it must be started before the visa application is lodged.
English test for the visa
South African passport holders are not exempt from the 482 English requirement. Core Skills and Specialist Skills stream applicants take an approved test within 3 years before applying, for example IELTS with at least 5.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Another exemption may apply, such as at least five years of full-time study at secondary level or higher, with most classes taught in English.
Engineers and other professionals
Most occupations have their own skills assessing authority, and Home Affairs only accepts an assessment from the relevant one. Check whether the visa needs one before you agree a start date.
Licences where the person works
Where the role needs registration or a licence, the 482 application needs evidence from the authority in the state or territory where the person will work. Our construction hiring guide covers trade licensing.
How it works
Plan the match, visa and start
Brief the recruiter
Explain the duties, location, qualifications and practical skills needed. Discuss what the role offers and the candidate's preferences without assuming relocation or long-term intent. Our guide to eligible occupations and roles covers what to prepare.
Check immigration options
After a job match, AIA checks visa eligibility. Skills in Demand (482), Employer Nomination Scheme (186) or a regional pathway may be relevant, subject to the requirements. See the overview of visa pathways and Home Affairs’ current processing times.
Prepare for the workplace
Agree the onboarding needed for local systems, safety, communication and role expectations. Confirm qualifications, registration and work rights before the person starts.
Your questions
Country-specific planning
General information is a starting point. AIA can check the requirements for your circumstances.
What should we check early?
Discuss the work location and proposed duties early, particularly for regional or site-based roles. AIA can assess relevant sponsored or regional options for the individual.
What will the visa work cost?
Migration fees are quoted case by case by AIA, in writing. Government fees are charged separately by the Australian Government. Ask AIA for a current eligibility check and written quote for the proposed case.
Can candidates register from this country?
Candidates can register free with Hire Australia, then apply for jobs or join the talent pool. Registration does not guarantee a job, sponsorship or a visa.
Where can I compare other country guides?
See the global talent countries overview for all seven guides.
Official sources
The rules on this page come from these official pages. Requirements change, so check the current version before you act.
- Temporary Skills Shortage Program Nominated Occupations, Countries and SARs Trades Recognition Australia
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): Core Skills stream Department of Home Affairs
- English proficiency (subclass 482) Department of Home Affairs
- Skills assessment Department of Home Affairs
Discuss the skills your team needs
Tell Hire Australia about the role and the work location. Its recruiters will help assess the available candidates.
