The 457 visa is being replaced by the TSS visa in March 2018. One significant change for employers is the removal of the existing training requirement and the introduction of a new levy to contribute to the newly formed Skilling Australians Fund.

From March, sponsoring employers will face an upfront charge of at least $1,200 per year for each TSS visa holder. This amount is required to be paid upfront to the Australian Government, for the duration of the visa length specified (i.e, 2 years or 4 years).

The upfront levy will replace the current training requirements for employers sponsoring workers on 457, ENS and RSMS visas from March 2018.

Businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million per year will be required to make:

• an upfront annual payment for each employee on a TSS visa of $1,200 per year or part thereof of the period you intend to sponsor the employee
• a one-off payment for each employee being sponsored for a permanent ENS or RSMS visa of $3,000

Businesses with a turnover of $10 million or more per year will be required to make:

• an upfront annual payment for each employee on a TSS visa of $1,800 per year or part thereof of the period you intend to sponsor the employee
• a one-off payment for each employee being sponsored for a permanent ENS or RSMS visa of $5,000

The nomination charge will be calculated according to the number of years or parts thereof, set out in the nomination. For example, a large business nominating an employee on a 4-year visa equates to $1,800 per annum x 4 years = $7,200 upfront.

This is payable at the time of nomination, not paid yearly based on the nominees continued employment with you. For permanent visas, the charge will be $5000.

There are no pro-rata provisions payment of the charge for parts of a financial year.

We are happy to provide more information on this to employers. Please call the Registered Migration Agents at TSS Immigration to discuss in more detail.

Call TSS Immigration