482 visa total cost
Costs for the worker
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 482 application charge, main applicant | A$4,015 |
| Additional applicants | See fees table |
| Medical exam, police checks, translations | Varies by country |
| Agent fees | Not fixed |
Costs for the employer
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Becoming an approved sponsor (482 program) | A$420 |
| Nominating a worker for a 482 | A$330 |
| Nominating a worker for a 186 | A$540 (depends on stream and location) |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 482 | A$1,200 per year or part year if turnover is under A$10 million; A$1,800 per year or part year if A$10 million or more |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 186 and regional sponsored visas | A$3,000 one-off (small business) or A$5,000 one-off (A$10 million or more) |
The levy is paid in full when the nomination is lodged, is tax deductible and is worked out from the nominated period of stay. A 4-year 482 nomination by a business with turnover of A$10 million or more costs A$7,200 (4 x A$1,800). Employers must not pass the levy or any application cost on to the visa holder or their family, and costs are not refunded if the application fails. The levy is refundable only in limited cases, for example when the worker never starts work or the visa is refused on health or character grounds. Sponsors under a labour agreement also pay the levy, except ministers of religion and religious assistants.
Salary threshold
The Core Skills Income Threshold is A$79,423 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 (A$76,515 before), and the Specialist Skills threshold is A$146,576. See 482 to PR.
FAQ
Is the fee different offshore?
See the fees table.
Who pays the levy?
The sponsor. It is illegal to make the worker pay it or to take money from a worker in return for sponsorship.
Does the fee cover my family?
No, extra applicants pay.
What is the 186 fee later?
A$6,140. See fees.