How Much Does an Employer-Sponsored Visa Cost in Australia?

Employers can sponsor skilled workers to work in Australia through employer sponsored visas. Many skilled workers have questions about the costs of applying for an employer-sponsored visa in Australia. Depending on the visa stream, employment type, applicants' naturalisation status, right to work in Australia, and family relationships, employers may incur different fees for Employer Sponsored Visas in Australia.

The fee structure for employer-sponsored visas can vary according to age, occupation, employer obligations, and whether or not the employee has dependents. Understanding how these factors affect the cost associated with the employer-sponsored visa application process will help both employers and employees plan for the costs they may incur during the visa application process. The fee schedule breaks down the costs related to Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186, and all other direct costs associated with employer sponsorship.

Overview of Employer-Sponsored Visa Costs

The cost of an employer-sponsored visa does not just consist of the Visa fees, but includes multiple different costs, including:

• Government visa application charges (paid by the applicant)
  

• Nomination fees (which are commonly paid by the Employer)

• Sponsorship fees (for businesses)
  

• The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy (which is paid solely by the Employer)
  

• Costs such as health checks, skills assessments, police checks, and biometric assessments.

Therefore, these components present the complete picture of what it financially entails when applying for an Australian employer-sponsored visa.

1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) Costs

The employer sponsored visa 482, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS), allows skilled workers to fill labour shortages in Australia. It includes three main streams—Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labour Agreement.

Applicant Visa Fees

These fees may increase each financial year.

Employer Costs

Employers sponsoring a 482 visa applicant must pay:

1. Nomination Fee – AUD $330
   
   

2. The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy is assessed according to an annual company's revenue.
   
   

• Businesses with turnover under $10 million:
  AUD $1,200 per year of visa validity
  
  

• Businesses with turnover above $10 million:
  AUD $1,800 per year of visa validity
  
  

Example:
For a 4-year Medium-Term 482 visa under a large business, SAF levy = 4 × $1,800 = $7,200.

Other Expenses

• Skills Assessment (if required): AUD $500–$1,500
  
  

• Medical Examination: AUD $350–$450 per person
  
  

• Police Clearance: AUD $50–$100
  
  

The 482 visa generally involves shared costs between the worker and employer. However, the SAF levy must be paid only by the employer, as per the Australian immigration agent Perth WA.

2. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Costs

The Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa is a permanent pathway to Australian residency for employees who have been sponsored by their employer(s). There are three streams within this visa class: direct entry, temporary transition and labour agreement.

Visa Application Fees

Employer Costs

• Nomination Fee – AUD $540
  
  

• Mandatory SAF Levy:
  
  

• All businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million must pay a one-time fee of AUD $3,000 and 

• Turnover of more than $10 million must pay a one-time fee of AUD $5,000.

Additional Costs

• Skills assessment (if necessary): from AUD $600-$1,200

• Medical exam: from AUD $350-$450 per applicant

• Police check: from AUD $50-$100 each

• English test (if applicable): from AUD $410-$450
  
  

Since Subclass 186 is a permanent visa, the cost is higher compared to a temporary skill shortage visa. It is considered one of the most valuable pathways for workers seeking long-term stability in Australia.

3. Why Do Employers Pay the SAF Levy?

The Skilling Australians Fund levy is a mandatory cost designed to support training programs for Australian workers. Employers must pay this levy themselves—they cannot pass it to the employee or recover it later.

The amount differs between temporary and permanent visas and depends on:

• Length of the visa (for 482)
  
  

• Business size (turnover threshold)
  
  

This levy significantly increases total employer costs but ensures compliance with Australian workplace and training standards.

4. Additional Costs Applicants Should Consider

Besides the official visa fees, applicants could be required to pay for:

a. Skills Assessment

Certain occupations are subject to skills assessment prior to applying. There are numerous assessing agencies available, like VETASSESS, TRA, ANMAC, or Engineers Australia, that charge varying amounts for the assessment.

b. English Language Test

It may also be necessary to take an English language proficiency examination, for example, IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The range of prices for these tests is 2023 approximately AUD 410–450.

c. Health Insurance (for 482 visa applicants)

All temporary visa holders are required to maintain sufficient health insurance coverage for themselves and their accompanying family members while they hold their visa in Australia.

d. Document Translation

Certain documents for people applying for visas may need certified translations. These extra fees, while leaning towards the cost of the visa, represent an additional cost to complete your financial readiness for an employer sponsored visa.

5. Which Visa Is More Expensive?

Here is a quick comparison:

If your long-term goal is permanent residency, the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 provides better value despite higher upfront costs.

Although the cost of applying for an Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 is slightly higher up front than the subclass 482, if your long-term objective is to obtain a permanent resident visa, the subclass 186 will provide a much better outcome for the price.

6. Final Thoughts: How Much Should You Expect to Spend?

The total cost of your application for an employer sponsored visa will be dependent on: 

• The type of visa (temporary subclass 482 or permanent subclass 186)
  
  

• Number of dependents
  
  

• Employer’s turnover
  
  

• Skills assessment and health checks
  
  

• Duration of sponsorship
  
  

On average:

• A 482 Visa will cost the applicant approximately A$3,000 to A$7,000 (excluding employer-paid fees).
  
  

• A 186 Visa will cost the applicant approximately A$5,000 to A$8,000.
  
  

• Depending on the visa stream and SAF levy requirements, Employers may pay for the entire Visa application with prices ranging from A$3,300 to A$10,000+ for each employee.

If Employers and Applicants know the estimated costs, they can prepare their finances to reduce the chances of delays or rejections.