Renewing a Standard Business Sponsorship After 5 Years
A Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) does not last forever — it has a term and must be renewed periodically. A business that does not renew on time loses the ability to sponsor new workers.
The term of an SBS
A Standard Business Sponsorship usually has a term of 5 years from the date it is approved. After 5 years, the business must lodge a renewal application if it wishes to keep sponsoring overseas workers.
The effect on workers on a 482 visa
An expiring SBS does not automatically cancel the 482 visa of a worker who already holds one. The worker’s 482 visa remains in effect until its own expiry.
However, if the SBS expires:
- No new nomination can be lodged (no new worker can be sponsored)
- A nomination for an existing worker cannot be renewed if needed
- The sponsorship transfer process for a worker from another employer is also blocked
When to lodge the renewal
You should lodge the renewal application at least 3 months before the SBS expires to avoid an interruption. DHA does not send automatic reminders — the business must keep track itself.
Documents for an SBS renewal
The renewal documents are similar to those for an initial SBS application, plus:
- Evidence of having complied with sponsor obligations during the term of the current SBS
- Training benchmark evidence: proof of having spent the required proportion on training Australian workers
- Evidence that the business’s finances remain sound
- Evidence of no breaches of any obligation
Conditions may change at renewal
Australian migration law may change between the initial SBS application and the renewal. The business must meet the conditions in force at the time of renewal, not the conditions at the time of the initial application.
If the SBS expires before renewal
If the SBS expires before the business renews it, a new SBS application must be lodged (not a renewal). The process is the same as an initial SBS application and DHA assesses it again from the start — adding more time.
While waiting for the new SBS, no new nomination can be lodged for any worker.