Are you dreaming of working and living in Australia? Getting an employer-supported work visa can help you build a good future there. But the costs can seem confusing. In 2026, Australia has big changes in migration rules. There is a new focus on “Employer-First” ways. The old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is now part of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which is subclass 482. This guide explains all the costs in simple words. It helps workers and companies know what to pay.
This is very important because fees increased in July 2025 due to indexation. We use the latest numbers for 2026. All costs are in Australian Dollars (AUD).
Primary Visa Subclasses: The 2026 Landscape
In 2026, Australia helps skilled people come with employer support. The main visas are employer-sponsored. Here are the key ones:
- Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand): This is for temporary skilled work. It has streams like Core Skills and Specialist Skills. It replaced the old TSS visa fully. You can stay up to 4 years (or 5 for some like Hong Kong passport holders).
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): This gives permanent residency (PR). You can get it through Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) after working on a 482 visa.
- Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional): This is for work in regional areas. It helps smaller towns and leads to PR.
- Labour Agreement: This is special for some industries. It has custom rules made with the government.
These visas focus on jobs where Australia needs skilled workers. Your job must be on the right list, like the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Mandatory Government Fees (Updated July 2025/2026)
The Australian government sets these fees. They change a little each year. Employers must pay some fees by law. They cannot ask the worker to pay them back. This is because of rules in the Migration Act (like Section 245AR). If they try, it can cause big problems.
Employer Nomination & Sponsorship Costs
These are paid only by the employer:
- Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS): $420. This lets the company sponsor workers. It lasts for 5 years.
- Nomination Fee: $330 for subclass 482. For subclass 186, it is $540.
- Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy: This helps train Australian workers. The amount depends on company size.
- Small business (turnover less than $10 million): $1,200 per year for 482 visa. Or $3,000 one time for 186 visa.
- Large business (turnover $10 million or more): $1,800 per year for 482 visa. Or $5,000 one time for 186 visa.
The SAF levy is paid when the employer nominates you. For temporary visas like 482, it is for each year of the visa.
Applicant Visa Fees
These are paid by the person applying (you):
- Subclass 482 (Core Skills or other streams): About $3,210 for the main applicant. Same for adult family members over 18. For kids under 18, it is lower (around $805).
- Subclass 186 or 494: About $4,910 for the main applicant.
- Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC): $700 extra if you apply for another temporary visa while already in Australia.
Extra tip: If your partner or family member has poor English (less than functional), you may pay a second fee of up to $9,800 before the visa is given.
Applicant Out-of-Pocket Costs
Besides the visa fee, you have other costs. These are not paid by the employer.
- Skills Assessment Fees: You need to prove your skills match the job. Different groups check this (like VETASSESS or Engineers Australia). It costs $500 to $3,500.
- English Tests: You must show good English. Tests like IELTS, PTE, or OET cost about $445 to $475.
- Medical Checks: You go to a doctor approved by Bupa Medical Visa Services. For one person, it costs a few hundred dollars. For a family of four, it can be more than $1,500.
- Health Insurance (OVHC): For 482 visa, you need private health insurance. It costs $150 to $300 per month for a family.
- Police Clearances: You need police checks from every country you lived in for 12 months or more. Costs vary by country.
These add up fast, so plan early.
Professional & Legal Fees
You can do the application yourself. But many people use a registered migration agent or lawyer. They help avoid mistakes and get faster processing.
- For a full 482 package (sponsorship + nomination + visa): $4,500 to $6,500.
- For a full 186 Direct Entry package: $5,500 to $8,500.
- First consultation: $150 to $350. Often this money goes toward the full fee if you hire them.
A good agent knows the rules and can save time and stress.
Summary Table: Total Estimated Cost (Single Applicant)
Here is a simple table for one person (no family). Costs in AUD.
- Temporary (482):
- Government Visa Fee: $3,210
- Employer Nomination & SAF: Covered by employer
- Skills Assessment: $0 to $1,200 (depends on job)
- Health & English Tests: About $900
- Legal Fees (if using agent): About $4,500
- Total Estimate: Around $8,610 or more
- Permanent (186):
- Government Visa Fee: $4,910
- Employer Nomination & SAF: Covered by employer
- Skills Assessment: $1,000 to $3,000
- Health & English Tests: About $900
- Legal Fees (if using agent): About $5,500
- Total Estimate: Around $12,310 or more
These are estimates. Real costs can change with your situation.
Step-by-Step Action Plan
Check if your job is on the CSOL or right list. Talk to your employer. Ask who pays what. Employer must pay nomination and SAF. Visa fee can be paid by you or them. Start skills assessment early. It takes time. Take English test if needed. Get police checks and medicals. Decide if you need a migration agent. Apply when ready.
Would you like a customized document checklist for a Subclass 186 or 482 application?
Disclaimer: This guide is for information only. Rules can change. Always check the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the latest details before you decide or apply.