A common myth circulating is that sponsoring a Subclass 482 visa requires an employer to have an annual turnover of over AUD 1 million. This is not entirely accurate. In reality, the turnover requirement is applied as a caveat specifically to certain occupations, primarily in business and some management roles. Let's delve into the details of the 482 employer turnover requirement.

Scope of the Turnover Requirement

Applicable Occupations:
This requirement mainly targets business and specific management roles, such as:

Accountant

Marketing Specialist

Management Consultant

Recruitment Consultant

Corporate Services Manager

Sales and Marketing Manager

Supply and Distribution Manager

For the positions listed above, the immigration authorities do impose a mandatory requirement that the sponsoring employer's annual turnover must exceed AUD 1 million.

However! For other occupations not listed above, there is no strict turnover requirement.

Successful Case Examples (Without the $1M Turnover):

Insurance Broker: We have successful cases where a small business with a turnover of just over AUD 200,000 successfully sponsored an Insurance Broker.

Cook, Chef, and Automotive Trades: We have cases where employers with turnovers in the AUD 400,000 - 500,000 range successfully sponsored these professions.

Hairdresser: Given the typical scale of this industry, turnovers below $1 million are common, and sponsorship is regularly approved.

Nurses in Aged Care, Residential Care Officer: We have cases approved with an employer turnover of around AUD 700,000.

Key Considerations

Turnover is Not the Only Criterion
Even if an employer's turnover exceeds $1 million, it does not guarantee sponsorship approval. Using the Accountant role as an example:

If sponsored by an accounting firm with over $1M turnover, it's usually acceptable.

If an company sponsors its in-house accountant but the company's turnover is only $1M, it may be deemed insufficient. A small business at this scale might not justify a full-time, qualified accountant role to the Department.

Furthermore, the definition of "Accountant" by the Department is strict. Roles like Bookkeeper, Payroll Officer, Accounts Payable/Receivable are typically not considered eligible accounting positions.

Assessment of Business Operations
If the company's financials show significant losses or other operational issues, it is highly recommended to seek professional advice before lodging the application.

Summary

A hard requirement for employer turnover exceeding AUD 1 million exists for specific occupations (mainly in business and some management roles).

For most other occupations, there is no strict turnover threshold.

Turnover is just one reference point. The company's overall operational health and the genuine need for the position are equally important factors in the assessment.

Before applying, thoroughly review the employer's financial and operational status to ensure it meets the Department's requirements, and confirm the specifics with a professional.

Need help assessing your sponsor's eligibility? Feel free to contact us for a professional consultation.