What is the SAF Levy?
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy was introduced to help fund apprenticeships and vocational training for Australians. It is payable by employers who nominate overseas workers for temporary or permanent employer-sponsored visas.
The SAF Levy is a mandatory component of the 482 and 186 nomination process. It is collected at the time of nomination lodgement through ImmiAccount. Employers cannot defer payment, and by law they cannot pass the cost to the visa holder.
Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) assists employers in calculating the correct levy amount and preparing nomination applications that satisfy all Departmental requirements.
SAF Levy Rates by Visa Type
The levy rate depends on the employer's annual turnover and the visa type being nominated. The following figures are current at August 2026.
Figures current at August 2026 — confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging.
How and When to Pay
The SAF Levy is paid in full at the time of nomination lodgement. There is no option to pay in instalments or defer payment.
Determine whether your business is a 'small business' (annual turnover under $10 million) to identify the applicable levy rate.
Multiply the annual rate by the number of years of the visa period sought. For permanent visas (186), a flat fee applies.
The full SAF Levy amount is paid when the employer lodges the nomination application through ImmiAccount. Payment cannot be deferred.
Keep the SAF Levy payment confirmation. This is required evidence in the nomination application and may be needed for refund claims.
SAF Levy Exemptions
A limited number of nomination categories are exempt from the SAF Levy obligation.
Note: Exemption eligibility is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. Do not assume an exemption applies without confirming with the Department or a registered migration agent (MARN 2619467).
SAF Levy Refunds
The SAF Levy refund rules are narrow. Employers should understand these rules before lodging.
- Nomination withdrawn before the Department begins processing
- Departmental administrative error in processing the nomination
- Other limited circumstances prescribed by the relevant legislative instrument
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.
Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.
Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.