The charges, one by one
| Charge | 482 | 186 | Who pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Business Sponsorship | A$420, once per business, valid 5 years | Not needed | Employer |
| Nomination | A$330 per position | A$540 per position | Employer |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, turnover under A$10m | A$1,200 per year of the visa | A$3,000 one-off | Employer |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, turnover A$10m or more | A$1,800 per year of the visa | A$5,000 one-off | Employer |
| Visa application charge, main applicant | A$4,015 | A$6,140 | Worker or employer |
| Each family member 18 and over | A$4,015 | A$3,070 | Worker or employer |
| Each family member under 18 | A$1,005 | A$1,535 | Worker or employer |
The sponsorship, nomination and levy are the employer’s costs and a sponsor must not recover them from the worker. Charges are indexed each 1 July.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to sponsor a worker in Australia in 2026? For a two-year 482 at small-business rates, the employer's government charges are A$3,150: A$420 sponsorship, A$330 nomination and A$2,400 levy. The visa application charge of A$4,015 for the worker is on top, paid by the worker or the employer.
Can I ask the worker to pay the sponsorship costs? No. The sponsorship, nomination and Skilling Australians Fund levy are the employer's costs, and a sponsor must not recover them from the worker. The visa application charge can be paid by either.
Do I need sponsorship approval for a 186? No. A 186 Employer Nomination Scheme nomination does not require Standard Business Sponsorship; the 482 does.
Found the numbers work? Find the worker
Free employer registration shows how many sponsorship-ready candidates exist for your occupation and where they are. No charge until you unlock a contact.
Want the sponsorship, nomination and visa handled? WIDEN (Keshab Chapagain, MARN 1576536) can check your position and lodge them; start with a 30-minute consultation, A$330 inc. GST, credited if you engage.
General information only, not migration advice. SponsorTalent is a marketplace; migration advice is provided by WIDEN (Keshab Chapagain, MARN 1576536) under a service agreement. Figures are the Department of Home Affairs charges and thresholds in force from 1 July 2026, checked 7 November 2026; they are indexed each 1 July, so confirm on the Home Affairs website before you rely on them.