If you’re running a business in Australia right now, you know the story well. You post a job ad, and you either get zero applicants or hundreds of CVs that don’t match the role. The local skills shortage is a harsh reality across almost every industry, from hospitality to engineering.
Naturally, many business owners start looking overseas to fill these critical gaps. But almost immediately, a common fear kicks in: “I’m not a multinational mining corporation. I don’t have millions in the bank. Can I actually afford to sponsor someone?”
There is a widespread misconception that you need massive revenue figures to be eligible to hire global talent. The reality is quite different. The Department of Home Affairs is less concerned with you being a corporate giant and more concerned with your business being lawful and sustainable.
In this guide, we will clarify exactly how your revenue figures influence 482 visa sponsorship, specifically looking at the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) and what the government actually looks for in your financial documents.
Understanding 482 Visa Sponsorship for Employers
Before we look at the financials, let’s briefly define the pathway. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, widely known as the subclass 482, is the primary method for Australian employers to address labour shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers.
While the government is currently reforming the system (transitioning toward the “Skills in Demand” model), the 482 remains the standard route for now. The process involves three distinct steps:
1. Sponsorship: The business applies for approval to become a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).
2. Nomination: The business nominates a specific position for an overseas worker to fill.
3. Visa Application: The worker applies for the visa linked to that nomination.
The confusion about turnover usually happens at step one (Sponsorship) and step two (Nomination). Business owners often worry that their P&L statement isn’t impressive enough to get that initial stamp of approval.
The Financial Impact of Turnover on 482 Visa Sponsorship
Let’s tackle the biggest myth first: There is no minimum annual turnover requirement for 482 visa approval in the legislation.
Whether you run a boutique marketing agency or a large construction firm, the eligibility rules regarding revenue are flexible. The Department does not say, “You must earn $1 million to sponsor a chef.” However, your turnover does play a critical role in two areas: the cost of the application and the proof of financial viability.
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy
Your turnover dictates how much the government charges you to sponsor a worker. This is known as the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which is designed to fund training for local apprentices.
The business turnover for 482 visa nominations is split into two clear tiers:
- Small Business (Turnover under AU$10 million): You will pay a lower levy, currently set at AU$1,200 for every year of the visa you nominate. For example, a two-year visa would cost the business AU$2,400 in levies.
- Large Business (Turnover of AU$10 million or more): You pay a higher levy, currently AU$1,800 per year of the visa.
As you can see, having a smaller turnover actually makes the process cheaper for you.
Financial Viability vs. Turnover
While there is no annual turnover requirement for 482 visa approval, you must prove “financial viability.” This is different from being wealthy. The Department simply needs evidence that your business is profitable enough to pay the sponsored worker’s salary for the duration of their stay.
If your business is operating at a significant loss or has questionable cash flow, that is where 482 visa business turnover figures become relevant. You need to show that hiring this person won’t bankrupt the business.
Key 482 Visa Sponsorship Requirements for Employers
Beyond the financials, there are several boxes you must tick to get your sponsorship across the line. The Department looks at the legitimacy of your operation to ensure the visa system isn’t being misused.
To secure a visa sponsorship, your business generally needs to demonstrate:
- Lawful Operation: You must be a legally established business currently operating in Australia. You cannot set up a “shell company” just to sponsor a visa; the business must be active.
- Genuine Position: The role you want to fill must be real and necessary for your business operations.
- Labour Market Testing (LMT): You usually need to provide evidence that you have advertised the role locally (on platforms like Seek or LinkedIn) for at least 4 weeks and could not find a suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Salary Thresholds: You must pay the worker the market rate, and it must be above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which ensures workers are paid a fair living wage.
These are the standard employer requirements for 482 visa applications. If you can prove you are a legitimate business with a genuine need, you are halfway there.
Who is Eligible for TSS 482 Visa Sponsorship?
Eligibility is broad. It is not limited to public companies. Sole traders, partnerships, trusts, and proprietary limited companies can all apply.
Can Startups Sponsor?
This is a frequent question. Yes, startups can sponsor workers. However, visa sponsorship eligibility for businesses trading for less than 12 months is scrutinised more closely.
If you are a startup, you won’t have a full year of tax returns. In this case, you will need to provide auditable balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and perhaps contracts showing future projected income. The goal is to prove to the Department that, despite being new, you have the capital to support the employee.
So, while TSS 482 visa sponsorship is open to new businesses, you need to have your paperwork in perfect order.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even profitable businesses get rejected if they make simple administrative errors.
One major red flag is inconsistent financials. If the figures on your BAS (Business Activity Statement) don’t match the figures on your company tax return, the Department will pause the application and ask difficult questions.
Another critical rule regarding the Australian employer-sponsored visa program is that the employer must pay the costs. It is illegal to ask the visa applicant to pay for the sponsorship costs or the SAF levy. You cannot deduct this from their wages later. If you are caught doing this, you face significant fines and cancellation of your sponsorship rights.
Conclusion
Don’t let the size of your business deter you from finding the talent you need. Whether you turn over $300,000 or $30 million, the 482 visa sponsorship program is designed to help lawful, viable businesses solve their staffing issues.
While turnover doesn’t dictate your eligibility, it does dictate your costs and requires careful presentation of financial documents. One wrong figure on a form can lead to delays or refusals.
At Excel Migration, we simplify the complex regulations surrounding employer-sponsored visas. We help businesses of all sizes, from local cafes to tech startups, navigate the paperwork, ensuring your sponsorship, nomination, and visa applications are financially sound and compliant.
Ready to grow your team? Contact Excel Migration today to assess your eligibility and get your sponsorship approved.
FAQ's
Is there a specific minimum turnover required for 482 visa sponsorship?
No, there is no legislative minimum turnover figure. However, the business must be financially viable and able to meet its obligations, including paying the nominated salary.
How does my business turnover affect the cost of the visa?
Turnover determines which tier of the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy you pay. Businesses with a turnover of less than AU$10 million pay a lower rate (approx. $1,200 per visa year) compared to larger businesses (approx. $1,800 per visa year).
Can a business trading for less than 12 months sponsor a worker?
Yes, startups can apply. However, since you won’t have a long financial history, you must provide robust evidence of funds, such as bank statements or business contracts, to prove you meet the 482 visa sponsorship requirements.
Does a 482 visa sponsorship lead to permanent residency?
Yes, in many cases. The 482 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency, usually through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Temporary Residence Transition stream, typically after the employee has worked for you for two years.