Employer sponsorship Q&A
Australian Employer Sponsorship Requirements and Costs
Employer sponsorship is more than completing a form for a worker. The business must support lawful operation, a genuine role and market salary, budget for sponsorship, nomination and SAF costs, and comply after approval.
Which Australian businesses can sponsor a worker?
Standard sponsorship generally requires a business that is lawfully and actively operating and satisfies adverse-information settings. The correct route also depends on business structure, associated entities, work location and whether a standard visa or labour agreement is proposed. A new business is not automatically excluded, but its operating and role evidence may require closer attention.
What must the nominated position show?
- A genuine position connected to the business's current needs.
- Duties that align with the nominated occupation and ANZSCO.
- Salary at or above the applicable threshold and Annual Market Salary Rate.
- Compliant Labour Market Testing where required.
- Employment conditions no less favourable than those for an equivalent Australian worker.
What employer sponsorship costs should be budgeted?
| Cost category | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship application | May apply when becoming or renewing as a Standard Business Sponsor |
| Nomination | Depends on the visa and nomination type |
| SAF levy | Generally paid with nomination; turnover and proposed period can affect the amount |
| Visa application | Applicant charge; family composition and other factors may change it |
| Other costs | Recruitment, English, assessment, health, police, translation and professional assistance |
What obligations continue after approval?
Obligations can include keeping records, providing information, notifying specified changes, ensuring the worker performs the approved occupation and meeting certain return-travel costs. Changes to role, hours, salary, employment, ownership or structure should trigger a review of notification and new-nomination requirements.
What should an employer do before promising sponsorship?
Complete an employer-position-applicant feasibility review before choosing the visa and budget. A weakness in any one part can affect the sponsorship, nomination and visa applications together.