Standard business sponsor (SBS)
Statutory definition
Section 140A of the Migration Act 1958 provides that a business entity may apply to the Minister for approval as a sponsor. Approval as a standard business sponsor is a precondition for nominating a worker for a Subclass 482 visa. The criteria for approval are set out in the Migration Regulations 1994 and require the sponsor to be a lawfully operating business with a genuine need for the worker.
Explanation
The standard business sponsor framework governs employer-sponsored migration. SBS approval lasts for 5 years and can be renewed. Sponsors must comply with ongoing obligations under s 140E: paying market salary rates, not charging workers recruitment costs, cooperating with compliance inspections, and maintaining records. SBS approval can be cancelled or suspended if obligations are breached, which can result in visa cancellation for sponsored workers.