The Full Cost of 482 Worker Sponsorship: SBS, Nomination, SAF, Visa
When considering sponsoring an overseas worker on a 482 visa, a business needs to understand the full cost — not just the visa fee. The real total can be much higher than the initial estimate.
SBS (sponsorship) cost
SBS application fee: $420 (2024)
This is a one-off fee for the entire five-year SBS. After obtaining the SBS, there is no annual maintenance fee — there is only a cost on renewal after five years.
Nomination fee
The nomination fee is paid for each nominated employee:
- Currently: $330 per nomination (2024)
- Non-refundable if the nomination is refused
SAF levy (Skilling Australians Fund)
The SAF levy is a mandatory contribution to the Australian worker training fund. This is often the largest cost:
Small business (revenue under $10 million per year):
- 1,200 AUD per year per employee (Core Skills Stream)
- Total: $2,400 for a two-year visa; $3,600 for a three-year visa
Medium or large business (revenue of $10 million or more):
- 1,800 AUD per year per employee
- Total: $3,600 for a two-year visa; $5,400 for a three-year visa
The SAF levy cannot be charged to the nominee — the employer must pay it.
482 visa fee (paid by the nominee)
The visa fee is paid by the nominee, although the employer may help:
- Primary applicant: $3,115 (Core Skills Stream, 2024)
- Each accompanying family member: $3,115
Migration agent advice costs
Not mandatory but often needed, especially for a business sponsoring for the first time:
- SBS application: $1,500–$3,000
- Nomination plus visa: $3,000–$6,000 per employee
- A full package of SBS plus nomination plus visa: $5,000–$10,000+
Example total — small business, one employee, two-year visa
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| SBS application | $420 |
| Nomination fee | $330 |
| SAF levy (2 years × $1,200) | $2,400 |
| Migration agent (estimate) | $5,000 |
| Total employer pays | ~$8,150 |
The visa fee alone ($3,115) is usually paid by the nominee.
Costs that cannot be passed to the nominee
Under the SBS obligations, the employer cannot require the nominee to pay or reimburse:
- The SAF levy
- The nomination fee
- The SBS application fee
This breach can lead to a fine and cancellation of the SBS.