482 sponsorship cost calculator
Reviewed by a registered migration agent ·
MARN 1795282
Updated
Estimate the government costs of sponsoring an overseas worker on a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa. Visa charges are from the official Home Affairs table (checked 7 October 2026); sponsorship, nomination and SAF figures are current published amounts. Indicative only. Migration agent fees are not included.
Total:
Employer must pay: (sponsorship, nomination and SAF levy can't be recovered from the worker).
Not included: health checks, skills assessments, English tests, labour market testing advertising and professional fees. For the full process, see how to sponsor an overseas worker and our visa fees table.
Questions employers ask
How much does it cost to sponsor a worker on a 482 visa?
For a small business (turnover under $10M) sponsoring one worker with no family for 4 years, government costs are about A$9,565: Standard Business Sponsorship (~A$420), nomination (~A$330), the SAF levy (A$1,200 × 4 years) and the visa application charge (A$4,015). Migration agent fees are extra.
Who has to pay the SAF levy and nomination fee?
The employer. By law the Skilling Australians Fund levy and the sponsorship and nomination costs cannot be passed on to, or recovered from, the sponsored worker.
Is the SAF levy charged per year?
Yes. It is A$1,200 for each year of the visa if annual turnover is under $10 million, or A$1,800 per year at $10 million or more, paid upfront when you nominate.
For Australian employers
Sponsoring an overseas worker?
Sponsorship, nomination and the visa, handled end-to-end by a registered migration agent. Tell us about the role for a clear plan and written quote.