Employer Sponsorship
Standard Business Sponsorship
Standard Business Sponsorship is the approval required before an Australian employer can nominate overseas workers under the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) or the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186). It is a threshold requirement. Without it, no nomination can be lodged.
Approval criteria and obligations
To be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor, the employer must be lawfully operating in Australia, have no adverse immigration or workplace compliance history, and demonstrate a genuine need to employ overseas workers. Financial viability and a commitment to meeting sponsorship obligations are also assessed.
Approved sponsors carry ongoing compliance obligations for the duration of each sponsored worker's visa. These include cooperating with Department inspectors, ensuring workers are employed in the nominated occupation at the approved salary, not recovering certain costs from workers, maintaining required records, and notifying the Department of relevant changes.
Businesses with a strong compliance record and high-volume sponsorship needs may apply for Accredited Sponsor status, which provides priority processing and streamlined nomination requirements.
Lawfully operating business
The business must be actively and lawfully operating in Australia. The Department assesses whether the business is genuine and financially viable at the time of the application.
No adverse compliance history
Adverse immigration, Fair Work, or workplace health and safety compliance history can lead to refusal or adverse conditions on the sponsorship approval.
Five-year approval period
Standard Business Sponsorship is approved for five years for established businesses. The sponsorship must be renewed before expiry to maintain the ability to lodge new nominations.
Ongoing compliance obligations
Approved sponsors carry compliance obligations for the life of each sponsorship, including salary compliance, occupation compliance, record-keeping, and notification of relevant changes to the Department.
5 years
SBS approval period
482 + 186
Visas requiring SBS
Ongoing
Compliance obligations
Accredited
Elevated status available
Why instruct Visa Plan for your SBS application?
SBS application preparation
We prepare Standard Business Sponsorship applications that address the Department's requirements and present the business accurately, reducing the risk of requests for further information and delays.
Compliance program advice
Sponsorship compliance is a continuing obligation. We advise employers on their obligations and assist with developing internal processes to ensure ongoing compliance throughout the approval period.
Accreditation strategy
For businesses with ongoing or high-volume sponsorship needs, we assess eligibility for Accredited Sponsor status and manage the application to unlock priority processing benefits for future nominations.
Standard Business Sponsorship information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at April 2026. Sponsorship criteria and obligations are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.