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Migration News

Step-by-Step Guide: Becoming a Standard Business Sponsor

  • synergymigration
  • Oct 20
  • 2 min read

A Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) allows an Australian business to sponsor

overseas workers for certain skilled visas — mainly the Subclass 482 (TSS) and

Subclass 494 visas. It is the first step before you can nominate or sponsor a worker.


Check Eligibility


To apply for SBS, your business must:

  • Be lawfully operating in Australia (or overseas, if applicable).

  • Have no adverse information about the business or its directors.

  • Demonstrate a genuine need to employ overseas skilled workers.

  • Comply with Australian workplace and immigration laws.

You can be:

  • An Australian business (with ABN, financial records, and operations), or

  • An Overseas business establishing operations or fulfilling contracts in

  • Australia.


Gather Required Documents


You’ll need to prepare the following:

For Australian businesses:

  • ABN registration and ASIC record (if applicable).

  • Business activity statements (BAS) in the last 4 quarter

  • Financial statements for the past 2 financial year

  • Organisational chart

  • Business premises evidence – lease or utility bills.

  • Company profile / website (to demonstrate genuine operations).

For overseas businesses:

  • Business registration certificate in home country.

  • Evidence of operation (invoices, contracts, etc.)

  • Reason for needing to sponsor workers to Australia.


Wait For Processing


Current processing time: usually 1 to 2 months (can vary). If approved, your business becomes a Standard Business Sponsor for 5 years.


Once Approved


With SBS approval, the business can:

  • Lodge 482/ 494 nomination applications to nominate overseas workers.

  • Workers then apply for their 482/494 visa once nomination is lodged/approved.


Sponsorship Application


After approval, the business must comply with ongoing obligations, including:

  • Cooperating with DHA monitoring.

  • Ensuring overseas workers are paid the market salary rate and not less than

  • the Core Stream Income Threshold (CSIT, currently $76,515 p.a.).

  • Covering certain costs (e.g. recruitment agent fees cannot be charged to

  • workers).

  • Reporting changes in business operations and sponsored employee

  • employment termination to DHA.

  • Paying the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy for each nomination.


Renewal


Your SBS approval lasts 5 years. You can renew it before expiry if you still need to sponsor overseas employees.


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At Synergy Migration, we assist businesses through every step, from preparing documents to liaising with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring a smooth and compliant sponsorship process. Contact us today to become an approved sponsor and start growing your skilled workforce!


Synergy Migration Services - Trusted companion for your migration journey

📞 Hotline: (07) 3190 8600

💼 Book a consultation: www.synergy-migration.com.au/contact-us

📍 Address: 6/621 Coronation Dr, Toowong, QLD, Australia 4066

 
 
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