An SBS application is the application your business lodges with the Department of Home Affairs to become an approved standard business sponsor, the approval you need before you can sponsor an overseas worker on a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa. The application fee is AUD 420, and approval lasts 5 years.
Struggling to find skilled staff in Australia? Many employers now look overseas to fill key roles. But before you can hire anyone on a sponsored visa, your business needs approval first.
This guide explains it all in simple words. You will learn who can apply, what to prepare, how to lodge, what it costs and how to stay compliant after approval.
In This Guide
What Is Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)?
Standard Business Sponsorship is an approval from the Department of Home Affairs. It shows your business is suitable to sponsor overseas workers.
Think of it as a licence to sponsor. Without it, you cannot nominate a worker for a sponsored visa.
Approval does not mean you can hire anyone you like. Each worker still needs a separate nomination and visa application. SBS simply opens the door.
SBS Application at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Application fee | AUD 420 |
| Approval period | 5 years from the date Home Affairs approves it |
| Visas you can sponsor | Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) |
| Where to apply | Online through ImmiAccount |
| Business location | Inside or outside Australia |
| Renewal | Apply about 2 months before your sponsorship ends |
Which Visas Can You Sponsor After SBS Approval?
Once approved, you can sponsor workers on two main visas:
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): for skilled workers filling roles you cannot fill locally
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494): for employers hiring in regional Australia
Some workers may later move to permanent residence through an employer-sponsored pathway. This depends on their visa, occupation, time with your business and other criteria.
Who Can Apply for Standard Business Sponsorship?
Many types of businesses can apply. Both Australian and overseas businesses may be eligible.
Your business must meet two main rules.
1. Be Legally Established and Currently Operating
Your business must be properly registered and actually trading. A registered name alone is not enough. Home Affairs wants to see a real, working business.
Your business can be inside or outside Australia.
2. Have No Adverse Information
Home Affairs must not know of any adverse information about your business, or anyone linked to it, that affects your suitability as a sponsor.
If the Department does know something, it must be reasonable to disregard it. This is why honesty matters. Hiding a problem is far riskier than explaining it.
Extra Requirements for Businesses in Australia
If your business operates in Australia, two more points apply:
- You should have a strong record of, or a clear commitment to, employing local workers
- You must declare that you will not use discriminatory recruitment practices
In short, sponsorship is not meant to replace Australian workers. It is meant to fill genuine skills gaps.
What Is Adverse Information?
Adverse information is any negative record that raises doubts about your suitability. It can relate to the business or to people associated with it, such as owners or directors.
Examples can include past immigration breaches, workplace law problems, unpaid tax issues or criminal matters. Each case is judged on its facts.
Not all adverse information leads to refusal. Still, you should never ignore it. If you are unsure, get advice before you lodge.
Documents to Prepare Before You Apply
The exact documents depend on your business type and size. The online form tells you what to attach. Home Affairs often asks for evidence like:
- ABN and company registration details
- Business structure documents (company, trust or partnership)
- Recent tax returns and Business Activity Statements
- Financial records showing the business is trading
- Lease or proof of business premises
- Contracts or invoices showing real customers
- Details of directors, owners and key people
New businesses can also apply. If you have little trading history, show activity in other ways, such as signed contracts, marketing activity and equipment purchases.
Tip: Complete applications may be processed faster. Incomplete ones can be delayed or refused if there is not enough information to show you meet the requirements.
SBS Application: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Collect your business records and check them for accuracy. Make sure names, addresses and numbers match across every document.
Step 2: Apply for Sponsorship Online
Then lodge your application online:
- Log in to ImmiAccount, or create an account
- Complete the Standard Business Sponsorship form (482, 494)
- Attach your documents
- Pay the sponsorship application fee
- Note your Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
Home Affairs will not process your application until you pay the fee. Keep your TRN safe. You will need it to track your application.
SBS Application Fee and Other Costs
The sponsorship application fee is AUD 420. The same amount applies when you renew.
But this is only one cost. Sponsoring a worker usually involves more, such as:
- The nomination application fee
- The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
- The visa application charge (the amount and who pays depends on the case)
Plan your full budget early so there are no surprises. Always check current fees on the Home Affairs website, because they can change.
How Long Does SBS Approval Last?
Standard Business Sponsorship lasts 5 years from the date Home Affairs approves it.
During this time you can lodge nominations without applying for sponsorship again. Processing times vary and depend on your application, so check the Home Affairs website for current guidance.
Your Obligations as a Sponsor
Approval comes with responsibilities. These rules protect overseas workers from exploitation. They also make sure sponsored visas are used for genuine skills shortages.
In simple terms, sponsors must:
- Give sponsored workers fair pay and conditions, equal to those of local workers in similar roles
- Keep proper records
- Cooperate with Home Affairs checks and inspections
- Tell the Department about key changes, such as business details or a worker leaving
- Never pass sponsorship costs on to the worker
- Make sure the worker does the job that was nominated
Some obligations continue even after your sponsorship term ends. Breaking the rules can lead to serious penalties, including action against future sponsorship. Read your obligations carefully before you apply.
What If Your Business Structure Changes?
Business changes can affect your sponsorship. Be careful here.
