Hiring Overseas Mechanics: Your Questions Answered by Our In-House Migration Expert 

Across Australia, workshops and fleet operators are all feeling the pressure: skilled mechanics are in short supply, and it’s putting serious strain on productivity.  

If you’ve been struggling to fill the gap, hiring from overseas might be the game-changing move your business needs. 

But let’s be honest. The visa process can sound complicated, confusing, and a little overwhelming.  

That’s exactly why Mechanics Recruitment doesn’t just find great candidates, we also provide full migration support to get your overseas hires safely and smoothly to Australia. 

In this article, we sit down with Camilo Vega, our Visa Coordinator, to answer the most common questions employers ask when they’re considering international hires. 

Q: So, what’s the step-by-step process Mechanics Recruitment follows to place an overseas mechanic? 

We take care of it all from finding qualified candidates and conducting those first interviews, right through to managing visa paperwork and submission, prepping them before they fly out, and supporting them when they land. It’s about making the whole journey seamless for both you and the mechanic. 

Q: What sponsorship and visa options employers usually use? 

There are several key pathways, but for most businesses, the go-to option is the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482, particularly under the Core Skills or Specialist Skills streams. It’s designed to quickly address critical skill shortages with streamlined processing times. 

Another popular route is the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494, which supports employers in designated regional areas. 

Each visa option has its own eligibility criteria, income thresholds, and occupation requirements. Our role is to help businesses identify the most suitable sponsorship pathway aligned with their workforce needs. 

It’s also essential to recognise that Australia’s migration framework is broad, offering various visa subclasses that may apply depending on each applicant’s background. With the right strategy, companies can leverage these options to secure skilled talent who are ready to contribute from day one. 

Q: Is there a limit on how many mechanics a company can sponsor at once? 

No — under a Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS), there is no fixed limit on the number of employees a company can sponsor. As long as each nomination meets the relevant visa requirements and there is a genuine need for the role, businesses are free to sponsor multiple workers. We guide employers through each step to ensure full compliance and efficient workforce expansion. 

Q: What usually causes sponsorship applications to get held up or knocked back? 

Delays or refusals often stem from incomplete or missing documentation—such as evidence of qualifications, work experience, or English language results. Another common issue is when the job description doesn’t clearly align with the nominated occupation requirements. These seemingly small details can lead to significant setbacks, so it’s crucial to get everything right from the start.  

Q: How do you confirm a candidate’s eligibility before we commit? 

We do a full eligibility check before you offer the role. That includes reviewing qualifications, work history, suitability, and English requirements, so you’re not wasting time on someone who won’t get through the system. 

Q: If a candidate pulls out halfway through, what happens then? 

It’s rare, but it does happen. That’s why we offer guarantees tailored to different plans, which can range in length. We work with each employer to find the best arrangement, giving you peace of mind and support if the unexpected occurs. 

If you’re ready to explore hiring skilled overseas mechanics but want expert guidance to navigate the sponsorship process with confidence, get in touch with Mechanics Recruitment today. Our dedicated migration team is here to support your business every step of the way, from finding the right candidate to getting them safely on Australian soil. 

Let’s make hiring easier, faster, and stress-free.  

Contact us now on +61 08 9181 4000.