February 5, 2026
When planning a move to Australia—or preparing to hire overseas talent—the most important question is usually the financial one: what is the real sponsorship visa cost in Australia?
The answer is rarely straightforward. Australian sponsorship visa costs are not a single figure. Instead, they combine government charges, compulsory levies, and personal expenses, all of which vary depending on the visa subclass and the size of the sponsoring business.
At Visa Store Australia, we believe transparency around costs is essential to building a successful migration journey. This guide has been designed as a clear, detailed breakdown of the expenses linked to the:
- Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482)
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored visa (Subclass 494)
Whether you are an employer budgeting for recruitment or a professional relocating to Australia, this resource will help ensure there are no unexpected financial surprises.
1. Who Pays What? Legal Rules & Ethical Responsibilities
Before looking at specific figures, it is critical to understand the legal framework governing sponsorship costs in Australia.
The Department of Home Affairs strictly regulates who can pay certain expenses to prevent worker exploitation.
Employer obligations
Australian law clearly states that employers must not transfer sponsorship-related costs to the employee. This includes:
- Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) costs
- Nomination fees
- The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
Attempting to recover these costs—whether directly or indirectly through salary deductions—can result in serious penalties, fines, and loss of sponsorship rights.
Employee responsibilities
In most situations, the employee is responsible for:
- Their visa application charge
- Fees for partners or children
- Medical examinations
- English language testing
That said, many competitive Australian employers choose to cover some or all of these costs as part of a relocation or employment package to secure highly skilled candidates.
Migration agent professional fees
Who pays migration agent fees is usually determined through individual negoti.ation
- For employers: At Visa Store Australia, we provide free 30-minute consultations for Australian businesses to map out sponsorship strategies with no upfront cost.
- For employees: Professional fees vary depending on case complexity and the migration agent involved. Some employers cover these costs, while many applicants prefer to pay independently to ensure their personal and family interests are fully represented.
2. Employer Costs: Sponsorship and Nomination Investment
For Australian businesses, the cost of sponsoring an employee typically falls into three core categories:
| Fee Type | 482 (Skills in Demand) | 186 (ENS) | 494 (Regional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Fee (SBS) | $420 (valid 5 years) | N/A | N/A |
| Nomination Fee | $330 | $540 | $0 |
| SAF Levy – Small Business | $1,200 per year | $3,000 once | $3,000 once |
| SAF Levy – Large Business | $1,800 per year | $5,000 once | $5,000 once |
A small business is defined as having annual turnover below $10 million.
For the 482 visa, the SAF levy must be paid upfront for the full visa period. For example, a four-year 482 visa sponsored by a small business requires a $4,800 SAF payment.
3. Applicant Costs: Visa Application Charges (VAC)
Visa application charges are paid directly to the government and increase when dependants are included.
| Visa Subclass | Main Applicant | Partner (18+) | Child (<18) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 482 | $3,035 | $3,035 | $760 |
| 186 (Permanent) | $4,710 | $2,355 | $1,180 |
| 494 | $4,710 | $2,355 | $1,180 |
Expert insight: adding family later
If family members are added after the main visa lodgement—such as adding a partner to a 482 visa—they are treated as subsequent entrants.
While the base government charge remains similar, this approach can lead to longer processing times and potential additional secondary costs.
For this reason, including family members in the initial application is usually the most efficient and cost-effective pathway.
4. Hidden Costs Many Sponsorship Visa Guides Miss
Beyond official government fees, several mandatory but often overlooked expenses can significantly affect the total sponsorship visa cost in Australia.
- Second instalment English fee: For 186 and 494 visas, if a dependant cannot demonstrate Functional English (around IELTS 4.5 equivalent), a second instalment fee of $4,890 must be paid before visa grant.
This fee funds government-supported English classes in Australia. - Bridging visa travel costs: Applicants in Australia typically transition to a Bridging Visa A (BVA) while their visa is processed.
If overseas travel is required during this time, a Bridging Visa B (BVB) is needed, costing about $190. - NAATI document translations: Non-English documents must be translated by a NAATI-certified translator, usually adding $500–$1,000 depending on document volume.
- Skills assessments and medical examinations: Typical costs include:
- Skills assessment: $800–$2,500
- Medical exams: approximately $350–$500 per person
These expenses are essential for a valid visa application but are often overlooked during early budgeting.
5. Regional Pathway Savings: The 494 Visa Advantage
The 494 visa can offer cost benefits in specific areas.
While employers must still pay the $3,000–$5,000 SAF levy, the nomination fee is $0, reducing upfront government charges.
However, most regional nominations require endorsement from a Regional Certifying Body (RCB), which usually charges an administrative review fee of $300–$700.
6. The Real Financial Risk: Visa Refusal
One of the most significant—and frequently underestimated—costs is application refusal.
If a nomination is refused due to technical errors (for example, mistakes in Labour Market Testing), the SAF levy is generally not refunded.
For large businesses sponsoring through the 186 visa, this could mean an immediate $5,000 loss.
This is why professional migration assistance should be viewed not simply as a service, but as financial risk protection for both employers and applicants.
Get Clarity on Your Sponsorship Visa Costs
Every migration journey is different, and guessing the costs can be risky. Speak with our team to receive a transparent, personalised cost breakdown for your specific sponsorship visa, with fixed fees and expert guidance from the start.
Visit our contact page now to secure your appointment.
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How to sponsor an employee for a work visa
Australian visa sponsorship requirements
