KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Proposed duration tied to a genuine employment plan
- Relevant turnover information confirmed
- Levy separated from all other charges
Choose the period for a commercial reason
Discuss how long the business genuinely expects to need the worker and what period can be supported. Do not choose a duration solely because it produces a lower immediate invoice. Equally, do not assume that asking for a longer period guarantees that period of stay.
The nomination period, employment contract and worker’s visa circumstances need to fit together. Family planning, passport validity and longer-term business commitments can also be relevant preparation questions.
Check the levy calculation before submission
Use the current official cost-of-sponsoring guidance and the business’s relevant turnover information. Record the assumptions supplied to the adviser, including the period proposed. A quote based on a different business category or duration should be corrected before payment.
The levy is distinct from nomination charges, visa charges and legal fees. Presenting only a combined sponsorship price makes it harder for the employer to see what changes when the proposed arrangement changes.
Do not promise a refund or recover it from the worker
Refund availability is limited and depends on the applicable rules and circumstances. Do not build the budget around an assumed refund if employment ends early or an application does not succeed. Keep records of the nomination and payments.
The employer must not transfer the SAF levy to the worker or family. An illustrative business hiring several workers should budget for each proposed nomination rather than assume a previous payment covers later recruitment. Emigrate Lawyers can explain the components of the proposed migration budget and flag which assumptions need confirmation.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Preparation checklist
- Proposed duration tied to a genuine employment plan
- Relevant turnover information confirmed
- Levy separated from all other charges
- No assumed refund or worker reimbursement
Use this list to organise a discussion. It is not a complete application checklist or an eligibility assessment.
Common questions
Is the SAF levy part of the lawyer’s fee?
No. It is a government charge associated with nomination and should be separately identified.
Will the levy always be refunded if the worker leaves?
No. Refund rights are limited and must be checked against the circumstances.
YOUR CASE. OUR COMMITMENT.
The Emigrate Lawyers Difference
A visa application sits within a career, a business and a family’s plans. We connect the legal requirements with the evidence and decisions that matter to you.
Lawyer handled
Your case is overseen and handled by a lawyer, with a clear point of contact and advice tailored to the facts.
Fixed fee clarity
A fixed fee for the agreed scope, explained before engagement. Government charges and third-party expenses are identified separately.
No monthly administration fees
Transparent costs without monthly administration fees. Any additional work is scoped and agreed before it proceeds.
A plan you can follow
Understand what to prepare, who supplies it and what comes next. Where we assist both parties, representation and confidentiality are addressed at engagement.
From information to a clear next step
- Share your starting point. Tell us the role, current visa, employer arrangements and any deadline.
- Understand the assessment. We identify the appropriate service, evidence questions and scope of advice.
- Decide with clear costs. Review the engagement and fee proposal before legal work begins.
Sources and further reading
- Home Affairs: cost of sponsoring
- Home Affairs: nominating a position
- Home Affairs: sponsor obligations
Published 26 October 2026. Official guidance and legislation should be checked again before acting. Examples are hypothetical and photographs are illustrative. Information on this website is general information and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements and government charges can change. Obtain advice specific to your circumstances.
