The existing Subclass 457 training benchmark requirements will cease in March 2018, with a new Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy to be paid instead at the time a Nomination is lodged for the new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, as well as the subclass 186 and 187 visas.
Based on currently available information the amounts payable per applicant are set out as follows:
- The charge will be calculated according to the number of years set out in the nomination.
- A small business (annual turnover of less than $10 million) will pay $1,200 per nomination per year for a TSS visa.
- A large business will pay $1,800 per nominee per year.
- If the employee is applying for a 4 year TSS visa, this will require the 4 annual payments to be made at the time of application. If a large business nominates an employee for a 2 year TSS visa, the business must pay the annual amount for 2 years.
- For permanent visas, the charge will be $5,000 per applicant for a large business, and $3,000 per applicant for a small business.
- The maximum amount of the nomination training contribution charge is capped at $8,000 for nominations relating to a temporary visa, and $5,500 for nominations relating to permanent visas, for the financial year commencing 1 July 2017.
- Nomination contribution charges to be made in later financial years will be indexed in line with CPI.
It is still unclear but it is likely that this fee cannot be passed on to the visa applicant.
For Further Information and Advice Please Contact Nevett Ford Lawyers:
Telephone: + 61 3 9614 7111
Email: melbourne@nevettford.com.au