In 2026, Australia’s migration rules have changed a lot. The old TSS visa is gone. Now the new Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) is fully working. Employers and people who want to come to Australia must understand the new “three-tier” cost system.
If you own a business and want to hire someone from another country, or if you are a worker planning to move to Australia, you need to know the Australia work visa sponsorship cost in 2026. This helps you avoid problems like visa refusal or surprise extra payments.
The Core Government Fees: What’s New for 2026?
On July 1, 2025, the government increased some fees a little. Now in 2026, the fees are stable. The cost depends on which stream of the Skills in Demand visa you use.
Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Price List
- Primary Applicant: $3,210
- Partner or Adult Dependent (18 years or older): $3,210
- Child Dependent (under 18 years): $805
- Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC): $700
Note: STAC is an extra fee. You pay it if you apply for another temporary visa while you are already in Australia.
These are the main fees paid by the person applying for the visa and their family. The main applicant pays the biggest amount. Extra family members add more cost. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website because fees can change slightly.
Employer-Paid Fees: Mandatory Sponsorship Costs
Australian law says employers must pay some fees themselves. They cannot ask the worker to pay these fees or take the money from the worker’s salary.
Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) & Nomination
- SBS Approval Fee: $420 (This approval lasts for 5 years).
- Nomination Fee for Subclass 482: $330 for each worker.
- Nomination Fee for Subclass 186: $540 for each worker.
These are basic fees the employer pays to become a sponsor and to name a specific worker.
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy
This is the biggest extra cost for most employers. It is money the government takes to help train Australian workers. The amount depends on how big the company is and how long the visa is.
- Small business (turnover less than $10 million a year): $1,200 per year of the visa.
- Large business (turnover more than $10 million a year): $1,800 per year of the visa.
Example: For a 4-year visa with a large company, the total SAF levy is $7,200. The employer must pay all of it at the start when they nominate the worker. The employer is not allowed to ask the worker to pay this money back. If they do, it is against the law and they can get big fines.
This rule makes sure companies help train local people even when they hire from overseas.
The Income Threshold Shift: TSMIT 2026
In 2026, there is a rule called TSMIT. It means Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold. This rule checks if the salary is high enough. In 2026, the TSMIT became higher after a 4.6% increase.
- Core Skills Stream: Minimum salary AUD 76,515 plus superannuation.
- Specialist Skills Stream: Minimum salary AUD 141,210 plus superannuation.
If the job salary is lower than these amounts, the visa will be refused. There is only one exception: special labour agreements for some essential jobs. This rule stops companies from bringing workers for low pay. It makes sure sponsored workers get fair and good salaries.
The Specialist Skills Stream is for people with very high salaries. It is fast (often decided in 7 days) and does not need an occupation list. This stream is good for top workers in technology, health, or other important jobs.
Applicant & Indirect “Hidden” Costs
Besides the main visa fees, the person applying must pay other costs. These are usually paid by the applicant, not the employer.
- Skills Assessment Fees: $800 to $1,300 (depends on your job and the organisation that checks your skills, like VETASSESS or Engineers Australia).
- English Test (IELTS or PTE): $395 to $450.
- Medical Examination: $350 to $500 (depends on the doctor and place).
- Police Clearance Certificates: $50 to $150 for each country you lived in.
These extra costs can add up fast. For one person, they can be $1,500 to $3,000 or more. If you bring family, the cost is higher. Plan and save money for these things early.
Strategic Comparison: 482 vs. 186 vs. 494
The visa you choose changes the total cost. Here is a simple table to compare:
| Feature | Skills in Demand (482) | Employer Nomination (186) | Regional Sponsored (494) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Fee | $420 | None | $420 |
| Nomination Fee | $330 | $540 | $0 |
| Visa Application Fee | $3,210 | $4,910 | $4,910 |
| SAF Levy | Paid every year ($1,200 or $1,800 per year) | $3,000 to $5,000 (one time) | $3,000 to $5,000 (one time) |
The 482 visa is temporary (up to 4 years). It is good to start working in Australia. Later you can apply for permanent residency. The 186 visa is permanent from the start, but it costs more in some parts. The 494 visa is for regional areas only. It has no nomination fee, and sometimes the salary can be a little lower (10% less than normal TSMIT) because of special agreements.
Choose the visa that fits your job, your location, and your future plans.
Conclusion: Plan Your Australian Future
In 2026, Australia wants skilled workers who earn good salaries. The minimum salary rule (TSMIT $76,515) and the big SAF levy show this clearly. Plan your budget carefully. Include all costs so you do not get surprised. Talk to your employer early. Ask who pays which fees. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website or talk to a registered migration agent for the latest information.
Looking for help with your own case? Comment below with your job/occupation. I can tell you which stream may suit you! Share this simple guide with your HR manager or boss to start talking about sponsorship.
Disclaimer: This article gives general information only. It is for education. Please check all details with the official Department of Home Affairs website or a registered migration agent (MARA) before you make any decisions about money or visa applications.