Published Jul 12 | 2025
Exploring the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF Levy)
SAF Levy
Start todayWhat Is the SAF Levy?
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy is a government-mandated fee paid by employers when sponsoring overseas workers. It is designed to help fund training programs and apprenticeships across Australia, ensuring local workers continue gaining the skills industries need.
Important: The SAF Levy must be paid by the employer. It is illegal to ask the worker to pay or reimburse this cost.
| Business size | SID visa | ENS |
|---|---|---|
| Small (annual turnover of less than $10 million) | $1,200 per year and per worker | $3,000 one-off |
| Other businesses (annual turnover of $10 million or more) | $1,800 per year and per worker | $5,000 one-off |
When Is the SAF Levy Required?
You will need to pay the SAF Levy when lodging a nomination for the following visa subclasses:
- 🔗 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
- 🔗 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
- 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (transitional cases only)
Are There Exemptions?
Some nominations may be exempt from paying the SAF Levy if:
- The role falls under international trade agreements
- The visa is lodged under a labour agreement
- It is a transitional PR application from an older visa pathway
Why It Matters?
The SAF Levy isn’t just about compliance, it is about contributing to Australia’s future. It ensures a balance between bringing in global talent and training locals for long-term success.
Failing to pay correctly? Your nomination could be delayed or refused.
Quick Checklist for Employers
- Check if your business is classified as small or large
- Confirm the correct SAF Levy amount
- Pay the levy when submitting your nomination
- Never recover the cost from your employee
The SAF Levy payment occurs during the nomination application submission process. Also acceptable: The payment of SAF Levy occurs at the moment when you submit your nomination application.
The SAF Levy remains non-refundable in cases where the visa application gets refused or withdrawn. The SAF Levy remains non-refundable under normal circumstances. The visa refusal based on health or character issues or the worker’s failure to start employment constitutes limited exceptions to this rule.
No. The employer bears full responsibility for this cost and it is against the law to attempt to pass this expense to the employee.
The government maintains authority to review and potentially adjust the levy amounts. Check the current rates by visiting the Department of Home Affairs website or consulting with a migration expert.
Yes. A new employer needs to file another nomination while paying the SAF Levy for the remaining duration of the visa.
Yes, the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is tax deductible for employers. This means businesses can claim the levy as a deduction in their tax returns, reducing their taxable income.
Do You Have Questions?
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