How Much Does an Employer-Sponsored Visa Cost? (2026)
📌 Published by Nationwide Migration & Education
Author: Suman Dua, Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1800859)
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The cost of an employer-sponsored visa (the 482, 186 or 494) is made up of several separate pieces, and importantly, some are paid by the employer and some by the employee. Here is a clear breakdown of who pays what, so there are no surprises.
The Three Cost Buckets
•Government (Department of Home Affairs) charges: fixed fees set by the government
•The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy: a training contribution the employer must pay (and cannot lawfully pass to the employee)
•Professional fees: what a registered migration agent charges to prepare and manage the application
1. Government Charges
There are charges at each of the three stages:
•Sponsorship application (482/494): a fee to become a Standard Business Sponsor.
•Nomination fee: for the 186 this is $540. The nomination fee is nil only for the 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream where the position is in regional Australia. For the 186 Direct Entry stream the nomination fee applies no matter the location. For the 494 it is nil. The 482 nomination also carries a government fee.
•Visa application charge (VAC): paid for the visa itself, with separate amounts for the main applicant, adult family members and children.
These figures are indexed and change. Always confirm the current amounts on the Home Affairs website before relying on them.
2. The SAF Levy (Employer Pays)
The Skilling Australians Fund levy is a training contribution the sponsoring employer must pay. The amount depends on the visa and the employer's annual turnover:
Important: the SAF levy and the nomination charge are the employer's legal responsibility. It is unlawful for an employer to recover these from the employee.
3. Professional (Migration Agent) Fees
A registered migration agent charges a professional fee to assess your eligibility, prepare the sponsorship, nomination and visa, and manage the process. This is separate from the government charges above. At Nationwide Migration & Education we give you a clear, written quote at your consultation so you know the full picture upfront.
Who Pays for What?
Do Not Forget the Additional Costs
•Skills assessment fees (where required)
•English test fees (e.g. IELTS/PTE)
•Health examinations and police clearances (for each applicant)
•Family members' visa charges if they are included
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 482 visa cost?
It is made up of government charges (sponsorship, nomination and the visa application charge), the SAF levy (which the employer pays, $1,200 or $1,800 per nominated year depending on turnover), plus professional fees. Exact totals depend on your situation, so get a tailored quote.
Who pays for an employer-sponsored visa, the employer or the employee?
The employer must pay the sponsorship, nomination and SAF levy costs (the SAF cannot be passed to the employee). The visa application charge and individual costs like skills assessments and health checks are usually paid by the employee, though this can be agreed between the parties.
What is the SAF levy?
The Skilling Australians Fund levy is a mandatory training contribution paid by the sponsoring employer. It is $1,200 to $1,800 per year for the 482, and $3,000 to $5,000 for the 186 and 494, depending on turnover.
Can my employer make me pay the sponsorship costs?
No. It is unlawful for an employer to recover the sponsorship and nomination charges or the SAF levy from the employee.
Get an Accurate Quote for Your Situation
Because costs depend on the visa, the number of family members, the employer's turnover and the years nominated, the only way to know your real total is a tailored quote.
Book your consultation: https://hl.nationwidemigration.com.au/widget/bookings/482/494/186/407-consultation
Level 4, 320 Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD
nationwidemigration.com.au | +61 7 3726 5183 | MARN 1800859
Disclaimer
Figures reflect the position from 1 July 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees on the Department of Home Affairs website. General information only, not personal migration advice.
