Navigating the financial responsibilities of sponsoring foreign skilled workers in Australia can be intricate. At Immi Response, we prioritise clarity and compliance, ensuring that businesses understand their obligations and avoid unexpected costs.
Employer-Sponsored Migration Costs
Understanding who is responsible for each fee is crucial to maintaining compliance with Australian immigration laws. Below is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with sponsoring foreign workers:
1. Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Application
- Fee: AUD $420 (one-time, valid for 5 years)
- Responsibility: Employer
- Note: This fee covers the application to become an approved sponsor.
2. Nomination Fee
- Temporary Visas (e.g., Subclass 482):
- Fee: AUD $330 per nomination
- Responsibility: Employer
- Permanent Visas (e.g., Subclass 186):
- Fee: AUD $540 per nomination
- Responsibility: Employer
- Note: These fees are for nominating a specific position for the visa applicant.
3. Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy
- Fee:
- Businesses with turnover < $10 million: AUD $1,200 per year per nominee
- Businesses with turnover ≥ $10 million: AUD $1,800 per year per nominee
- Responsibility: Employer
- Note: This levy must be paid upfront for the duration of a visa (2-4 years) at the time of nomination and cannot be recovered from the employee.
4. Visa Application Charges
- Temporary Visas (e.g., Subclass 482):
- Primary Applicant: From AUD $3,210
- Additional Applicants:
- Adult (18+): AUD $3,210
- Child (under 18): AUD $805
- Permanent Visas (e.g., Subclass 186):
- Primary Applicant: AUD $4,910
- Additional Applicants:
- Adult (18+): AUD $2,455
- Child (under 18): AUD $1,230
- Responsibility: Employee (unless the employer chooses to cover these costs)
- Note: Employers may opt to pay these fees, but it’s not a legal requirement.
5. Professional and Legal Fees
- Fee: Varies (typically AUD $2,000–$6,000)
- Responsibility:
- Temporary Visas: Employer must cover fees related to sponsorship and nomination applications.
- Permanent Visas: Costs can be covered by either party, but clear agreements should be in place.
- Note: Employers cannot recover these costs from employees for temporary visas.
6. Additional Costs
- Examples:
- Health examinations
- Police clearances
- English language tests
- Document translations
- Responsibility: Employee (unless the employer chooses to cover these costs)
📌 Key Compliance Points
- Cost Recovery Prohibited: Employers cannot recover costs associated with sponsorship, nomination, or the SAF levy from employees. This includes salary deductions or requiring reimbursement.
- Clawback Clauses: For permanent visas, employers may include clawback clauses in employment contracts to recover certain costs if the employee leaves within a specified period. These clauses must comply with the Fair Work Act and Migration Regulations.
- Transparency: All financial arrangements should be clearly documented in employment contracts to ensure both parties are aware of their obligations.
🔍 Summary Table of Responsibilities
| Cost Component | Temporary Visas (e.g., 482) | Permanent Visas (e.g., 186) | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) | AUD $420 | AUD $420 | Employer |
| Nomination Fee | AUD $330 | AUD $540 | Employer |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy | AUD $1,200–$1,800/year | AUD $3,000–$5,000 (one-time) | Employer |
| Visa Application Charges | From AUD $3,115 | AUD $4,640 | Employee (or Employer) |
| Professional and Legal Fees | AUD $2,000–$6,000 | AUD $2,000–$6,000 | Employer/Employee |
| Additional Costs (e.g., health checks) | Varies | Varies | Employee (or Employer) |
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Department of Home Affairs’ official guide on the cost of sponsoring.immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Need Assistance?
At Immi Response, we are committed to providing transparent and comprehensive support throughout the sponsorship process. Our team ensures that you understand all financial obligations and remain compliant with Australian immigration laws. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and how we can assist you.
