Following the announced changes the Migration Amendment (Skilling Australians Fund) Act 2018 took effect on 12 August 2018. The SAF replaces the previous training benchmark requirements for TSS, ENS and RSMS nomination applications.
The impact of this announcement means that the National Training Contribution Charge (NTCC), commonly referred to as the SAF, needs to be paid on all employer nominations lodged on or after 12 August 2018, except where Ministers of Religion or Religious Workers are being nominated under a Labour Agreement.
This payment is for the account of the the nominating employer and cannot be recovered from the visa applicant.
The SAF levy will be applied to all TSS Subclass 482 and ENS Subclass 186 and RSMS Subclass 187 nominations.
TSS Subclass 482 visas
Small Business (turnover less than $10m) $1200 for each year of the employer wishes to nominate for up to 4 years
Large Business (turnover $10m or more) $1800 for each year of the employer wishes to nominate
ENS/RSMS Subclass 186/187 visas
Small Business (turnover less than $10m) $3000 for each nomination
Large Business (turnover $10m or more) $5000 for each nomination
In limited circumstances, a SAF may be refunded but this will be at the discretion of the Department of Home Affairs e.g. a TSS visa is approved for 2 years and the employment ends in the first year of the TSS visa - the SAF already paid for the second year may be subject to a refund.
Although the SAF will impose additional costs for many businesses, it will also make it more straight forward for employers to comply with a training obligation.
If you would like to know more about how these changes impact you please book a consultation with one of our advisors.
Comments