The implementation date for the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, also known as the SAF levy or Training levy, has been set for 12 August. The levy will be imposed on any Nominations for the Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa, Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (all streams) and the Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (all streams) lodged on or after the 12 August. The levy will also be imposed on Nominations to transfer an existing Subclass 457 (or 482) visa holder to a new employer.
The levy amount will be as follows:
| Turnover Figure | Training Levy (TSS visa) | Training Levy (186/187 visa) |
| Business Turnover <10M | $1,200 per year | $3,000 per application |
| Business Turnover >10M | $1,800 per year | $5,000 per application |
Changes to Labour Market Testing and other program requirements
A number of other changes will be implemented at the same time as the SAF levy. In particular, the requirement for Labour Market Testing to have included advertising for a 28 day period, increased from 21 days. Advertising must also have occurred within 4 months of the application being lodged, a reduction from the previous allowance of 6 months.
We expect to provide further information regarding other changes early next week, once the regulations and procedural instructions have been released publicly. Clarification will include greater detail on refund provisions for the Training Levy. It is understood that no exemptions will be available, including for State and Federal bodies.
For our existing clients, we will work with you over the coming days to ensure that any Nominations affected by the SAF levy that can be lodged, will be lodged. For new Nomination matters for the above visas, if you do wish to lodge before 12 August, and have completed or are exempt from the Labour Market Testing (advertising) requirement, we recommend that you contact our office as soon as possible.
