Subclass 482 | Stage 1: Standard Business Sponsorship
Before an Australian business can nominate a position or sponsor a skilled worker for a Skill in Demand (SID) (Subclass 482) visa, it must first obtain a sponsorship license from the Australian Government. This license is officially known as the Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS). Think of the SBS as the foundation of the entire process. Without it, you cannot legally proceed to the Nomination and Visa application stages.
What is Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)?
The Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) is an approval granted by the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) that allows a business to sponsor overseas workers for a period of 5 years. Once approved, the business can sponsor as many workers as it needs during those 5 years, provided each individual position is nominated and approved separately.
Related: Sponsoring Skilled Migrants: SBS Process, Obligations, and Main Considerations
What are the Core Eligibility Requirements for SBS?
To be approved as an SBS, your business must meet several legal benchmarks:
The business must be lawfully operating.
You must provide evidence of your Australian Business Number (ABN), Australian Company Number (ACN), and business registration.
If your business has been operating for less than 12 months, you can still apply, but you will need to provide a detailed business plan and evidence of your financial capacity to meet future obligations.
DoHA needs to be sure the business is stable enough to pay the sponsored worker’s salary. While there is no specific profit amount required, you will usually need to provide:
Business tax returns and financial statements.
Evidence of business activity, such as recent contracts.
Evidence that the business can meet its tax and superannuation obligations.
Ensure the business has no adverse information. DoHA will check if there is any adverse information known about the business or its directors, including:
History of breaching immigration laws.
Breaches of Fair Work or employment standards.
Tax evasion or unpaid government debts.
Workplace health and safety violations.
If you have adverse information within your business, speak with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law to assist you in navigating this complex issue. Otherwise, you may lose your SBS, and your overseas workers’ visa may be refused or cancelled.
Related: Employer Sponsorship Requirements and Risks for SC482 and SC186 Visa
What is the SBS Application Process?
The SBS application can be lodged online via the Department’s ImmiAccount. The application fee to lodge for an SBS is AUD 420. Once approved, your sponsorship status is valid for 5 years.
Note: Sponsorship is linked to your specific ABN. If your business undergoes a major structural change, your old SBS usually becomes invalid, and you must apply for a new one under the new ABN.
Related: How to Be A Visa Sponsor For A Skilled Worker In Australia
What is Accredited Sponsorship?
Businesses that sponsor a high volume of workers and have a long history of perfect legal compliance can apply for Accredited Status. Accredited sponsors receive priority processing and simplified document requirements for nominations. Generally, requires the business to have a high turnover and a history of paying workers above certain thresholds.
What Are Your Ongoing Sponsorship Obligations?
Obtaining the SBS is only the first step. To keep your SBS licence, you must follow the sponsorship obligations. If you fail to do so, your sponsorship can be revoked, and you may face heavy fines. Key obligations include:
You must pay the SBS and Nomination stages yourself (as the employer); you cannot ask the worker (visa applicant) to reimburse you.
You must keep records of the worker’s employment, tasks, and salary.
You must tell the Department within 28 days if the sponsored worker stops working for you or if the business structure changes.
You must cooperate with Department inspectors and allow them to audit your records if requested.
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help You?
While stage 1 is often seen as paperwork, a mistake at this level can stall your recruitment plans for months. At Agape Henry Crux, we help Australian businesses navigate the complexities of sponsorship compliance. Whether you are a large corporation or a new start-up, at Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers works closely with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law to handle highly complex matters. You can book a Migration Planning Session with our team by calling 02 8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com to arrange a time.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
Client Testimonials
….we call it Support Network
As navigating through the immigration law process may be difficult, our former clients have agreed to share their experiences through telephone chats, emails and meetings in person.
These are their stories…
