As skill shortages continue to affect Australian industries, many businesses are turning to international talent to fill workforce gaps. If your company is ready to bring in skilled workers from overseas, securing a business sponsorship visa is the essential first step.
This blog will guide you through how to apply for company sponsorship, understand SBS approval processing times, and how to become an approved sponsor in Australia, all based on the latest 2025 updates.
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Understanding the Business Sponsorship Visa
The business sponsorship visa, particularly the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa, allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for roles that cannot be filled locally. However, before you can sponsor an individual, your business must gain Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval from the Department of Home Affairs.
This isn’t a one-click process. You’ll need to demonstrate that your business is legally operating in Australia, that you genuinely need to fill the nominated role, and that you’re capable of meeting your sponsorship obligations.
How to Apply for Company Sponsorship
Applying for sponsorship begins with submitting a Standard Business Sponsorship application online via ImmiAccount. During this process, your business will be assessed for compliance, financial stability, and legitimacy.
Many employers wonder exactly how to apply for company sponsorship successfully. The answer lies in being thorough: submitting accurate ABN records, business activity statements, financial reports, and a clear justification for why the position can’t be filled locally.
Once your application is submitted, it enters the SBS queue for processing.
How to Become an Approved Sponsor in Australia
To become an approved sponsor, your business must meet a strict set of conditions. These include proving that you have a good history of complying with Australian laws, that the position you’re trying to fill is genuine, and that your business can support the financial and legal commitments associated with hiring an overseas worker.
Once approved, your sponsorship will typically remain valid for five years. This opens the door to sponsoring one or more skilled workers over time and participating in Australia’s broader skilled migration program.
For many SMEs and growing enterprises, becoming an approved sponsor in Australia can be the key to accessing global talent pools.
SBS Approval Processing Time: What to Expect in 2025
SBS applications don’t get approved overnight. As of 2025, the SBS approval processing time averages between five and eight weeks, depending on the completeness of your application and whether the Department requests additional documents or clarification.
Employers applying for the first time, especially small businesses or startups, may see longer wait times if the business model is unclear or lacks a strong track record.
It’s important to separate this from the nomination and visa processing steps, which follow after SBS approval.
Standard Business Sponsorship Processing Time vs. Nomination Timeline
While the standard business sponsorship processing time is around 5–8 weeks, the total journey doesn’t stop there. Once SBS is approved, you’ll need to nominate the role and submit the visa application for your chosen candidate. These additional steps can take another 4–6 weeks.
This makes it crucial to start early, especially if you’re hiring for time-sensitive roles or want to onboard an employee before a project begins.
| Stage | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Approval | 5–8 weeks |
| Nomination and Visa Application | 4–6 weeks |
Why Getting Sponsorship Right Matters
A well-prepared sponsorship application reduces processing delays, minimizes the risk of refusal, and ensures smooth onboarding of overseas staff. It also signals to the Department that your business is professional and serious about compliance.
Whether you’re hiring chefs, engineers, tech professionals, or healthcare worker, being an approved sponsor gives your business a major competitive edge in a tight talent market.
Work With Experts Who Know the Process
At Kandel Consultancy, we specialize in helping Australian businesses apply for business sponsorship visas, manage their SBS approval process, and avoid common errors that lead to refusal or delay.
From new applicants to companies renewing their sponsorship, we provide hands-on support every step of the way, so you can hire globally, confidently.