WIDEN – Migration Experts helps Australian businesses become Approved Immigration Sponsors so you can hire or train skilled people when you need them—not months later. With skills shortages biting across hospitality, logistics, accounting, construction, healthcare and aged care, now is the ideal time to secure your sponsorship status under the Subclass 482 (TSS), Subclass 494 (Regional Skilled), or Subclass 407 (Training) visa programs.

Becoming an approved sponsor is a simple, high-value step that opens your doors to global talent and ensures you’re ready the moment the right candidate appears.

Why apply for sponsorship before you find the employee?

  • Save months later: Typical sponsorship approvals take around 4–6 weeks. Once approved, you can nominate workers immediately.
  • Covers multiple hires: Approval is valid for up to 5 years, letting you sponsor more than one employee or trainee.
  • Respond fast to vacancies: Fill urgent roles without starting from scratch each time.
  • Attract stronger candidates: Skilled workers prefer employers already listed as Approved Sponsors.
  • Low cost, high value: The government sponsorship application fee is $420, valid for five years.
  • Demonstrate professionalism: Being approved signals planning and compliance to clients, partners and prospective staff.
Sponsorship Type Visa Subclasses Primary Purpose Typical Validity
Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) 482, 494 Employ skilled overseas staff 5 years
Temporary Activities Sponsorship (TAS) 407 Train or upskill staff in a structured program 5 years
Accredited Sponsorship 482, 186 Priority processing for trusted, compliant sponsors 5 years
Labour Agreement Sponsorship 482, 494, 186 Tailored settings where standard programs don’t fit Negotiated

What your business needs to demonstrate

To qualify as an Approved Sponsor, you should be able to show:

Lawful, active operation in Australia (e.g., ABN, ASIC registration, BAS, tax return, business lease).

Financial capacity to meet sponsorship and wage obligations.

Genuine need for the role(s) you intend to sponsor.

Training and supervision suitable for a 407 Training Visa (where applicable).

Clean compliance record with Fair Work, the ATO and the Department of Home Affairs.

ApplicationWho PaysFee (AUD)
Sponsorship ApplicationBusiness$420
Nomination ApplicationBusiness$330
Visa Application (407)Applicant$415
Visa Application (482)Applicant$1,495–$3,210
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levyBusiness$1,200–$1,800 per year (varies by turnover)

Exact amounts depend on the visa stream and your business turnover. We’ll confirm your category and total costings before lodgement.

Business outcomes you can expect

  • Fill skill shortages fast and remain fully compliant.
  • Stabilise your workforce with multi-year options and clear pathways.
  • Upskill your team via structured on-the-job training (Subclass 407).
  • Lift employer brand credibility as a globally minded, compliant sponsor.
  • Qualify for accredited status and enjoy priority processing as you grow.
  • Strengthen HR and compliance systems with guidance from a registered migration agent.

Limited-time professional fee

For a short time, WIDEN – Migration Experts is offering a complete Sponsorship Application Service for $1,500 + GST (excludes government fees).

What’s included:

  • Preparation and lodgement of your Sponsorship Application
  • Review of your business documents and compliance readiness
  • Guidance on future nominations and visa pathways (407, 482, 494, 186)
  • Ongoing support until sponsorship approval is granted

How WIDEN streamlines your path to becoming an Approved Sponsor

  • Eligibility & strategy session – We confirm the right sponsorship type and map your hiring/training needs.
  • Compliance check – We review financials, operations and HR to ensure your evidence meets policy.
  • Application compilation – We prepare forms, statements and supporting documents for a smooth decision.
  • Lodgement & liaison – We manage communication with Home Affairs and keep you updated.
  • Nomination readiness – Once approved, we provide a nomination checklist so you can move quickly on candidates.

Who we help

  • Hospitality: chefs, cooks, restaurant managers
  • Logistics & supply chain: warehouse supervisors, transport coordinators
  • Construction & trades: project engineers, estimators, specialist trades
  • Healthcare & aged care: registered nurses, care coordinators, allied health
  • Professional services: accountants, analysts, technologists, marketers

Whether you need a single specialist or plan to build a steady pipeline, we’ll align your sponsorship settings to your growth plans.

Frequently asked questions

How long does sponsorship approval take?
Timeframes vary, but many approvals are achieved in roughly 4–6 weeks. Applying early prevents bottlenecks when you need to hire.

Yes. SBS and TAS approvals are typically valid for 5 years, allowing multiple nominations during that period.

Yes. SBS and TAS approvals are typically valid for 5 years, allowing multiple nominations during that period.

The Skilling Australians Fund levy is paid by the business for certain skilled visas and varies with turnover and visa duration.

Regional employers may benefit from additional skilled pathways (e.g., Subclass 494). We’ll advise on the best route.

Get started today

Applying now ensures your business is ready to hire or train skilled staff as soon as you find them—no delays, no missed opportunities.