Government charges for 2026–27, itemised in 10 seconds. No email required to see your number.
By law, none of these charges can be passed on to the worker. The worker’s own visa application charge, skills assessment and health checks are separate and may be paid by the worker.
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Get the free checklistGeneral information only — not immigration advice for your circumstances. Government fees shown are current as at July 2026 (Department of Home Affairs; DEWR SAF levy settings) and are indexed periodically. Professional fees not included. Immigrad · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 1805710.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total cost to sponsor a worker on a subclass 482 visa?
Government charges for a four-year subclass 482 nomination by a small business come to roughly AUD 9,235: AUD 420 Standard Business Sponsorship, AUD 330 nomination, AUD 4,800 Skilling Australians Fund levy at AUD 1,200 per year, and the AUD 4,015 visa application charge. The employer pays the first three; the applicant normally pays the visa charge. Figures verified on 6 September 2026.
Which sponsorship costs must the employer pay?
The employer must pay the Standard Business Sponsorship charge, the nomination charge and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. The Department of Home Affairs states these costs cannot be transferred to the visa holder or their family members, and the levy in particular must not be passed on. Recovering these costs from a worker is a breach of sponsorship obligations and can lead to sanctions.
Is the Skilling Australians Fund levy refundable if the application is refused?
Generally no. The Department of Home Affairs states it will not refund sponsorship and nomination costs if an application is unsuccessful. A limited refund of the levy is available in narrow circumstances set out in the Migration Regulations, such as where the nomination is approved but the associated visa application is refused on health or character grounds.
How is the Skilling Australians Fund levy calculated?
The levy depends on the sponsoring business turnover and, for the subclass 482, the nominated period of stay. A business with turnover under AUD 10 million pays AUD 1,200 per year or part year for a subclass 482 nomination; a larger business pays AUD 1,800. For subclass 186 and subclass 494 nominations the levy is a one-off AUD 3,000 or AUD 5,000 respectively.
Are sponsorship costs tax deductible?
The Department of Home Affairs states that Skilling Australians Fund levy payments are tax deductible. How other sponsorship, nomination and migration advice costs are treated depends on the business circumstances, so confirm the position with your accountant or registered tax agent. Immigrad provides migration advice and does not provide taxation advice.
Related pages
- All employer-sponsored visas
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa
- Subclass 186 permanent residence
- Speak to a registered migration agent
This page is general information only and does not take your circumstances into account. Complex cases need personal advice from a registered migration agent. Immigrad is operated by Oceans Consultancy Pty Ltd; Gaurav Duggal, MARN 1805710. Contact Immigrad.