Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Applications
Empowering Australian businesses to sponsor overseas skilled professionals under Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas with complete compliance and fast approval timelines.
What is Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)?
Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) is the foundational approval granted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs allowing a business to sponsor overseas workers. Once approved, your business holds valid sponsor status for 5 years, giving you the authority to lodge employee nominations for Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand / TSS), Subclass 494, and Subclass 186 visas whenever skill shortages arise.
Valid for 5 Years
Long-term approval window
Unlimited Nominations
Sponsor multiple skilled roles
Covers 482, 494 & 186
Temporary & PR pathways
General Requirements for SBS Approval
To obtain approval as a Standard Business Sponsor, Australian employers must satisfy statutory criteria established by the Department of Home Affairs.
Lawfully Operating Business
Must be a legally registered business actively operating in Australia (or an overseas business seeking to establish an Australian operation or fulfill a contractual obligation).
Genuine Need for Skilled Overseas Workers
Demonstrate an authentic operational need to employ overseas skilled workers where local Australian positions cannot be filled.
Commitment to Australian Labour Laws
Proven compliance with Australian Fair Work standards, superannuation, workplace health & safety (WHS), and award wages.
No Adverse Information
A clean record with the Department of Home Affairs, Fair Work Ombudsman, Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and relevant regulatory bodies.
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy Commitment
Acknowledge and agree to pay the mandatory Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy contribution for every nominated position, supporting local apprenticeship programs.
Direct Employer & Governance Standards
Must employ the worker directly as an employee (or under approved associated entity structures) and maintain clear organizational hierarchies.
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy Requirements
Under Australian migration law, employers sponsoring overseas workers on temporary or permanent visas are required to pay the mandatory Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy. This contribution is collected directly by the Department of Home Affairs at the Nomination stage and is directed towards national training funds for Australian apprentices and trainees.
Levy Payment Timing
The SAF levy must be paid in full at the time of lodging each individual Employee Nomination application, calculated based on the requested visa duration and the turnover tier of the sponsoring entity.
Employer-Only Responsibility
By law, the SAF levy must be paid entirely by the sponsoring employer and cannot be passed on or recovered from the visa applicant or employee under any circumstances.
How the SBS Application Process Works
Red Migration handles end-to-end corporate sponsorship preparation, auditing your business documentation to guarantee a seamless approval.
Eligibility Audit & Document Gathering
We review your company structure, financial standing (BAS statements, tax returns), ABN/ACN status, and operational background to ensure 100% compliance before submission.
SBS Application Lodgement
Our registered migration consultants draft and lodge the Standard Business Sponsorship application directly with the Department of Home Affairs via ImmiAccount.
Sponsorship Approval & 5-Year Validity
Once approved, your SBS status remains valid for 5 years, allowing your business to nominate eligible skilled workers on Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas.
Ongoing Monitoring & Compliance
We assist your HR team in maintaining mandatory sponsorship obligations, keeping records, and notifying Home Affairs of key organizational changes.
Ready to Become an Approved Standard Business Sponsor?
Consult with our experienced migration specialists in Dubai and Sri Lanka to audit your company details and lodge your SBS application.