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 Sri Lanka
This guide outlines occupation areas and practical checks when considering candidates from Sri Lanka. 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 support
Registered nurses, aged care workers and disability support workers.
Trades and technical
Electricians, mechanics, fitters and HVAC technicians.
Hospitality and education
Chefs, service and housekeeping staff, childcare and early education workers.
Business and creative
Administration, customer service, graphic design, video editing and digital content roles.
Before a shortlist becomes a hire
Check English and qualifications
English is taught as a second language and can be part of a candidate's education or work history. Assess the person's actual workplace communication and any language evidence required for a visa or professional registration.
Sri Lankan National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) credentials may be relevant to technical and vocational roles. Verify the qualification, level and experience, and check any Australian registration, licensing or recognition requirements.
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 Sri Lanka
SLBFE registration
Under Sri Lankan law, people leaving for work overseas register with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) before they depart. Registered workers get SLBFE insurance cover, free, for the contract period.
Skills assessment, if needed
Sri Lankan passport holders are not on TRA’s 482 trade assessment list, but Home Affairs can still ask for a skills assessment. Most occupations have their own assessing authority, and only that authority’s assessment is accepted.
Nursing registration
Nurses and midwives must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), assessed by Ahpra. Registration and the visa are separate applications, and success in one does not guarantee the other. See our healthcare hiring guide.
English test for the visa
Sri Lankan 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.
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?
For healthcare roles, check the individual's registration pathway with the relevant authority. AIA can separately assess visa options, including Skills in Demand (482) where relevant.
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.
- Registration of migrant workers Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment
- Temporary Skills Shortage Program Nominated Occupations, Countries and SARs Trades Recognition Australia
- Skills assessment Department of Home Affairs
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): Core Skills stream Department of Home Affairs
- English proficiency (subclass 482) Department of Home Affairs
- Immigration and employment in Australia Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
Discuss the skills your team needs
Tell Hire Australia about the role and the work location. Its recruiters will help assess the available candidates.
