Standard Business Sponsorship Fee, Checklist and Requirements (SBS 2026)

What is a Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)?

A Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) is a formal approval granted to an Australian business, allowing it to lawfully sponsor skilled overseas workers

Which Visas Require an SBS?

You cannot hire a sponsored worker without an active SBS. You will need this approval if you want to nominate overseas workers for the following visas:

• Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand): For temporary skilled workers.
• Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional): For businesses located in designated regional areas hiring long-term workers.

SBS Fees and Costs

As of 2026, SBS Application Fee is $420 AUD. This is a one-off government fee to lodge the sponsorship application. By law, these fees cannot be passed on to the employee.

Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Requirements

To be eligible for SBS, your business must prove:

• Lawful Operation: You must be a legally registered and actively trading business in Australia. Startups can apply, but you must prove you are operational.
• Financial Viability: You must have the cash flow to afford the nominated worker’s salary which must meet the government’s baseline threshold and the Annual Market Salary Rate.
• No Adverse Information: Your business must have a clean track record with no history of breaching workplace, tax, or immigration laws.
• Commitment to Locals: You must demonstrate a commitment to employing local labor and not engaging in discriminatory hiring practices.

Document Checklist for SBS Approval

To prove your business meets the criteria, you must upload a decision ready application to your ImmiAccount. Gather the following documents before you apply:

1. Business Registration Documents

• Australian Business Number (ABN) Registration Certificate.
• ASIC Company Extract (if you are a registered company).
• Business Name Extract (if you use a trading name).
• Relevant pages of your Trust Deed or Franchise Agreement (if applicable).

2. Financial Documents (Proving Viability)

• Business Tax Returns for the most recently concluded financial year.
• Profit and Loss Statements and Balance Sheets.
• Recent Business Activity Statements (BAS) for the last 3 quarters.
• Recent business bank statements showing cash on hand.
• For Startups: A detailed business plan, contracts for services, and a letter of support from your accountant.

3. Operational Evidence

• A formal organization chart showing current employees and vacant roles.
• Your commercial lease agreement for your office/premises.
• Examples of employment contracts and HR policies.

How Long Does the Sponsorship Last?

Once obtained, your sponsorship approval duration depends heavily on the size, location, and history of your business.

Here is a breakdown of exactly how long your sponsorship will be valid before you need to renew:

Note: Businesses trading for less than 12 months may face shorter initial approvals while they establish their financial viability. High-volume, highly compliant sponsors can apply for “Accredited” status, which grants a longer validity period and faster visa processing times.

Applying as a Business Outside of Australia

You do not have to be an Australian company to sponsor a worker! If your business does not yet have an operating base in Australia, you can apply for an Overseas Business Sponsorship (OBS).

To be eligible, the overseas business must be seeking to employ a skilled worker to either:

1. Establish, or help establish, a business operation in Australia.
2. Fulfil obligations for a contract in Australia.

Bonus for OBS: If your business does not yet have an operating base in Australia, you are generally exempt from having to satisfy the strict local training and employment requirements that domestic Australian businesses must meet!

FAQs

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