Sponsor obligations for employers

Your main obligations

• Pay the worker at least the nominated salary, on terms no less favourable than an Australian doing the same work.
• Make sure the worker only works in the nominated occupation, or a related one where the rules allow.
• Keep records of pay, hours and duties, and give them to Home Affairs if asked.
• Tell Home Affairs in writing about certain events, such as the worker ceasing employment.
• Cooperate with inspectors from Home Affairs and the Fair Work Ombudsman.
• Pay reasonable return travel costs if the worker or Home Affairs asks in writing.
• Not recover sponsorship costs, the SAF levy or migration agent fees from the worker.
• Pay costs to locate and remove a worker who becomes unlawful, if asked.

Events you must report

You must tell Home Affairs about specified events within the timeframe set in the rules, usually 28 days. Common examples are the worker resigning or being dismissed, the worker not starting work, a change to the worker's duties or salary, and changes to your business such as a new legal entity, a new address or a takeover.

What happens after a breach

Home Affairs and the Fair Work Ombudsman monitor sponsors. If you breach an obligation, you may receive an infringement notice, a civil penalty, an enforceable undertaking, cancellation of your sponsorship or a bar from sponsoring. Breaches can also affect future nominations, including a 186 for the same worker.

Good habits that keep you compliant

• Keep a sponsorship file for each worker, with the nomination, contract and payslips.
• Tell us before you change a sponsored worker's role, hours or pay, so we can update Home Affairs.

Updated October 2026. Visa rules, fees and processing times change often, so always check the official sources before you act.