Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) LevyThe Skilling Australians Fund regulations received Royal Assent on 22 May 2018. The Migration Amendment (Skilling Australians Fund) Act 2018 (Cth) and the Migration (Skilling Australians Fund) Charges Act 2018 (Cth) both received Royal Assent and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF Levy) is therefore now in effect. Giving us a bit of info now helps move things along more quickly. For a fast response, email us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Skilling Australians FundIn summary, the SAF Levy has commenced and applies to business sponsors. Further details regarding the Skilling Australians Fund has been provided for in regulations. These include: (a) when the SAF Levy is due and payable; (b) the method of paying the SAF Levy (including the currency in which the charge must be paid); (c) the remission or refund of the SAF Levy; (d) the overpayment or underpayment of the SAF Levy; (e) the payment of a penalty in relation to the underpayment of SAF Levy; and (f) the giving of information and keeping of records relating to a person’s liability to pay the SAF Levy.
Which visa subclasses are affected?
There are several visa classes affected by the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF Levy). Temporary visas:
Permanent visas:
What is the Skilling Australians Fund Levy?The Skilling Australians Fund levy (SAF Levy) has replaced the training benchmarks scheme. Charges may vary depending on whether a business has an annual turnover of more or less than $10 million. It is expected that:
Current Skilling Australians Fund LevyThe amount payable varies based on the sponsor’s annual turnover and the visa applicant’s proposed period of stay in Australia. Current Skilling Australians Funds Levy as of 01.01.2022 are as follows:
The SAF levy must be paid upfront, at the time that the nomination is lodged.
What will the maximum levy be?It has been confirmed that for the first financial year commencing 1 July 2017, the SAF Levy must not exceed:
The $8,000 limit for temporary visas is of some concern given previous announcements which indicated $1,200 per year for small businesses and $1,800 per year for larger businesses. The SAF Levy will increase year on year in line with the All Groups Consumer Price Index.
What do existing sponsors need to do?
What are the penalties for non-compliance with or underpayment of the SAF Levy?A maximum penalty of 60 penalty units i.e. $12,600 applies.
Find out more about: Standard Business SponsorshipHow to become an approved sponsor? |