Australia Work Visa via Employer: Updated Fees & Rules 2026
Are you planning to secure your future in Australia through Australia Work Visa employer sponsorship this year? The migration landscape has undergone its most significant transformation in a decade. With the full implementation of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the new trailing levy system, navigating the financial requirements is more critical than ever.
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Whether you’re looking at the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa or aiming for Permanent Residency (PR) via the Subclass 186, understanding the full financial commitment is the first step toward a successful application. This guide breaks down Australia Work Visa every dollar, fee, and surcharge you need to know for 2026.
The 2026 Australia Work Visa Fee Structure
The Department of Home Affairs sets the fees for Australia Work Visas. They changed the system to have three main parts for the SID Australia Work Visa. The base fees are the first costs you pay when you apply. The Skills in Demand (SID) visa is now the main temporary Australia Work Visa with employer help. It has three streams:
- Specialist Skills: This is for people with high salaries. It offers faster processing, sometimes called premium processing.
- Core Skills: This is the normal way for most skilled jobs.
- Essential Skills: This helps fill jobs in areas with shortages, like in regions or certain work.
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The base Australia Work Visa application charge for the main applicant on the SID visa (Subclass 482) is around AUD 3,210 in 2026. This is the amount the worker usually pays. For the Subclass 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme – ENS), which leads to permanent residency directly, the fee is higher. It is about AUD 4,910 for the main applicant.
Every year on July 1, there is a small increase in Australia Work Visa fees. This is called the Visa Pricing Index (VPI) adjustment. It helps cover costs like better technology at borders and matches inflation. If you bring your family, there are extra charges for secondary applicants. For a partner, it is about AUD 3,210. For each child, it is around AUD 805.
These fees are estimates based on recent updates from the Department of Home Affairs. Always check the official website for the exact amount when you apply.
Employer Sponsorship & Nomination Costs
Australian law says employers must pay some costs. They cannot ask the worker to pay these. This rule helps protect workers and keeps the sponsorship system fair. The biggest change in recent times is with the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy. This is also called the Nomination Training Contribution Charge. In the past, employers paid a big amount at once. Now, it uses a “trailing” model. This means employers pay in yearly parts over the visa time. It makes it easier for businesses.
The SAF levy amount depends on the company’s size (annual turnover) and the Australia Work Visa length.
- For small businesses (turnover less than AUD 10 million): AUD 1,200 per year of the visa.
- For larger businesses (turnover AUD 10 million or more): AUD 1,800 per year of the visa.
To become an approved sponsor, the employer pays for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval or renewal. This costs AUD 420.
Employers must also do Labour Market Testing (LMT). This means they advertise the job in Australia first to show no local person can do it. There is no direct government fee for LMT, but employers spend money on ads, like on Workforce Australia or job sites. Employers pay the nomination fee too. For the SID Australia Work Visa, this is AUD 330. For Subclass 186, it is around AUD 540.
These costs stay with the employer. It is against the law to take them from the worker’s salary.
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Worker-Facing Mandatory Charges
The employer pays for sponsorship, but the worker pays for their own preparation costs. These are needed to get the visa approved. First, you may need a skills assessment. This checks if your qualifications match the job. Groups like VETASSESS or Engineers Australia do this. The fee is usually between AUD 1,000 and AUD 1,600. It depends on your job and the group. Next, everyone needs a health check. You go to a Bupa clinic or another approved place for a medical exam and chest X-ray. This costs about AUD 350 to AUD 500.
You must have health insurance. This is called Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). It meets visa condition 8501. You need this insurance for your whole stay in Australia. The price depends on the provider and how long you need it. For English, the Core and Essential streams need a test like IELTS or PTE. The test fee is around AUD 410.
These are costs the worker pays directly. They are important for a successful application.
Regional & Administrative Entities
If you work in regional areas, there can be some help or extra rules. Some places have Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA). These give discounts on SAF levies or other charges. They help regional employers hire people and grow the local economy. If you are already in Australia and add family to your visa later, there may be a charge. This is sometimes called a subsequent temporary intermediary charge, around AUD 700 in some cases.
Many people use a migration agent. The new SID visa is complex, so agents help a lot. Choose a MARA-registered agent. Their fees vary, but they have gone up because of the new rules. For fast processing, the Specialist Skills stream has priority. It aims for a quick decision, like in 7 days for urgent jobs. But it needs a high salary level.
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2026 Cost Summary Table (Estimated AUD)
Here is a simple table with main costs:
| Category | Item | Payer | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | SID Primary Applicant | Worker/Employer | $3,210 |
| Sponsorship | SBS Renewal | Employer | $420 |
| Training | SAF Levy (per year) | Employer | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Health | Bupa Medical Check | Worker | $350 – $500 |
| Compliance | Skills Assessment | Worker | $1,000 – $1,600 |
| Family | Partner (18+) | Worker | $3,210 |
| Family | Child (under 18) | Worker | $805 |
These are approximate numbers for 2026. Fees can change, so check official sources.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I pay the SAF levy for my Australia Work Visa employer ?
- A: No. Under the “Paying for Visa Sponsorship” legislation, it is illegal for an applicant to pay the SAF levy or nomination fees.
- Q: What is the “Subsequent Temporary Application Charge”?
- A: If you are in Australia and apply for your second temporary visa onshore, an extra $700 fee applies per person.
- Q: Does the $76,515 TSMIT include superannuation?
- A: No. The TSMIT refers to the base salary. Your employer must pay the 12% Superannuation on top of this.
Disclaimer:
This article is for information only. Please check with the Australian Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent before you make any plans or pay money.