On 2.08.2018, the Australian Government implemented the "Skilling Australians Fund" (SAF).
This is a levy/tax that must be paid by each employer when sponsoring an overseas worker. The levy applies to temporary work visas (482) and to permanent work visas (186 and 187).
The amount of the levy is as follows:
- 482 visas: AUD 1,200 per year and per nomination if the employer's annual turnover is below 10 million or AUD 1,800 per year and per nomination if the employer's turnover is above 10 million
- 186/187 visas: AUD 3,000 per nomination if the employer's annual turnover is below 10 million or AUD 5,000 per nomination if the employer's turnover is above 10 million
The SAF levy must be paid upfront when submitting the nomination application and refunds can only be made in very limited circumstances and only for 482 visas.
The SAF levy replaces the previous "training benchmark requirements" that used to be in place for employer sponsored visas.