The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) issued MIA Notice 14 on 11 September 2026, reminding employers and migration practitioners involved in Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) applications about their obligations to correctly pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy.

While the notice is a compliance reminder rather than a new policy announcement, it highlights an important point: SAF Levy requirements must be carefully checked at the nomination stage to avoid delays or issues with employer-sponsored visa applications.

What Is the SAF Levy?

The Skilling Australians Fund Levy (SAF Levy) is a mandatory contribution paid by eligible sponsoring employers when lodging certain employer-sponsored visa nominations.

For the Subclass 186 ENS visa, the SAF Levy is a one-off payment made at the nomination stage.

The amount payable depends on the annual turnover of the nominating business:

• Small business (annual turnover under AUD $10 million): AUD $3,000
• Business with annual turnover of AUD $10 million or more: AUD $5,000

Unlike temporary employer-sponsored visas, the Subclass 186 SAF Levy is not calculated on a yearly basis.

Who Is Affected?

Any employer lodging a Subclass 186 nomination may be required to pay the SAF Levy, including nominations under:

• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream
• Direct Entry (DE) stream
• Labour Agreement stream

Employers should ensure the correct levy amount is paid when submitting the nomination application.

Why This Notice Matters

Failure to correctly meet SAF Levy obligations can create issues during nomination assessment and may affect the progress of the associated visa application.

A Subclass 186 visa application depends on having an approved nomination. If the nomination is refused due to compliance issues, the related visa application may also be impacted.

Employers who manage their own sponsorship process or rely on providers without specialised migration knowledge may be more likely to overlook important nomination requirements.

Practical Steps for Nominators

1. Confirm your business turnover to determine the correct SAF Levy amount before lodging the nomination.
2. Ensure the SAF Levy is paid correctly at the time of nomination lodgement.
3. Keep payment receipts and supporting records for future reference.
4. Review any pending or previous nominations if there is uncertainty about levy compliance.
5. Seek professional migration advice if you are unsure whether your nomination requirements have been properly met.

Key Takeaways

• MIA Notice 14 (11 September 2026) highlights the importance of SAF Levy compliance for Subclass 186 nominators.
• The SAF Levy for Subclass 186 is a one-off payment, not an annual charge.
• The current levy amounts are AUD $3,000 for small businesses and AUD $5,000 for larger businesses.
• Incorrect payment or failure to meet nomination requirements may affect the nomination assessment.
• Employers should confirm their SAF Levy obligations before lodging a Subclass 186 nomination.

If your business is preparing a Subclass 186 nomination and you are unsure about SAF Levy requirements or sponsorship compliance, obtaining professional advice before lodgement can help reduce avoidable risks.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

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