Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy

The Skilling Australians Fund regulations received Royal Assent on 22 May 2018. The Migration Amendment (Skilling Australians Fund) Act 2018 (Cth) and the Migration (Skilling Australians Fund) Charges Act 2018 (Cth) both received Royal Assent and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF Levy) is therefore now in effect.

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Skilling Australians Fund

In summary, the SAF Levy has commenced and applies to business sponsors.

Further details regarding the Skilling Australians Fund has been provided for in regulations.  These include:

(a)          when the SAF Levy is due and payable;

(b)           the method of paying the SAF Levy (including the currency in which the charge must be paid);

              (c)           the remission or refund of the SAF Levy;

              (d)          the overpayment or underpayment of the SAF Levy;

(e)           the payment of a penalty in relation to the underpayment of SAF Levy; and

(f)            the giving of information and keeping of records relating to a person’s liability to pay the SAF Levy.

Which visa subclasses are affected?

There are several visa classes affected by the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF Levy).

Temporary visas:

• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482 visa)

 Permanent visas:

• Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186 visa)

• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (Subclass 187 visa)

What is the Skilling Australians Fund Levy?

The Skilling Australians Fund levy (SAF Levy) has replaced the training benchmarks scheme. Charges may vary depending on whether a business has an annual turnover of more or less than $10 million.

Current Skilling Australians Fund Levy

The amount payable varies based on the sponsor’s annual turnover and the visa applicant’s proposed period of stay in Australia.

The SAF levy must be paid upfront, at the time that the nomination is lodged.

The SAF Levy may increase year every year in line with the All Groups Consumer Price Index.

 Find out more about:

Sponsoring Employees

Standard Business SponsorshipHow to become an approved sponsor?