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The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is a required financial contribution establish on Australian employers who sponsor foreign skilled workers under specific visa programs, including the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visas. Introduced on 12 August 2018, the levy object to ensure that businesses assisting from skilled migration also invest in the development of the Australian workforce. The funds collected are operate to support vocational education and training (VET) initiatives, apprenticeships, and traineeships across Australia, thereby addressing skill shortages and enhancing employment opportunities for Australians.
The amount of the levy changes based on how much money the business makes each year and whether the visa is temporary or permanent, as well as how long the temporary visa is for. For example, if a small business makes less than AUD 10 million a year, they’ll pay AUD 1,200 annually for each person on a temporary visa. If it’s a permanent visa, they’ll pay a one-time fee of AUD 3,000 per person. In variation, larger businesses with a turnover of AUD 10 million or more must pay AUD 1,800 per year for temporary visas or a one-off AUD 5,000 for permanent visas. The levy is outstanding upfront at the time of residence the nomination application and is unassignable to the sponsored employee. Refunds are available under specific conditions, such as if the visa application is rejected on health or character grounds, or if the nominee does not begin employment.
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is a urgent requirement for Australian employers who wish to sponsor skilled workers from worldwide. Here is the key requirements:
The SAF levy is payable in full and upfront at the time the employer lodges the visa nomination application. This includes situations where a TSS visa holder is changing employers or occupations.
The levy amount vary based on two main feature:
Employer’s Annual Turnover:
Small Businesses (annual turnover less than AUD 10 million):
For TSS (subclass 482) visas: AUD 1,200 per year or part thereof of the visa duration.
For ENS (subclass 186) and SESR (subclass 494) visas: A one-off payment of AUD 3,000.
Other Businesses (annual turnover of AUD 10 million or more):
For TSS (subclass 482) visas: AUD 1,800 per year or part thereof of the visa duration.
For ENS (subclass 186) and SESR (subclass 494) visas: A one off payment of AUD 5,000.
Visa Type and Duration (for Temporary Visas):
For TSS visas, the annual fee is expanded by the number of years the employer expect to sponsor the worker (e.g., a 3-year TSS visa for a small business would cost $1,200 x 3 = $3,600).
For permanent visas (ENS, SESR), it’s a single, upfront payment.
Key Points:
The SAF (Skilling Australians Fund) Levy refund allows employers to get their money back in certain situations after sponsoring an overseas worker. This levy is paid when applying for visas like the TSS (Subclass 482), ENS (Subclass 186), or SESR (Subclass 494). You might get a refund if the visa is rejected because the applicant didn’t pass health or character checks, or if the worker doesn’t start the job even after their visa is approved. Employers can also get their money back if they cancel the application before the visa is allowed, or if there was a mistake in the application.
However, refunds are not given in all cases. If the employee decides not to work or if the business changes its mind after the visa is granted, the levy will not be returned. To request a refund, employers must follow the official process through the Department of Home Affairs and provide a valid reason.
The SAF (Skilling Australians Fund) Levy for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa is a training fee that employers must pay when sponsoring abroad workers to fill skilled positions in Australia. This levy is designed to support the development and training of the Australian workforce. By providing to the SAF, employers help fund programs such as apprenticeships, vocational education, and other skill development ambition that benefit local workers. The levy amount depends on the size of the business and the length of the visa. Small businesses with an annual turnover of less than AUD 10 million pay a lower rate, while larger businesses pay a higher fee. The SAF Levy has to be paid at that time when the employer lodges the nomination application for the subclass 482 visa. This fee is the responsibility of the employer and that cannot be passed on to the sponsored employee. Overall, the SAF Levy ensures that while Australia welcomes skilled workers, it also invests in improving skills among its own workforce.
Employers might get their SAF Levy money back in a few situations:
Before you sponsor a skilled worker, it’s really important to plan out how much you’ll need for the SAF Levy. First, figure out the total cost by considering the type of visa (like a temporary or permanent one) and how long you plan to sponsor the employee. For example, if it’s a temporary 482 visa, you’ll pay the SAF Levy every year. Next, check if your business is small (earning less than AUD 10 million a year) or large, because that changes the fee—small businesses pay less. By planning your budget ahead of time, you can avoid any surprising costs and make the whole visa application process much smoother. Being prepared helps everything go well when you apply to sponsor a worker.
“Here’s an easy way to manage your SAF Levy.”
Pay on Time: Always pay your SAF Levy on time so you don’t get charged extra.
Don’t Charge Employees: The SAF Levy is a business cost, not an employee deduction. You cannot pass this cost on to your staff.
Check Your Business Size: Make sure the amount you pay for the SAF Levy matches your business classification. If you’re a small business, you’ll pay the small business rate, and large businesses pay the large business rate. Double-check your classification to avoid errors.
Here are smart ways to handle your SAF Levy:
For temporary visas (like the Skills in Demand visa), you pay the SAF Levy direct for the complete duration you want to sponsor the worker, usually from 1 to 4 years. If the worker leaves early, you might get a refund for any full unused years.
For permanent visas, you pay the SAF Levy just once when you nominate the worker. This one-time fee covers the process for their permanent residency. Generally, you won’t get a refund if the worker leaves your business early. The amount you pay is based on how much money your business makes each year
For expert advice with your visa and immigration needs, look no further than GIEC Global Lucknow. We are your trusted, one stop destination dedicated to providing smooth and reliable support around your entire visa processing journey. Our team includes registered MARA agents, make sure you receive exact, up to date advice and professional guidance that follows with Australian migration law. With GIEC Global Lucknow, you benefit from ethical practices and dedicated service, making your path to a new life or business project smoother and more secure. Visit us for peace of mind and expert help you can rely on.
The SAF Levy is a compulsory fee for businesses pay that bring in skilled workers from abroad to come work in Australia on specific visas. This fee helps to fund training and development for Australian workers.
No, it is strictly ban for employers to pass on the cost of the SAF Levy to the visa applicant. It must be paid by the sponsoring business.
For temporary visas (like the SID 482), a partial refund for unused full years of the levy may be possible if the worker leaves your employment within the first 12 months for visas longer than 12 months. For permanent visas, refunds are generally not available if the worker leaves early.
Generally, no. The main exception applies only to Ministers of Religion and Religious Assistants nominated under specific Labour Agreement streams.
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