How to Apply for Standard Business Sponsorship, Step by Step
The process to apply for Standard Business Sponsorship is clear, but it requires careful document preparation. Below are the specific steps, from registering an ImmiAccount to receiving SBS approval.
Step 1: Create a business ImmiAccount
An SBS must be lodged through the business’s ImmiAccount — not an individual account.
- Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and open ImmiAccount
- Choose “Create account”, then “Organisation”
- Provide the ABN and business details
- Verify the email of the account manager
The person lodging the application must be a person with authority, or authorised by a director.
Step 2: Prepare the documents
Before starting the form, gather everything together:
- An ASIC company extract (no more than three months old)
- An ABN lookup printout
- Business Activity Statements (BAS) for the most recent two to four quarters
- Or financial statements signed by a qualified accountant
- Evidence of operation: customer contracts, invoices, a lease
- A list of directors and their personal identification (passport or driver’s licence)
Step 3: Complete the sponsorship form
In ImmiAccount, choose “Sponsorship”, then “New sponsorship application”.
The form will ask for:
- Business details (trading name, structure, ABN)
- The expected number of employees to be sponsored
- A commitment to comply with sponsor obligations
Read each declaration carefully before ticking it — these are legally binding.
Step 4: Pay the sponsorship fee
The SBS application fee: $420 (2024, changes annually).
Pay online through ImmiAccount by credit card or BPAY.
Step 5: Wait for the Department’s assessment
After lodging, the Department will assess the application:
- Typical timeframe: one to four months
- The Department may request further documents (a Section 56 request) — respond within the time allowed
While you wait, you cannot nominate an employee until the SBS is granted (unless a concurrent nomination is permitted in some cases).
Step 6: Receive SBS approval
When approved, the Department sends an email confirming SBS approval. The business receives:
- An SBS reference number
- The period of validity (usually five years)
Keep the approval letter — you will need it when lodging a nomination.
After the SBS: next steps
Once it has an SBS, the business can proceed to nomination for each employee. Each nomination requires further proof about the position (a genuine position, labour market testing, the salary rate).
Labour market testing and the genuine position test are covered in their own articles to help you prepare.