In 2026, the Australian migration landscape has undergone its most significant transformation in a decade. The old TSS 482 system has been replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) framework, and as of January 15, 2026, a new mandatory $230 Work Licence fee has taken effect for most visa extensions. Whether you are a business owner looking to address labor shortages or a skilled professional planning your future, understanding the Australia employer sponsored visa costs 2026 is critical to avoiding “nasty surprises” at lodgment.
Core Government Fees
The government fees for the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) are updated every year. This happens because of indexation in the 2025–26 financial year. Here is a simple breakdown of the main fees for the SID visa and permanent residency (PR) fees.
For the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa and Permanent Residency (Subclass 186):
- Primary Applicant (SID 482): $3,210. This applies to all three SID tiers.
- Adult Dependent (18+): $3,210. This is for a partner or adult child.
- Child Dependent (<18): $805. This is per child.
- Work Licence Fee: $230. This is a new requirement from January 2026.
- 186 ENS (Direct Entry): $4,910. This is the permanent residency cost.
- Subsequent Temp. Application Charge: $700. This applies if you apply for a second visa while already in Australia.
These fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs. They can change slightly each year, but these are the rates in 2026.
The “Work Licence” Hook
From January 15, 2026, there is a new $230 fee called the Work Licence fee. This is a separate charge for compliance monitoring. It applies when people renew or extend their work rights in Australia. The fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is refused. This change affects many temporary visa holders, including those on the SID 482 visa. It helps the government monitor work rules and make sure everything follows the law. Employers and workers need to plan for this extra cost when they extend visas.
Employer-Mandatory Costs
Under the Migration Act 1958, employers cannot pass some costs to the worker. These are called non-recoverable costs. Employers must pay them as business expenses. Many of these costs are tax-deductible for the company.
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy 2026 Rates
The SAF levy is a mandatory payment. Employers pay it when they nominate a worker. It helps train Australians. The amount depends on the business size:
- Small Business (turnover less than $10 million): $1,200 per year of the visa.
- Large Business (turnover more than $10 million): $1,800 per year of the visa.
Other Employer Fees
- Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Fee: $420. This is valid for 5 years.
- Nomination Fee: $330 for SID 482; $540 for ENS 186.
Employers pay these upfront. They cannot ask the worker to pay them back. If they try, there can be big penalties.
The Three-Tier Salary Strategy
In 2026, the visa has three tiers based on salary. This decides the stream and some benefits. The TSMIT is now $76,515. It is indexed every year and is important for moving to permanent residency (PR gateway).
- Specialist Skills Stream ($141,210+) This stream is for very high-skilled people. It excludes some trades. The benefit is fast processing, often in 7 days. It is good for top talent in fields like tech or engineering.
- Core Skills Stream ($76,515 – $141,210) This is the main path for many jobs. It includes nurses, IT workers, chefs, and others on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The salary must meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR). This stream is common for skilled workers.
- Essential Skills Stream (Under $76,515) This stream is only for special cases. It uses Labour Agreements. It is mainly for aged care, disability support, and similar sectors where there are big shortages.
The salary thresholds help match workers to jobs that Australia needs most.
Applicant-Paid & “Hidden” Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Besides the main visa fees, there are other costs that the applicant usually pays. These are for checks and tests.
- Skills Assessment Fees 2026: $800 – $1,500. This depends on the authority, like VETASSESS or ACS.
- English Test Price 2026: $395 – $475. This is for tests like PTE Academic or IELTS.
- Medical Checks (Bupa or similar): $350 – $550 per person.
- Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC): About $150 – $400 per month. This is required for 482 visa holders.
- Migration Agent Fees: Usually $5,500 to $7,500 for a full package that helps both the company and the applicant.
These costs add up. People should budget for them early.
Case Study: Sponsoring a Family of Four (2026)
Imagine a large Australian tech company sponsors a Senior Developer in the Specialist Stream. The salary is high. The worker has a spouse and two children. The visa is for 4 years.
Employer Costs (Non-recoverable):
- SBS Fee: $420
- Nomination Fee: $330
- SAF Levy: $1,800 x 4 years = $7,200
- Total Employer: $7,950
Visa Charges (paid to government):
- Main Applicant: $3,210
- Partner: $3,210
- Two Children: $805 x 2 = $1,610
- Work Licence Fees: $230 x 2 (for main and partner) = $460
- Total Visa Charges: $8,490
Grand Total Government and Employer Spend: $16,440
This example shows how costs can add up for a family. Small businesses would pay less SAF levy.
FAQ: Australia Employer Sponsored Visa Costs
Is the SAF levy tax deductible for Australian companies?
Yes. Most costs for recruiting and sponsoring skilled migrants are tax-deductible. They count as normal business costs.
What are the Migration Act Section 324 compliance costs?
These are not direct fees. But companies must follow rules to avoid penalties. For example, paying for sponsorship can lead to fines over $79,200 per breach for a company.
Can I switch from a 485 Graduate Visa to a 482 in 2026?
Yes, you can. But if you apply onshore, you pay the $700 Subsequent Temporary Application Charge and the $230 Work Licence fee.
Conclusion: Ready to Hire or Move?
The 2026 migration system is faster and clearer. But it needs more money and transparency. For employers, the biggest difference is the SAF levy between small and large businesses. For applicants, the $76,515 TSMIT is the key number for permanent residency.
Want a personalized 2026 cost breakdown for your business? Comment below with your industry and business size. Share this guide with your HR team to stay 2026-compliant!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources, such as the official Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA), before making financial or legal decisions.