Monitoring of Sponsors

If you are approved as a sponsor you must comply with the sponsorship obligations. The department will monitor compliance with the sponsorship obligations and whether associated visa holders are abiding by their visa conditions.
See: Obligations

Routine monitoring is conducted from time to time and monitoring may also be initiated based on information provided to the department. This may take place during the approved sponsorship period and up to five years after the sponsorship ceases.

The department conducts monitoring in three main ways:

• exchanging information with other Commonwealth, state and territory government agencies, including the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Australian Taxation Office
• written requests to the sponsor to provide information in accordance with the obligation to provide records and information
• site visits usually to the sponsored business premises, with or without notice.

Monitoring may include investigations being conducted by Commonwealth officers called inspectors. Inspectors have certain investigative powers under the Migration Act 1958. Failure to cooperate with inspectors is a breach of the sponsorship obligations and the department may take action against the sponsor. Details on the actions the department may take is available.
See: Sanctions for Failing to Satisfy Sponsorship Obligations

All written communication about the department's monitoring requirements will be sent directly to the sponsor, unless they have authorised another person, including migration agents, to act and receive information on their behalf. The sponsorship obligations (including the obligations to cooperate and provide information to the department) will remain with the sponsor even if you have authorised another person to act and receive information on their behalf.