Approved Work Sponsor Register: What Employers and Migrants Need to Know
The Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 proposes a public Approved Work Sponsor Register. This guide explains what will be published, why it matters for Standard Business Sponsors (SBS) and 482 sponsors, and how employers and migrants should prepare.
Book a free discovery call
Key takeaways
- A public register of approved work sponsors will list sponsor names, ABNs, postcodes and nomination data.
- The reform aims to increase transparency and help prevent migrant exploitation.
- SBS and Accredited Sponsors who nominate workers are expected to be included.
- Employers and migrants should review compliance and documentation now.
What information will the register include?
The proposed register will publish high-level sponsor information, including:
- Business name
- ABN
- Business postcode
- Number of skilled nominations
- Occupations of nominated workers (ANZSCO description/level)
Why is the register being proposed?
The Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Government have signalled that increased transparency will help detect exploitative sponsorship and encourage stronger compliance practices. The register complements enforcement powers and employer compliance checks already used by the Department.
When will the register take effect?
If the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 becomes law, it will commence either on a date set by proclamation or six months after Royal Assent — whichever occurs first. Employers should prepare now for earlier public visibility.
Practical steps for employers (SBS / 482 sponsors)
- Conduct a full compliance audit covering labour market testing, contracts, payroll and workplace conditions.
- Ensure records are complete, dated and auditable.
- Consider Accredited Sponsor status to improve processing and signal compliance.
- Train HR and recruitment teams on transparent processes and recordkeeping.
Skyline Migration Lawyers provides sponsor compliance audits and accreditation assistance. Book a free employer call
What this means for skilled migrants
The register will help migrants identify reputable sponsors and understand which occupations are being nominated in different locations. It will not publish personal details of sponsored workers.
Quick note: SBS and TSS (482) sponsors
The register will cover both Standard Business Sponsors and Accredited Sponsors who nominate under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS / 482) or related employer pathways. Small businesses should not assume they are exempt — all sponsors of nominated workers may be listed.
FAQs
- Will all sponsors be listed?
- Only approved SBS and Accredited Sponsors who submit nominations will appear on the register.
- Will employee names be published?
- No. The register will show aggregated nomination counts and occupations, not personal information.
- How should small businesses prepare?
- Review compliance, keep detailed records and consider steps to demonstrate good faith recruitment practices.
- When will the register be live?
- The register will only be operational after the Bill is passed and commenced — keep an eye on parliamentary updates.
How Skyline Migration Lawyers can help
We provide tailored support including sponsor compliance audits, Accredited Sponsor applications, nomination planning and HR training. Book a free discovery call
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not legal advice. Laws change frequently. For advice specific to your circumstances, contact Skyline Migration Lawyers.
