Standard Business Sponsorship Approval (SBS)

Employers seeking to sponsor overseas workers must first obtain Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval from the Australian Government. SBS approval is typically valid for five years and allows businesses to nominate foreign candidates for roles that cannot be filled by local workers.

Accredited sponsors—usually high-volume employers—can receive SBS approval valid for up to six years. This special status provides faster processing and other benefits.

SBS approval is required for sponsoring employees under the Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 494).

For employers looking to sponsor workers under the Training Visa (407) or Temporary Activity Visa (408), a different approval is needed—they must become a Temporary Activity Sponsor (TAS).

SBS Eligibility Requirements

To obtain SBS approval, your business must generally be:

• Operating lawfully
• Free from adverse compliance history
• Financially viable

Can an Overseas Business Apply for SBS Approval?

Yes. A foreign business can be approved for SBS if it has genuine plans to establish operations in Australia or is contractually obligated to perform work here. It must be lawfully operating and registered in its country of origin.

Can a New Business Apply for SBS Approval?

New businesses can qualify for SBS approval as long as they can prove they are lawfully operating. Supporting documents might include a commercial lease, employment contracts, business bank statements, or marketing material. A Registered Migration Agent can assist in compiling and presenting this evidence.

Who Can Apply for SBS Approval?

Any legally operating business or organisation can apply, including sole traders, educational institutions, and publicly listed companies.

Becoming an Accredited Sponsor

Accredited sponsorship is available only to specific entities such as government departments, companies with significant investments in Australia (typically over $50 million), and Australian Trusted Traders.

Can SBS Applications Be Refused?

Yes. First-time applicants should seek expert advice, as SBS applications can be refused for reasons such as financial instability, an overreliance on foreign workers, or insufficient evidence of lawful operation.

Free SBS Eligibility Assessment

Our Registered Migration Agents can assess your eligibility for SBS approval and guide you on the most appropriate steps to take.