Australia Sponsor Register Update 2026: New Bill Passed for Employer Transparency (482 & 494 Visas)
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Last Updated: 10 April 2026
What Is the Australia Sponsor Register 2026?
The Australia sponsor register 2026 is part of a new legislative update that proposes greater transparency in employer sponsorship.
The Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 has now been passed by both Houses of Parliament on 1 April 2026.
This legislative update introduces a proposal to create a public register of approved work sponsors in Australia.
Important: This is not yet law. The Bill is currently awaiting Royal Assent and has not commenced.
What the Bill Proposes for Employer Sponsorship in Australia
The Bill proposes amendments to the Migration Act to allow the publication of information about approved sponsors.
The register will include:
Standard Business Sponsors (SBS)
Accredited Sponsors
It is intended that the register will be maintained by the Department of Home Affairs.
What Information Will Be Public
If implemented, the sponsor register may include:
Type of sponsor (standard or accredited)
Business name
ABN (Australian Business Number)
Business postcode
Number of nominations made
Occupations sponsored
This would make certain sponsorship information publicly accessible.
Who This May Be Relevant To
This update may be relevant to individuals considering employer-sponsored visa pathways in Australia.
This can include applicants for visas such as:
What This Means for You
If the Bill comes into effect:
You may be able to verify whether an employer is an approved sponsor
Sponsorship history may become more transparent
You can better assess whether an employer has sponsored your occupation before
This could help provide more visibility when choosing an employer for sponsorship.
Timeline: Current Status
27 November 2025 — Bill introduced
1 April 2026 — Passed both Houses of Parliament
Current status — Awaiting Royal Assent
Expected start — On proclamation or within 6 months after Royal Assent
Important: Not Yet in Effect
This is a legislative update only.
The sponsor register is not yet available
No changes currently apply to visa applications
Implementation will only occur after Royal Assent
Common Questions About the Sponsor Register
Is the sponsor register already available?
No. The register is not yet available. The legislation is still awaiting Royal Assent.
Will this affect my 482 or 494 visa application now?
No. This update does not currently change how visa applications are assessed.
Can I check my employer now?
Not yet. The register will only become available after the law is implemented.
Does being listed guarantee visa approval?
No. Being listed as an approved sponsor does not guarantee nomination or visa approval.
Why is the government introducing this register?
The purpose is to improve transparency by making certain sponsor information publicly available.
Summary
Australia is moving towards greater transparency in employer sponsorship through a proposed public register.
Once implemented, this may change how applicants evaluate employers before applying for visas such as Subclass 482 and Subclass 494.
Disclaimer
All content shared by RACC Migration and Education Services is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. It should not be relied on as a substitute for professional consultation.
This update relates to a legislative Bill that has not yet come into effect, and details may change following Royal Assent or further government announcements.
While the information provided is accurate at the time of publication, migration policies and requirements may change and can vary based on individual circumstances.
As a MARA-registered migration agency, we recommend seeking personalised advice from a registered migration agent before making any visa or sponsorship decisions.
How RACC Can Help
Migration law updates can create uncertainty, especially when new legislation may affect how you choose an employer or plan your visa pathway.
Our registered migration agents (MARN1572962, MARN1172003) stay up to date with legislative developments and help clients understand how changes may impact their individual circumstances.
We can assist with:
Understanding how the proposed sponsor register may affect your 482 or 494 visa pathway
Assessing whether an employer is suitable for sponsorship based on available information
Planning your visa strategy while the legislation is still not in effect
Explaining current sponsorship requirements and what remains unchanged
Monitoring updates from the Department of Home Affairs
Identifying risks when dealing with unfamiliar or new sponsoring employers
Preparing your application with the most up-to-date migration policy context
Book your consultation today to discuss your visa situation with our experienced migration team.
Registered Migration Agents: MARN1572962, MARN1172003
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