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Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) — Application to Become an Approved Sponsor

An online application lodged by an Australian business through ImmiAccount to obtain approved Standard Business Sponsor status, which is the mandatory first step before nominating any skilled overseas worker for a subclass 482, 494, or 186 visa.

Issuing authority

Department of Home Affairs

Official source

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Cost

$420 (non-refundable application fee; approval valid 5 years)

How to apply

  1. Confirm the business is lawfully operating in Australia with a valid ABN and ASIC registration, and that there is no relevant adverse compliance or immigration history
  2. Set up or log into the organisation's ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au and select 'Become a sponsor — Standard Business Sponsor'
  3. Complete the online SBS application form: confirm business ownership details, contact information, and that you understand all ongoing sponsor obligations
  4. Gather and upload supporting documentation: ASIC registration, recent financial statements demonstrating viability, and operational evidence (start-ups must also provide business plans and capital evidence)
  5. Pay the $420 application fee within ImmiAccount at the time of lodgement
  6. Respond promptly to any Departmental requests for further information — well-prepared applications are typically decided within 4–8 weeks
  7. Once approved, the SBS status is valid for 5 years and covers nominations for subclass 482 (Skills in Demand), subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional), and permanent employer-sponsored pathways
  8. Comply with ongoing sponsor obligations post-approval: pay market salary rates, maintain employment records, notify the Department of changes within 28 days, and do not recover sponsorship costs from sponsored workers

Related topics

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