Implementation of Skills Australian Fund (SAF)

Implementation of Skills Australian Fund (SAF)

After a long wait after passing the SAF (Skills Australian Fund) is going to start to be implemented from August 12, 2018.

SAF applied to the Nomination application lodged under the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS), Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) or Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa programs. The SAF levy has to be paid fully. The SAF levy will be paid through the Immi Account at the time of lodging the Nomination Application.

Refunds of the SAF levy are only available in any of the following scenarios:

The sponsorship and visa applications are approved, but the overseas skilled worker (visa holder) does not arrive/commence employment with the employer.

The employer's sponsorship and nomination application for the overseas skilled worker is approved, but the associated visa application is refused on health or character grounds.

A TSS visa holder leaves the sponsoring employer within the first 12 months of employment where the visa period was for more than 12 months. Refunds will only be available in this scenario for unused full years of the SAF levy. Note: This does not apply to ENS or RSMS holders who leave their employer within the first 12 months of employment.

The nomination fee is refunded (for example where a concurrent sponsor application is refused).

Note: The training benchmarks will no longer apply from 12 August 2018.

• For ENS and RSMS visas, the training benchmarks will only apply to nomination applications lodged before 12 August 2018.
• For TSS visas, the sponsorship obligation regarding the training benchmarks will only apply for the 12-month period ending on or before 12 August 2018.