Last updated: 15 April 2026 · RACC Migration & Education Services

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482 Visa Cost Australia

The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) is one of Australia’s main employer sponsored visa pathways for skilled workers and eligible employers. Understanding the full 482 visa cost is important before preparing your sponsorship, nomination, and visa application stages.

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The 482 visa cost in Australia starts from AUD 3,210 for the primary applicant. However, the total amount can become significantly higher once employer sponsorship costs, SAF levy payments, family member fees, health checks, English tests, and migration agent fees are included.

For sponsoring employers, total 482 sponsorship costs can exceed AUD 7,000 depending on the business size and visa length.

 

All fees listed are based on publicly available Department of Home Affairs information available at the time of writing and may change without notice.

This guide explains the full 482 visa fees for both applicants and employers, including:

• 482 visa application charges

• Employer sponsorship costs

• SAF levy fees

• Nomination charges

• Family member costs

• Additional hidden expenses

• Total estimated 482 visa costs

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How Much Does a 482 Visa Cost?

The total 482 visa cost is divided between the employer and the visa applicant.

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Applicant Costs

The visa applicant usually pays:

• 482 visa application charge

• Health examinations

• English language tests

• Police checks

• Document translations

• Migration agent fees

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Employer Costs

The sponsoring employer must usually pay:

• Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) fee

• Nomination fee

• Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy

Australian migration law generally prevents employers from recovering certain sponsorship-related costs from employees.

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482 Visa Fees by Stream

Core Skills Stream

• Base application charge: AUD 3,210

• Additional applicant aged 18 and over: AUD 3,210

• Additional applicant under 18: AUD 805

• Subsequent temporary application charge: AUD 700

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The Core Skills stream is the main pathway under the Skills in Demand visa program for occupations meeting the Core Skills Income Threshold and eligible occupation requirements.

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Specialist Skills Stream

• Base application charge: AUD 3,210

• Additional applicant aged 18 and over: AUD 3,210

• Additional applicant under 18: AUD 805

• Subsequent temporary application charge: Not applicable

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The Specialist Skills stream is designed for highly paid skilled workers meeting the Specialist Skills Income Threshold requirements.

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Labour Agreement Stream

• Base application charge: AUD 3,210

• Additional applicant aged 18 and over: AUD 3,210

• Additional applicant under 18: AUD 805

• Subsequent temporary application charge: Not applicable

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The Labour Agreement stream applies to employers operating under an approved labour agreement with the Australian Government.

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482 Visa Application Fee

The Department of Home Affairs charges a Visa Application Charge (VAC) for every Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa application.

Current government charges include:

• Primary applicant: AUD 3,210

• Adult dependant (18+): AUD 3,210

• Child dependant (under 18): AUD 805

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These fees may change annually, usually from 1 July each financial year.

Applicants lodging inside Australia may also need to pay an additional Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC) of AUD 700 per person in certain situations.

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Additional 482 Visa Costs for Applicants

Many applicants focus only on the visa application fee, but the total 482 visa cost often includes several mandatory supporting expenses.

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Health Examination Costs

Most applicants and dependants need health examinations from approved panel physicians.

Estimated costs usually range between:

• AUD 350–500 per person

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English Test Fees

Applicants who are not exempt may need an approved English language test such as IELTS or PTE.

Typical costs are around:

• AUD 410–450

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Police Clearance Certificates

Police checks are generally required from countries where the applicant has lived.

Estimated costs:

• AUD 50–200 per country

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Translation Costs

Documents not written in English may require certified translations.

Typical costs:

• AUD 25–100 per document

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Migration Agent Fees

Some applicants and employers choose to use a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer for professional assistance.

Estimated migration agent fees commonly range between:

• AUD 2,000–5,000+

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The total depends on:

• Application complexity

• Occupation type

• Employer sponsorship structure

• Number of dependants

• Previous refusals or complications

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482 Visa Employer Sponsorship Costs

Australian businesses sponsoring overseas workers under the 482 visa program must pay several mandatory government charges. These sponsorship costs are separate from the applicant’s visa application fees.

