Complete Guide to Australia Employer Sponsored Visa Costs 2026: Fees, Hidden Charges and PR Pathways explained
If you considering migrating through an employer sponsored visa in australia, understanding the true cost in 2026 is critical. Visa fees employer charges, government levies, and migration agent costs can add up quickly. This complete guide to australia employer sponsored visa costs 2026 breaks down subclass 482, subclass 186 & PR pathways helping you budget confidently and Avoid costly surprises.
What Is an Employer Sponsored Visa in Australia
An australian employer sponsored visa allows skilled overseas workers to live & work in australia with sponsorship from an approved employer. Popular options include:
- Temporary skill shortage visa – Subclass 482
- Employer nomination scheme – Subclass 186
- Skilled employer sponsored visa australia pathways
These visas are widely used in healthcare, IT, engineering, construction and hospitality.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Cost: Subclass 482
The Subclass 482 visa fees 2026, include government visa fees and employer paid costs, where the main applicant pays AUD 1,455 an additional adult applicant pays AUD 1,455 & a child applicant pays AUD 365. Employer costs include the skilling australians fund Levy of AUD 1,200 per year for small businesses & AUD 1,800 per year for large businesses plus a nomination fee of AUD 330. Additional costs may include health checks, police clearance, English tests & migration agent fees (AUD 2,000\4,000) with an estimated total cost of AUD 4,500\8,000+.
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Fees, Subclass 186
The Subclass 186 visa cost is higher but provides permanent residency in australia. In 2026 the primary applicant fee is AUD 4,640, an additional adult pays AUD 2,320 & a child pays AUD 1,160. Employer costs include a nomination fee of AUD 540 and the SAF levy of AUD 3,000 for a small business or AUD 5,000 for a large business with the total australian employer sponsored PR cost estimated at AUD 7,000\12,000+.
Who Pays What? Employer vs Applicant
In employer sponsored visas, the SAF Levy and nomination fees are paid by the employer while the visa application charges, health checks and police clearance costs are paid by the applicant. Understanding this cost split is important to avoid illegal cost sharing arrangements as these can result in visa refusal.
Real World Example
A registered nurse sponsored under Subclass 482 by a hospital in Sydney typically pays AUD 3,000\4,000 while the employer pays AUD 6,000+ including the SAF levy.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about australia employer sponsored visa costs 2026 and visa fees for educational purposes only. Visa costs, eligibility & policies may change so always verify details with the australian department of home affairs or a registered migration agent.