SBSStep 1
Standard Business Sponsorship
Your business is approved as a sponsor for 5 years. Lodged by the employer.
- Lawfully operating business
- One sponsorship covers multiple workers
- Government fee AUD 420
For employers · SBS · Nominations
Sponsor overseas talent for your business
Become an approved sponsor, nominate skilled workers on the 482 or 494, and support them to permanent residence through the 186.
Reviewed by Vineet Sethia, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2217785) · Updated November 2026. General information only, not migration advice.
In short
To sponsor an overseas worker, your business first becomes a Standard Business Sponsor (valid for 5 years). You then nominate a specific position and person, and the worker applies for the visa. The three applications are usually lodged together. After about 2 years, you can nominate the worker for permanent residence on the 186; the sponsorship does not need to be repeated.
- Sponsorship
- SBS, valid 5 years
- Temporary
- 482 · 494
- Permanent
- 186
- Advertising
- At least 28 days
How sponsorship works
NOMStep 2
Nomination
You nominate a specific position and a specific person, with the market salary and conditions.
- Occupation must be eligible, including any caveats
- Labour market testing where required
- SAF levy paid at lodgement
VISAStep 3
Visa application
The worker applies for the 482 or 494 visa, usually at the same time as the nomination.
- Worker meets skills, experience and English requirements
- Applications are processed in parallel
Costs employers pay
By law, these costs cannot be passed on to the worker. Government rates from 1 July 2026.
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Standard Business Sponsorship (valid 5 years) | $420 once |
| 482 nomination, per worker | $330 |
| 186 nomination, per worker | $540 |
| SAF levy for a 482, per year of visa requested (turnover under $10M · $10M or more) | $1,200 · $1,800 |
| SAF levy for a 186 (turnover under $10M · $10M or more) | $3,000 · $5,000 |
Your obligations as a sponsor
- Pay the market salary, and no less than the Core Skills Income Threshold (AUD 79,423 plus super from 1 July 2026)
- Give the same pay and conditions as an Australian worker in the role
- Advertise the role (labour market testing, at least 28 days) where required
- Keep employment and pay records
- Tell Home Affairs about certain changes, such as the worker leaving, within 28 days
- Never ask the worker to repay sponsorship or nomination costs
How we help
What Siva Visa does for you
All advice and every application is handled by a MARA registered agent, with a fixed fee agreed in writing.
1
Workforce check
We confirm which roles can be sponsored and the costs involved.
2
Sponsorship and nominations
We prepare and lodge your SBS and each nomination, including labour market testing evidence.
3
Compliance and PR
We keep you compliant as a sponsor and handle 186 nominations for permanent residence.
Visa approvals
Our recent wins
Personal details are hidden to protect our clients' privacy. See all approvals →
10 OCT 2026
Australian Visa Grant · Subclass 186
- Visa
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
- Outcome
- Visa granted · Permanent residency
9 SEP 2026
Nomination Approval · Subclass 186
- Visa
- ENS nomination, Direct Entry
- Outcome
- Nomination approved
8 SEP 2026
Australian Visa Grant · Subclass 600
- Visa
- Visitor visa, Tourist stream
- Outcome
- Granted · 3 months, multiple entries
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I become an approved sponsor in Australia?
Your business applies for Standard Business Sponsorship. Once approved, it is valid for 5 years and can be used to nominate multiple workers.
What does it cost to sponsor a worker?
Government costs include the sponsorship fee (AUD 420), the nomination fee (AUD 330 for a 482) and the Skilling Australians Fund levy, which depends on your turnover and the visa length. These costs cannot be passed on to the worker.
Do I need to advertise the job first?
Usually yes. Labour market testing requires advertising the role for at least 28 days before nominating, unless an exemption applies.
Can I sponsor a worker for permanent residence?
Yes. After the worker has usually worked for you full time for about 2 years on a 482, you can nominate them for the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.
What are my obligations as a sponsor?
Pay at least the market salary and the income threshold, give equal terms to Australian workers, keep records, notify Home Affairs of changes within 28 days, and never recover sponsorship costs from the worker.