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Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Fee

Businesses must first become an approved Standard Business Sponsor before sponsoring overseas workers.

Current SBS application fee:

• AUD 420

Once approved, SBS status is generally valid for five years.

If you are planning to sponsor overseas workers, you can also read more about Standard Business Sponsorship requirements.

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482 Nomination Fee

After SBS approval, the employer must nominate the position connected to the visa application.

Current nomination fee:

• AUD 330 per nomination

This fee applies separately for each nominated position.

You can also explore more about employer sponsored visa requirements and nomination obligations in Australia.

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SAF Levy for the 482 Visa

The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is usually the largest employer expense for a 482 visa sponsorship.

The SAF levy amount depends on:

• Business turnover

• Proposed visa length

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Small Business SAF Levy

For businesses with turnover below AUD 10 million:

• AUD 1,200 per year of the visa

Examples:

• 2-year visa: AUD 2,400

• 3-year visa: AUD 3,600

• 4-year visa: AUD 4,800

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Large Business SAF Levy

For businesses with turnover of AUD 10 million or more:

• AUD 1,800 per year of the visa

Examples:

• 2-year visa: AUD 3,600

• 3-year visa: AUD 5,400

• 4-year visa: AUD 7,200

The SAF levy is generally paid upfront during nomination lodgement.

If you want to understand sponsorship obligations further, you can also explore how the SAF levy works for employer sponsored visas.

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Estimated Total 482 Visa Cost

The final amount payable depends on:

• Number of dependants

• Visa duration

• Employer size

• Onshore or offshore application

• Professional assistance used

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Single Applicant Estimate

A single applicant without dependants commonly spends:

• AUD 4,000–9,000+

This may include:

• Government fees

• Medicals

• English tests

• Police checks

• Migration assistance

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Employer Sponsorship Estimate

Employers commonly spend:

• AUD 3,000–8,000+

This may include:

• SBS fee

• Nomination fee

• SAF levy

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482 Visa Cost for Family Members

Eligible family members can usually be included in a 482 visa application.

This may include:

• Spouse or de facto partner

• Dependent children

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Additional government charges apply for each dependant:

• Adult dependant: AUD 3,210

• Child under 18: AUD 805

Additional medical examinations and police checks may also apply for family members.

 

Hidden Costs Often Missed in 482 Visa Applications

Many applicants underestimate the overall budget required for a 482 visa application.

Additional expenses may include:

• Skills assessments

• Biometrics appointments

• Flights to Australia

• Relocation expenses

• Overseas document collection

• Passport renewals

• School preparation costs for children

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Planning early can help reduce unexpected financial pressure during the visa process.

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Can 482 Visa Fees Change?

Yes. Australian visa fees are reviewed periodically and commonly increase from 1 July each year.

Before lodging a 482 visa application, it is important to verify:

• Current government charges

• Updated SAF levy rates

• Latest Department of Home Affairs requirements

• Current employer sponsorship rules

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Using outdated fee information may affect budgeting and application preparation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 482 visa cost in Australia?

The primary applicant government fee starts from AUD 3,210. However, the total 482 visa cost is usually higher once medicals, English tests, police checks, and other expenses are included.

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How much does a 482 visa cost for employers?

Employers usually pay:

• AUD 420 SBS fee

• AUD 330 nomination fee

• SAF levy between AUD 1,200–1,800 per year

The total employer sponsorship cost often exceeds AUD 3,000–7,000 depending on visa duration.

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Who pays the SAF levy?

The sponsoring employer must pay the SAF levy. This cost generally cannot be transferred to the sponsored worker.

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Can employers ask employees to repay sponsorship costs?

Australian migration law restricts employers from recovering certain sponsorship-related costs from employees.

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Is the 482 visa fee refundable?

Government visa application charges are generally non-refundable once lodged, even if the visa is refused.

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