For employers
Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Australia
Become an approved sponsor and hire skilled workers from overseas. Standard business sponsorship lasts 5 years and is the first step for 482 and 186 employer visas.
About the Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)
To sponsor a skilled worker on a Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), most employers must first become an approved standard business sponsor. Approval lasts 5 years from the date it is granted. Once approved, you can nominate positions and support visa applications.
Sponsors take on legal obligations, such as paying sponsored workers correctly, keeping records and notifying Home Affairs of certain events. We help you apply and stay compliant.
How to become a sponsor
- Check your business is lawfully operating and eligible
- Gather business and financial documents
- Apply online through ImmiAccount
- Pay the AUD420 sponsorship application charge
Your obligations as a sponsor
- Pay sponsored workers at least the nominated salary
- Keep records and provide them if requested
- Notify Home Affairs of certain changes
- Cooperate with monitoring and inspections
Employers pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy with each nomination: AUD1,200 or AUD1,800 a year of the nominated stay for a 482, or a one-off AUD3,000 or AUD5,000 for a 186 or 494, depending on whether annual turnover is under AUD10 million. The levy cannot be passed on to the worker.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
More in Sponsorship & Employer Services
Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
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Approval for a business to sponsor skilled overseas workers, mainly on the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).
5 years from the date it is approved.
The sponsorship application charge is AUD420. Nomination fees and the Skilling Australians Fund levy apply separately.
Including paying workers correctly, keeping records, notifying certain changes and cooperating with monitoring.
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Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent and get a clear plan for your visa.
