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.
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.
5. Professional and Legal Fees
- 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.
