482 Visa Cost 2026: Government Fees, Employer Costs & SAF Levy
The true cost of a 482 visa is split between the employer and the visa applicant. Employers must understand which costs are legally theirs, because sponsorship and nomination charges cannot simply be passed to the worker.
Government charges for a 482 sponsorship
As at 1 July 2026, Home Affairs lists the Standard Business Sponsorship application charge at $420 and the 482 nomination charge at $330. The visa application charge for the main applicant is currently $4,015, with separate charges for family members.
How the SAF levy works
The Skilling Australians Fund levy is paid by the employer at nomination. For a business with annual turnover under $10 million, the levy is generally $1,200 per year or part-year of the proposed visa period. For businesses with turnover of $10 million or more, it is generally $1,800 per year or part-year.
Which costs cannot be passed to the employee?
Employers must not recover prohibited sponsorship-related costs from the worker. This includes the SAF levy and certain sponsorship and nomination costs. Any repayment clause or recruitment arrangement should be checked carefully before it is used.
What does the employee usually pay?
The worker usually pays the visa application charge and may also have costs for English testing, police checks, health examinations, skills assessment, translations and professional advice. Family members create additional visa charges.
Budget for the whole pathway, not just the visa fee
A 482 pathway can later lead to a Subclass 186 pathway for eligible workers. Employers should consider future nomination costs, salary increases, compliance obligations and legal work rather than treating the 482 as a one-off transaction.
Claim your consultation
Tell us whether you are the employer or worker, the proposed occupation, salary, current visa status and any deadline.
The Emigrate Lawyers difference
We assess the sponsorship, nomination and visa as one connected legal pathway.
We test the role, salary, business evidence and applicant history for consistency before lodgement.
We act in nomination refusals, visa refusals, sponsor changes, compliance and 482-to-186 pathways.
Employers and workers across Australia can instruct us by video with electronic case management.
Useful 482 resources
Madhab Kharel — Principal Lawyer
Madhab Kharel is the Principal Lawyer and Director of Emigrate Lawyers. His migration practice includes employer-sponsored visas, Subclass 482 and 186 matters, nomination refusals, ART review, complex visa histories and employer compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Can the employer make the worker repay the SAF levy?
No. The SAF levy is a sponsorship cost that cannot be passed to the sponsored worker.
Is the nomination fee refundable if refused?
Government refunds are limited and depend on the circumstances. Employers should not assume a refusal automatically produces a refund.
Does every dependant pay the same visa charge?
No. Charges differ by age and applicant type. Check the current Home Affairs pricing at lodgement.
Are professional fees included in government charges?
No. Legal or migration professional fees are separate from government charges.
Speak with a 482 visa lawyer
Contact Emigrate Lawyers for advice on sponsorship, nomination, Skills in Demand visa eligibility or a complex 482 matter.
Legal review: Madhab Kharel, Principal Lawyer. Reviewed 26 September 2026. General information only and not legal advice.
