When is a sponsor eligible for a SAF levy refund?

As a sponsor, you may be eligible for a Skilling Australia Fund (SAF) Levy refund in the following circumstances:

• The nomination and visa applications are approved, but the overseas skilled worker (visa holder) does not arrive/commence employment with the employer.

• The nomination application for the overseas skilled worker is approved, but the associated visa application is refused on health or character grounds.

• The nomination application is withdrawn because incorrect information (sponsor turnover or proposed employment period) was provided to calculate the SAF levy.

• The nomination application in the labour agreement stream is withdrawn before the labour agreement is entered into, or the yearly ceiling has been reached or an incorrect occupation was specified.

• A 482 or 494 visa holder leaves the sponsoring employer within the first 12 months of employment where the visa period was for more than 12 months. Refunds will only be available in this scenario for unused full years of the SAF levy. Note: This does not apply to 186 or 187 visa holders who leave their employer within the first 12 months of employment.

• The 482 or 494 nomination application is withdrawn because a concurrent sponsorship application is refused or withdrawn.

• The 186 or 187 or 494 nomination application is withdrawn because the incorrect stream was specified.

• The 186 TRT nomination application or 494 nomination application is withdrawn because the incorrect occupation was specified.

For assistance in sponsoring employees and to ensure you avoid costly mistakes, speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please contact SCA Connect.