TSS 482 Visa and Start-Ups

The types of evidence that may be submitted by an applicant in support of their application, documents which are typically associated with established businesses – include, but are not limited to, the following:

• balance sheet or statement of position for the most recently concluded fiscal year (with comparative figures for previous fiscal year)
• profit and loss statement (or statement of performance) for the most recently concluded fiscal year, with comparative figures for the previous fiscal year
• business tax returns for the most recently concluded fiscal year
• if the fiscal period to which the financial statements or tax returns submitted relate ended more than 3 months before the application was lodged – a business activity statement (BAS) for each complete quarter between the end of the fiscal period and the date of application lodgement
• detailed business plan
• contract of sale relating to the purchase of the business
• lease agreement relating to business premises
• evidence of lease or purchase of, for example, machinery, equipment or furniture
• contracts to provide services
• evidence of employment of staff
• business bank statement covering the period of operation
• annual report
• letter of support from the accountant to the business.

An SBS applicant could provide a combination of any of the above examples of documentation as evidence of their business operation. The type and extent of the evidence required would vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant.

To assist with assessment of whether the applicant meets the ‘operating a business’ component of the criterion, DHA may, if necessary, request more information than what the applicant has already provided.

Steps for a start-up to sponsor a worker in 2026

1. Set up the business properly. Register the business (for example an ABN, and an ACN if it is a company), open a business bank account and keep records that show real trading activity.
2. Apply for standard business sponsorship. Provide evidence that the business is lawfully operating, using the documents listed above. A business plan, contracts, a lease and bank statements are especially useful for a business that has traded for less than 12 months.
3. Test the local labour market. In most cases you need to advertise the position, generally at least two advertisements within the four months before you lodge the nomination, unless an exemption applies.
4. Lodge the nomination. Show that the position is genuine, matches the nominated occupation and will pay at least the market salary rate and the Core Skills Income Threshold ($79,423 from 1 July 2026). The Skilling Australians Fund levy is also payable with the nomination.
5. Meet your sponsor obligations. Once approved, you must pay the agreed salary, keep records and notify the Department of certain changes.

Common issues for start-ups

• Very small or new businesses nominating senior management roles are looked at closely, so make sure the role fits the size and activity of the business. See tasks of the position and nominated occupation and assessing genuineness.
• The business must be able to afford the salary. Cash flow forecasts and evidence of funding (for example investment or contracts) help.
• Founders who want to sponsor themselves through their own company face extra scrutiny. See our 482 visa self sponsorship guide.
• If you are a founder or investor with an outstanding record, the National Innovation visa (subclass 858) may be an alternative to employer sponsorship.

Related guides

• Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
• Standard business sponsorship
• National Innovation visa (subclass 858)
• Labour market testing
• Book a consultation
• Tasks of the position and nominated occupation
• Recruiting for Healthcare Positions Overseas
• Work Visas
• TSS 482 visa: Adverse Information
• TSS 482 visa: Direct employer or associated entity
• ‘Legacy 457 Worker’ Age Limit Exemption for 186 Permanent Visa
• 482 TSS visa self sponsorship
• TSS 482 Visa and Start-Ups
• Assessing genuineness: 482 TSS visa