Once approved, a temporary activity sponsor must meet a range of obligations.
They must cooperate with any inspectors appointed under the Migration Act 1958 to investigate compliance with sponsorship obligations. They must also notify the Department of Home Affairs of certain events, such as changes to the sponsored individual’s role or circumstances, as well as maintain records relevant to the sponsorship for the required period.
A critical obligation is that sponsors must not seek to recover sponsorship-related costs from the sponsored individual. It is unlawful for a person to pay an employer – directly or indirectly – to sponsor them for a visa. Breaches of this obligation can result in significant penalties for the sponsoring organisation. The sponsor must not transfer to or recover from anyone costs associated with the nomination and the sponsorship, including professional fees charged by migration practitioners.
Sponsors are also responsible for the cost of locating and removing a sponsored visa holder if they overstay their visa, up to a maximum of AUD $10,000. This obligation applies only to the period between when the person becomes unlawful and when they depart Australia.