Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
From August 12th 2018, the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy commences. This is a fee payable by employers nominating overseas skilled workers for any of the following visas:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187)
The SAF levy only applies to TSS, ENS and RSMS nomination applications lodged on or after 12 August 2018.
The levy funds the SAF, which is managed by the Department of Education and Training (DET).
What is the purpose of the SAF?
It requires employers who sponsor temporary and permanent overseas skilled workers to contribute to the broader skills development of Australians.
The amount depends on the size of your business, and the proposed period of the overseas worker in Australia. SAF levy payments are tax deductible.
| Business Size | TSS Visa | ENS/ RSMS |
| Small Business
(Annual turnover less than $10 million) |
AUD $1200 per year or part thereof
|
AUD $3000 one off |
| Other Business
(Annual turnover of $10 million or more) |
AUD $1800 per year or part thereof
|
AUD $5000 one off |
The only Exemptions to the SAF are religious workers nominated under the Labour Agreement streams of the TSS or ENS visas. All other sponsors who are party to a Labour Agreement must also pay the SAF levy.
The SAF levy MUST be paid by a Sponsor, the costs cannot be passed on to overseas skilled workers.
What about the training benchmarks?
The training benchmarks will no longer apply from 12 August 2018.
For ENS and RSMS visas, the training benchmarks will only apply to nomination applications lodged before 12 August 2018.
For TSS visas, the sponsorship obligation regarding the training benchmarks will only apply for the 12-month period ending on or before 12 August 2018.
If you require further information or have any questions about Employer Sponsored Skilled visas and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, please contact the team of Migration Agents and Migration Lawyers in our Brisbane office at eVisas on Ph: 07 3211 3700.