Employer Sponsorship Costs Breakdown 2026 — What You'll Really Pay
The True Cost of Sponsoring a Worker
Employer sponsorship involves multiple fees across several stages. Many businesses are surprised by the total cost when they add everything up. Here is a transparent breakdown of what you will actually pay in 2026.
Government Fees
| Fee | 482 Visa | 186 Visa | 494 Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship application | $420 | $420 | $420 |
| Nomination | $330 | $540 | $540 |
| Visa (main applicant) | $1,455 | $4,640 | $4,640 |
| Skilling Australians Fund (per year) | $1,200-1,800 | $3,000-5,000 (one-off) | $3,000-5,000 (one-off) |
Professional Fees
- Migration agent fees: $3,000-8,000 depending on visa type and complexity
- Skills assessment: $500-3,000 depending on the assessing authority
- English test: $300-400 (paid by worker, but some employers cover this)
- Health examination: $300-500 per person (paid by worker typically)
- Police clearances: $50-200 per country
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Labour Market Testing advertising: $500-2,000 for compliant job ads
- Relocation assistance: Flights, temporary accommodation — budget $3,000-10,000
- Training plan (407 visa): $1,100 if using Widen Migration Experts
- Travel costs on termination: Sponsors must pay reasonable travel costs if employment ends — budget $2,000-5,000
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total |
|---|---|
| 482 visa (simple, single applicant) | $8,000-12,000 |
| 482 visa (with family) | $12,000-18,000 |
| 186 visa (direct entry) | $12,000-20,000 |
| 494 visa (regional) | $12,000-18,000 |
Is It Worth It?
For most businesses facing genuine skill shortages, the answer is yes. The cost of leaving a critical role unfilled — lost productivity, missed contracts, overworked existing staff — typically far exceeds the sponsorship cost. And with a 482 visa lasting up to 4 years, the per-year cost is very manageable.
Talk to our migration agent for a personalised cost estimate for your situation.
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