| Who can apply | Businesses lawfully operating in Australia, and overseas businesses in limited cases. |
|---|---|
| Used for | Nominating workers for the 482 and 494 visas. |
| How long it lasts | Usually 5 years for Australian businesses. Shorter for some overseas businesses. |
| Who applies | The business, through ImmiAccount. |
| Government fee | See the Government fees table on this page. |
| Accredited sponsors | Businesses that meet extra criteria can apply for accredited status and priority processing. |
What Home Affairs checks
- Your business is lawfully and actively operating, with an ABN and real trading activity.
- There is no adverse information about the business or people associated with it, or it is reasonable to approve you anyway.
- You have a genuine need to employ skilled workers.
- You have a history of, or commitment to, employing Australians.
- You understand and can meet your sponsor obligations.
How the three steps fit together
- Sponsorship: your business is approved as a standard business sponsor.
- Nomination: you nominate a specific position and worker, with the salary and any labour market testing.
- Visa: the worker applies for the visa, linked to your nomination.
You can lodge the sponsorship, nomination and visa together, which saves time if your evidence is ready. If the sponsorship is refused, the nomination and visa cannot succeed, so start with the strongest possible sponsorship application.
Documents to have ready
- ABN or ACN, and business registration details.
- Recent financial statements or BAS, and evidence of trading such as leases and contracts.
- An organisational chart and the current number of employees.
- Details of any adverse information, with an explanation.
Employer sponsorship, nomination and levy
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Standard business sponsorship application Approval usually lasts 5 years. | $420 |
| Skills in Demand (482) nomination For each nomination. | $330 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (186) nomination Nil for Temporary Residence Transition or labour agreement positions in regional Australia. | $540 |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) nomination | Nil |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 482, turnover under $10 million For each year of the visa period nominated. | $1,200 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 482, turnover $10 million or more For each year of the visa period nominated. | $1,800 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 186 or 494, turnover under $10 million Paid once, with the nomination. | $3,000 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 186 or 494, turnover $10 million or more Paid once, with the nomination. | $5,000 |
Frequently asked questions
How long does standard business sponsorship last?
Approval usually lasts 5 years for Australian businesses. During that time you can nominate workers for approved positions without reapplying. You can apply to vary or renew it before it ends.
Can a new business become a sponsor?
Yes, if it is lawfully operating. Newer businesses may be approved for a shorter period and need to show a genuine need and the ability to meet their obligations.
Do I need sponsorship for a 186 visa?
No. The 186 permanent visa needs an approved nomination from your business, but not standard business sponsorship approval. If the worker holds a 482, you will already be an approved sponsor.
Can an overseas business sponsor workers?
In limited cases, for example to set up an Australian branch or to fulfil a contract here. Different evidence applies.
Official sources
Updated October 2026. Visa rules, fees and processing times change often, so always check the official sources before you act.