Approved Work Sponsor Register: What Employers and Migrants Need to Know
The Australian Government is taking steps to improve transparency and reduce exploitation in employer-sponsored migration. Under the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025, a new Approved Work Sponsor Register will be published to shine a light on businesses sponsoring skilled workers.
This could significantly impact employers, skilled visa applicants, and HR professionals involved in employer-sponsored migration. Here’s what you need to know — and how to prepare.
👉 Need help navigating sponsorship obligations? Book a free discovery call with One Planet Migration today.
Key Takeaways
The proposed Bill introduces a public register of approved work sponsors.
The register will include business names, ABNs, postcodes, and details of sponsored workers.
This aims to combat migrant exploitation and increase accountability.
The Bill was introduced on 6 November 2025 and may become law within six months of Royal Assent.
What Is the Approved Work Sponsor Register?
Under the proposed legislation, the Department of Home Affairs will maintain a publicly accessible register of approved work sponsors. This includes both Standard Business Sponsors (SBS) and Accredited Sponsors.
What information will be published?
If the Bill is passed, the register will include:
Name of the approved work sponsor
Australian Business Number (ABN)
Business postcode
Number of skilled migrants nominated
Occupations of the nominated workers
This register will be hosted on the Department of Home Affairs website to allow transparency and public scrutiny of sponsorship activity across Australia.
Why Is This Change Being Proposed?
The register forms part of the Government’s broader initiative to combat migrant exploitation in employer-sponsored visa programs, including the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 186 visa.
Goals of the Register:
Increase public accountability for employers.
Provide insight into occupation and location trends.
Help ensure businesses are acting ethically and lawfully in their sponsorship obligations.
When Will the Register Come Into Effect?
The Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 was introduced and read for the first time in Parliament on 6 November 2025.
If passed, the Bill will commence either:
On a date set by proclamation, or
Six months after receiving Royal Assent — whichever comes first.
You can view the full Bill text, explanatory memorandum, and progress tracker on the Australian Parliament House website.
What This Means for Employers
If you're an Australian business sponsoring skilled migrants, your sponsorship activity may soon be made public. This means your business name, ABN, and information about your sponsored workers could appear on a government website.
How to Prepare:
Review your compliance with sponsorship obligations under the Migration Act.
Ensure your records and reporting are up to date.
Consider the public perception of your recruitment practices.
For help with compliance and strategic sponsorship advice, reach out to One Planet Migration.
📞 Book a free discovery call with our experienced migration lawyers.
What This Means for Skilled Migrants
For visa applicants and skilled workers, the register offers:
Greater transparency in employer sponsorship.
A way to identify genuine sponsors with a track record of nominations.
More visibility into which occupations are being sponsored — and where.
This could help you make more informed decisions about potential employers and job opportunities in Australia.
FAQs
Will all sponsors be listed on the register?
Only approved Standard Business Sponsors and Accredited Sponsors who have nominated skilled workers will be included on the register.
Can the public see the names of sponsored workers?
No. The register will only include the number of nominations and the occupations of sponsored workers — not personal names or visa details.
Is the register live yet?
No. The Bill must first pass through Parliament. If passed, it will come into effect six months after receiving Royal Assent or earlier by proclamation.
How will this affect small businesses?
Small businesses that sponsor skilled migrants will also be listed, meaning they’ll need to ensure strict compliance with sponsorship obligations to avoid reputational risk.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalised advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for up-to-date guidance.
