Further to our announcement last week, we would like to confirm the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) commenced on Sunday 12 August 2018 and is now in effect with SAF refunds available in some circumstances. Businesses are now required to pay a ‘Nomination Training Contribution Charge’ (NTCC) into the SAF for each visa holder sponsored on a:
- Subclass 482 Visa (Temporary Skills Shortage – TSS)
- Subclass 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme – ENS)
- Subclass 187 Visa (Regional Skilled Migration Scheme – RSMS)
You can view how the NTCC costs apply to these visas here. We can also confirm further details on how businesses can access a refund for NTCC costs as follows:
SAF Refunds
SAF refunds will be available:
- If the sponsorship and visa is approved but the visa holder does not commence employment in their nominated position
- If the sponsorship and nomination is approved but the associated visa is refused due to health or character issues
- If a TSS Subclass 482 Visa holder leaves the employer within 12 months of employment and the agreed visa period was for more than 12 months
- A part refund will be available for unused full years of the agreed visa period
- This does not apply to ENS Subclass 186 or RSMS Subclass 187 visa holders who leave their employer within 12 months of employment
- In cases where a refund of the nomination fee applies, for example:
- If a Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) application is refused
- In cases of error, for example:
- Department of Home Affairs approved a nomination in error
- Nominations withdrawn prior to approval due to miscalculated amounts
- Wrong occupation or visa stream is identified
Support throughout the changes | Visa tools
The above refund provisions offer reassuring news that employers’ investments in the SAF will be protected. Employers will be able to access the above refund provisions in addition to existing nomination refund provisions.
It is encouraging that SAF refunds will be available for visas refused on health or character grounds, particularly as TSS Subclass 482 Visa applicants now need to undergo mandatory police checks. We encourage businesses to view our fact sheet on the mandatory character requirements which need to be met by sponsored visa applicants.
We have developed several visa tools to assist you or your business to understand the recent changes to employer-sponsored visas. View our Visa Tools here on our website or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our registered migration agents on +61 8 9221 3388 (or National Free Call 1800 449 858) or visas@interstaff.com
Source:
Interstaff
Migration Institute of WA
Department of Home Affairs
