Q37. What is SBS in Australia?

Skilled Business Sponsorship (SBS) Program

The Skilled Business Sponsorship (SBS) program is a pathway for employers in Australia to sponsor skilled workers for temporary or permanent residence visas.

Key Points about SBS in Australia:

  • Eligibility: Employers must be approved as a Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) sponsor or a permanent employer-sponsored visa sponsor to participate in the SBS program.
  • Occupation Requirements: The nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation lists, such as the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
  • Skill Level: The nominated position must meet the skill level requirements, typically at least a bachelor's degree or relevant work experience.
  • Labor Market Testing: Employers must demonstrate they have made genuine efforts to recruit Australian citizens or permanent residents before sponsoring a skilled foreign worker.
  • Salary Requirements: The nominated position must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 482) minimum salary requirements.
  • Visa Options: The SBS program can lead to temporary visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa or permanent visas like the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa or Regional Skilled Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa.

Main Australian Visa Subclasses that Require Skilled Business Sponsorship (SBS):

  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482): A temporary work visa that allows employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers for positions they are unable to fill with local labor. Employers must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor to use this visa.
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186): A permanent residence visa for skilled workers sponsored by an approved Australian employer. Employers must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor to use this visa.
  • Regional Skilled Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187): A permanent residence visa for skilled workers sponsored by an approved employer in a regional area of Australia. Employers must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor to use this visa.
  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494): A provisional (temporary) visa leading to permanent residence for skilled workers sponsored by an approved employer in a regional area. Employers must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor to use this visa.