If a change creates a new legal entity, such as moving from a sole trader to a company:
- The new entity must become a standard business sponsor
- You must lodge new nominations for each sponsored worker you currently employ (subclass 457, Temporary Skill Shortage, Skills in Demand or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa holders)
If you don’t:
- Your workers may breach their visa conditions, and their visas could be cancelled
- You may breach your sponsorship obligations
- It could cause problems if you want to sponsor someone for permanent residence later
Many employers miss this. Speak to an expert before you restructure.
How to Update Your Sponsor Information
Details change over time. Your address, contacts or business setup may move on. When they do, complete the Notification of sponsorship change form in ImmiAccount.
Stay on top of this. Late or missing updates can put you in breach.
Should You Become an Accredited Sponsor?
Accredited sponsorship is a higher status for businesses with a strong compliance record. You can apply for it when you apply for standard business sponsorship, or when you renew.
Home Affairs says accreditation has significant benefits, so it is worth checking whether your business qualifies. It is most useful for businesses that expect to sponsor workers regularly.
How to Renew Your Sponsorship
Don’t leave renewal to the last minute. Here is what to know:
- Apply about two months before your sponsorship ends
- Find your expiry date in ImmiAccount, under your original sponsorship application
- Your renewed sponsorship starts from the date Home Affairs approves it, not from the date your old one ends
- Tell the Department about any business changes before renewing, using the Notification of sponsorship change form if required
What If Your Sponsorship Ends While Your Renewal Is Processed?
Unfinalised nomination applications are put on hold until Home Affairs decides your renewal. If approved, processing continues. If refused, all unfinalised nominations you have not withdrawn will be refused.
What If Your Sponsorship Ends Before You Apply?
You will need to lodge a completely new sponsorship application. Related unfinalised nomination applications will be refused.
Steps to Renew
- Log in to ImmiAccount
- Complete the Standard Business Sponsorship Renewal form (482, 494)
- Attach your documents
- Pay the AUD 420 sponsorship application charge
- Note your Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
Home Affairs will not process the renewal until you pay the charge.
Common SBS Application Mistakes to Avoid
Most refusals and delays come from avoidable errors:
- Missing documents: gaps make the Department doubt your business
- Inconsistent details: different names or addresses across files raise red flags
- Ignoring adverse information: always disclose and explain
- Not planning costs: SBS is only the beginning
- Late renewal: a lapse means starting from scratch
- Forgetting business changes: a new legal entity needs its own sponsorship
- Weak local hiring story: show your commitment to local workers
SBS, Nomination and Visa: What’s the Difference?
Employers often mix up the three stages:
| Stage | What it does | Who applies |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sponsorship (SBS) | Approves your business as a sponsor | The employer |
| 2. Nomination | Puts forward a specific job and worker | The employer |
| 3. Visa application | Gives the worker permission to live and work in Australia | The worker |
Each stage has its own checks. Strong SBS preparation makes the next two stages smoother.
Do You Need a Migration Agent?
You can lodge an SBS application yourself. But the process has many moving parts, including evidence, disclosure, obligations and timing.
A registered migration agent can review your eligibility, spot risks early and prepare a complete application. This is especially useful if:
- Your business is new
- You have any adverse information to address
- You plan to sponsor several workers
- You operate overseas
- Your business structure may change
Book a Free Consultation with a MARA-Registered Migration Agent
Asia Pacific Group (APG) has MARA-registered migration agents across Australia who help employers with SBS applications, nominations and employer-sponsored visas. Speak to our team about your business today.
Book your free consultation and get your SBS application right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SBS application?
It is the application a business lodges with Home Affairs to become an approved standard business sponsor. Approval lets you nominate overseas workers for the 482 or 494 visa.
How much is the SBS application fee?
The fee is AUD 420, and renewal costs the same. Check the Home Affairs website for the latest amount before you lodge.
How long is an SBS valid?
Five years from the date Home Affairs approves it.
Can a new business apply for SBS?
Yes, as long as it is legally established and operating. You will need to show real business activity.
Can an overseas business become a standard business sponsor?
Yes. Your business can be inside or outside Australia, as long as it is legally established and operating.
Which visas does SBS cover?
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).
Can I pass the sponsorship fee on to the worker?
No. Sponsors must not recover sponsorship costs from workers.
When should I renew my sponsorship?
Apply about two months before it ends. Your expiry date is shown in ImmiAccount.
What happens if my sponsorship expires?
If it ends before you lodge a renewal, you must lodge a completely new application, and related unfinalised nominations will be refused.
Do I need to update Home Affairs if my business changes?
Yes. Complete the Notification of sponsorship change form in ImmiAccount. A change that creates a new legal entity needs a new sponsorship and new nominations.
Conclusion: Start Your SBS Application the Right Way
A strong SBS application sets the base for every overseas hire. Get it right, and you have five years of sponsorship approval. Get it wrong, and you face delays, refusals and compliance risks.
Prepare your documents, disclose honestly, plan your costs and track your renewal date. Most importantly, don’t guess when your business and your workers’ visas are at stake.
Working with an experienced migration agent Australia employers trust can save you time, money and stress. A registered agent checks your eligibility, builds a complete application and helps keep you compliant long after approval.
Ready to sponsor skilled workers with confidence? Speak with a qualified migration agent Australia businesses rely on, and get your SBS application right the first time.
Important: This article provides general information only. Visa requirements, charges and processing times change, and your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Always check the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before you make a visa application. For advice about your situation, consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified legal professional.
