The cost of sponsoring foreign workers in Australia.
Employer sponsorship involves multiple cost components — government charges, levies, and professional fees. Some are employer-only obligations. Some can be shared. Some cannot be recovered from the worker under any circumstances. Here is a clear breakdown.
Immi Response professional fees.
Fixed fee per application, quoted in writing before any work begins. No retainers. For temporary visas, the employer must cover sponsorship and nomination fees and cannot recover them from the worker.
482 — Temporary
| SBS application | $2,200 |
| Nomination | $2,200 |
| Visa application | $2,200 |
| Each secondary applicant | $880 |
186 — Permanent
| ENS nomination | $2,200 |
| 186 visa application | $2,200 |
| Each secondary applicant | $1,100 |
All professional fees are fixed and quoted in writing before any work begins. Government charges (SBS, nomination, SAF levy, visa application charge) are additional — see the full breakdown below.
Total cost to sponsor one worker. 482 vs 186, primary applicant.
| Cost component | 482 (4 yr) | 186 | Who pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBS application | $420 | N/A | Employer |
| Nomination fee | $330 | $540 | Employer |
| SAF levy | $4,800 (4yr, small biz) | $3,000–$5,000 one-off | Employer only — not recoverable |
| Visa application charge | $3,210 | $4,910 | Worker (or employer) |
| Professional fees | $5,500 (bundle) | $4,400 (nom + visa) | Employer (temp) / either (perm) |
| Employer total (excl. VAC) | ~$11,050 | ~$7,940–$9,940 | Small–large business |
Government charges current as at [INSERT DATE]. 482 SAF shown for a 4-year nomination //t small-business rate ($1,200/yr); larger businesses pay $1,800/yr. 186 SAF is a one-off $3,000 (small business) to $5,000 (turnover ≥ $10M). Secondary applicants add $880 each (482) or $1,100 each (186) in professional fees, plus government dependant charges. Your total depends on turnover, visa length, and dependants — we quote in writing before any work begins.
Know exactly what it will cost
before you commit.
Book a strategy call. We'll give you a complete cost breakdown for your specific situation — government charges, professional fees, and SAF levy — before any work begins.
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