Written by Immigrad · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 1805710 · Last updated September 2026
To apply for standard business sponsorship, the Department of Home Affairs asks for two sets of evidence: documents proving the business is legally established, such as an ABN, ARBN or overseas registration plus ASIC extracts where relevant, and documents proving it is currently operating, such as financial records or, for a new business, a business plan.
Standard business sponsorship lets a business nominate workers for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494). The application is lodged in ImmiAccount, the Department lists the fee as AUD420, and an approved sponsorship lasts five years from the date of approval.
Evidence that the business is legally established
- an ABN registration certificate, if the business is Australian-based
- an ARBN registration certificate, if it is an overseas business registered to operate in Australia
- evidence of registration in its own country, if it does not currently operate in Australia
- a Business Names Details extract from the ASIC register, if it trades under a registered business name
- an ASIC company extract, or an ASX listing registration if applicable, if the business is a company
- the signature page and the pages listing the parties for any trust, franchise or joint venture arrangement
Evidence that the business is currently operating
A larger or established business provides profit and loss statements and the annual report for the most recently concluded financial year. A small or recently established business provides tax returns for the most recently concluded financial year, recent business activity statements and recent bank statements.
The attestation in the application form
Businesses in Australia must also attest in writing, as part of the application form, that they have a strong record of, or a demonstrated commitment to, employing local labour, and declare that they will not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices.
Can a new business with no trading history apply for standard business sponsorship?
Yes, a new business is eligible to apply. The Department of Home Affairs asks a new business to provide, as a minimum, a business plan that includes contracts to provide services to the business and business bank statements covering the period of operation. It can add a lease, a contract of sale, evidence of staff and quarterly BAS.
Can an overseas business become a standard business sponsor?
Yes. The Department states that a business applying for standard business sponsorship can be in or outside Australia. A business not yet operating in Australia provides evidence of registration in its own country and shows it intends, or is contractually obliged, to set up in Australia.
How does a business operating through a trust apply?
If the business is party to a trust arrangement, the application is lodged in the name of the trustee exactly as it appears on the trust deed, and the application must specify the trust name and the trust ABN. The Department also asks for the signature page of the trust deed and the pages listing the parties.
Does a complete application make a difference?
It can. The Department says complete applications might be processed quicker, while incomplete applications might be delayed or refused if there is not enough information to show the business meets the requirements. It will not process the application until the AUD420 fee is paid.
For the wider process, see our standard business sponsorship step-by-step guide, whether a new or small business can become a sponsor, how long a standard business sponsorship lasts and our overview of employer-sponsored visas.
If you would like your sponsorship evidence reviewed before you lodge, book a consultation with Immigrad.
This page is general information only and is not migration advice. It does not take your circumstances into account, and complex cases should be assessed personally by a registered migration agent. Requirements and fees were checked against the Department of Home Affairs website on 24 September 2026 and can change; processing times are those published by the Department. Immigrad is operated by Oceans Consultancy Pty Ltd. Gaurav Duggal, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1805710.