In 2026, getting an employer work visa in Australia is not just about the basic government fee anymore. With the full start of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa system and a new $230 Work Licence fee from January 15, 2026, both employers and workers need to plan their money carefully. This includes costs paid only by the employer, costs paid only by the applicant, and some shared costs for moving to Australia.
This simple guide explains the exact costs for an Australia employer work visa in 2026. It helps HR managers in Sydney, software engineers in Parramatta, or anyone planning to work in Australia.
The Core Government Price List (Updated 2026)
After the fee update on July 1, 2025, the main visa fees are now stable. The 2026 system uses a “Three-Tier” structure. Your salary decides how fast your application processes and some costs.
Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) & Permanent Entry (186)
Here are the main fees in AUD for 2026:
- Skills in Demand (482): Primary fee $3,210. For each dependent adult (18+): $3,210.
- Work Licence Fee (New from Jan 2026): $230. This is only for the main applicant or temporary visa holders who renew or extend work rights. It does not apply to dependents.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186): Primary fee $4,985. For each dependent adult: $2,495.
- Regional Provisional (494): Primary fee $4,910. For each dependent adult: $2,455.
- Subsequent Temp. Application Charge (STAC): $700. This applies to dependents too.
News Update: From January 15, 2026, every temporary visa holder who renews or extends a visa with work rights must pay a new $230 Work Licence fee. This money helps the government pay for checks on workplaces to make sure rules are followed. It is non-refundable.
These fees come from the Department of Home Affairs. They can change with indexation each year, but these are the current ones after the 2025 update.
Employer-Only Costs: The “Non-Recoverable” Fees
Australian law (under the Migration Act 1958) is very clear. Employers cannot ask workers to pay for certain sponsorship costs. If they try, they face big penalties, like losing their sponsor license.
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy
This is the biggest cost for employers. It is a training contribution paid when nominating a worker. The government uses this money to train Australians.
- Small Business (turnover under $10 million): $1,200 per year of the visa.
- Large Business (turnover over $10 million): $1,800 per year of the visa.
- SBS Approval Fee: $420 (this lasts for 5 years).
- Nomination Fee: $330 for Subclass 482, or $540 for Subclass 186.
Example Calculation: A large tech company in Sydney sponsors a developer for 4 years. The SAF levy alone is $1,800 x 4 = $7,200. This is only paid by the employer and cannot be taken back from the worker.
Other employer costs include becoming an approved sponsor and nomination fees. These are all non-recoverable.
Salary Thresholds: The TSMIT and SSIT Benchmarks
In 2026, employers must pay at least the updated salary levels. These rules stop low wages and protect local workers. Salaries are indexed each year.
- Core Skills Stream ($76,515+) This is the main path for many jobs like nurses, teachers, and mid-level professionals. The minimum salary is $76,515 per year (updated from July 2025). Occupations must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- Specialist Skills Stream ($141,210+) This is for high earners. The minimum salary is $141,210 per year. These applicants get fast processing, often in 7 days. It covers elite roles in many fields.
- Essential Skills Stream This is for lower-paid jobs in areas like aged care. It uses special Labour Agreements. It is more limited and has extra rules.
Employers must pay the market salary rate or the threshold, whichever is higher.
Hidden Applicant Costs: The Total Relocation Budget
Employers pay sponsorship fees, but applicants (or sometimes employers, based on the job contract) pay for their own checks and tests.
These are common applicant costs:
- English tests like PTE or IELTS in Australia 2026: About $395 to $475.
- Skills assessment (like VETASSESS): $800 to $1,500.
- Medical check for visa (Bupa or similar): $350 to $550.
- Police clearance from each country: $50 to $180 per country.
- Migration agent fees for SID visa help: $4,500 to $7,500 for full service from start to end.
Applicants also pay travel, moving goods, and settling costs like housing deposit or flights. These add up fast.
Final Strategy for 2026 Applicants
The Australia employer work visa cost in 2026 follows a “user-pays” model more than before. Employers should plan for at least $10,000 to $12,000 for one 4-year sponsorship. This covers SAF levy, nomination, and some legal help. Applicants should save about $5,000 for their own costs like tests, medicals, and agent fees.
Plan early, check official sources, and talk to a registered migration agent if needed. Costs can change, so always confirm with the Department of Home Affairs.
Would you like a custom breakdown for your specific industry? Comment with your job title! Subscribe for updates on July 2026 fee changes.
Disclaimer: This article is for information and education only. Always check details from official sources like the Department of Home Affairs or a MARA-registered migration agent before making decisions.