Employer Submits Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Application

Before an employer can sponsor a worker under the 482 visa, they must first be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).

To be approved, the business must:

• Be lawfully operating and actively trading
• Have no adverse information regarding the business
• Show a genuine commitment to hiring and training local workers
• Follow fair and non-discriminatory recruitment practices
• Be able to meet ongoing sponsorship obligations, including salary and workplace compliance

Processing Time

Processing times can vary depending on the application and supporting documents submitted.

Employer Conducts Labour Market Testing

Before sponsoring a worker, the employer must complete Labour Market Testing (LMT) to demonstrate that no suitably qualified Australian worker is available for the role.

Labour Market Testing Requirements

Employers must:

• Advertise the position in at least 2 places
• Ensure the ads run for at least 28 consecutive days
• Conduct the advertising within 4 months before lodging the nomination
• Use platforms with national reach (such as SEEK, Indeed, Workforce Australia, or relevant industry job boards)
• Publish ads in English

Each advertisement must include:

• Job title and description
• Required skills and experience
• Employer name
• Salary (or salary range, if applicable)

Note: LMT must be conducted correctly, as non-compliance is a common reason for refusal. Some exemptions to Labour Market Testing may apply depending on the situation.

Approved Employer Nominates Employee

Once a business is approved as a Standard Business Sponsor, they can submit a nomination application to sponsor a worker for a specific role.

To successfully nominate a position, the employer must demonstrate that:

• The occupation is eligible under the relevant 482 visa stream
• There is a genuine need for the position within the business
• Labour Market Testing (LMT) has been completed
• The role is full-time and aligns with the business operations
• The salary meets both the market salary rate and the minimum threshold set by the Australian Government

Processing Time

Processing times can vary depending on the application and supporting documents.

Employee Applies for the Visa

Once the employer’s nomination is approved, the employee can apply for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (Subclass 482).

To be eligible for the visa, the applicant must:

• Have the skills and qualifications required for the nominated position
• Have at least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related field (completed within the last 5 years)
• Meet the English language requirements
• Meet health and character requirements
• Hold appropriate health insurance for the duration of the visa

Depending on the occupation, a skills assessment may also be required.

Processing Time

Processing times can vary depending on the application, visa stream, and supporting documents.