Understanding Costs

Navigating the financial responsibilities associated with employer-sponsored visa costs in Australia can be complex. At Immi Response, we prioritise clarity, transparency, and compliance, ensuring your business understands its obligations and avoids unexpected costs.

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Breakdown of Employer Sponsorship Costs

Understanding precisely who is responsible for each fee is crucial to maintaining compliance with Australian immigration laws. Below is a clear breakdown of the costs involved when sponsoring foreign workers:

1. Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Application

  • Fee: $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: $330 per nomination
    • Responsibility: Employer
  • Permanent Visas (e.g., Subclass 186):
    • Fee: $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: $1,200 per year per nominee
    • Businesses with turnover ≥ $10 million: $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 $3,210
    • Additional Applicants:
      • Adult (18+): $3,210
      • Child (under 18): $805
  • Permanent Visas (e.g., Subclass 186):
    • Primary Applicant: $4,910
    • Additional Applicants:
      • Adult (18+): $2,455
      • Child (under 18): $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.
  • Fee: Varies (typically $2,000–$6,000)
  • Responsibility:
    • Temporary Visas: The Employer must cover the 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)


Compliance Tips for Sponsoring Businesses

  • Cost Recovery Prohibited: Employers cannot recover sponsorship, nomination, or SAF levy costs from employees, including salary deductions or reimbursement requirements.
  • Clawback Clauses: Employers may include clawback clauses in employment contracts for permanent visas to recover certain costs if an employee leaves within a specified timeframe, provided these clauses comply with the Fair Work and Migration Regulations.
  • Transparency: Clearly document all financial arrangements in employment contracts to ensure both parties understand their obligations.

Summary Table of Responsibilities

Cost Component Temporary Visa (482) Permanent Visa (186) Responsibility
Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) $330 $540 Employer
Nomination Fee $420 $1,200–$1,800/year Employer
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy $3,000–$5,000 (one-time) From $3,115 Employer
Visa Application Charges (Primary Applicant) $3,210 $4910 Employee (or Employer)
Professional and Legal Fees $2,500–$6,000 $2,500–$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?

Immi Response is dedicated to providing transparent, personalised support throughout the employer sponsorship process. Our experienced team ensures you fully understand your financial responsibilities, safeguarding your compliance with Australian immigration laws.

Contact Immi Response today for tailored assistance that meets your business’s sponsorship needs.

 

Employer Sponsorship Costs: FAQs

Costs include government application fees, the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, and professional service fees. The exact amount depends on the visa type and the number of applicants.

The sponsoring employer must pay the SAF levy in full. It cannot be recovered from the sponsored employee.

Some costs, like visa application charges for secondary applicants, may be paid by the employee. However, employers must cover certain nomination and sponsorship costs under Australian law.

For businesses with a turnover under $10 million, it is $1, 200 per year per nominee. For larger businesses, it is $1, 800 per year per nominee.

Government fees are generally non-refundable. In some cases, unused SAF levy amounts may be refunded if the nomination is withdrawn before a decision.

It applies to most employer-sponsored visas, including Subclass 482 and Subclass 186, but not to short-term visas like Subclass 400.

Many sponsorship costs are legitimate business expenses. Speak with your accountant about your specific circumstances.

Yes—Immi Response provides transparent, fixed-fee quotes so employers know exactly what to budget.

Contact us for a tailored quote. We will outline all government fees, levies, and our professional service fees upfront.