Who is Legally Required to Pay?

Under Australian migration law:

The employer must pay for the sponsorship and nomination costs.

The visa applicant pays for the visa application fee.

Let’s break it down.

Standard Business Sponsorship

🔹 Payer: Employer

🔹 Estimated Cost: $420

Nomination Fee

🔹 Payer: Employer

🔹 Estimated Cost: $330

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy

🔹 Payer: Employer

🔹 Estimated Cost: $1,200–$1,800 per year (based on business size)

Visa Application Fee (Primary Applicant)

🔹 Payer: Applicant

🔹 Estimated Cost:

$1,455 (Short-Term stream)

$3,035 (Medium-Term stream)

Skills Assessment (if required)

🔹 Payer: Applicant

🔹 Estimated Cost: $300–$1,200+

English Test (IELTS/PTE)

🔹 Payer: Applicant

🔹 Estimated Cost: $350–$400

Police Clearance / Medical Examination

🔹 Payer: Applicant

🔹 Estimated Cost: Varies

Migration Agent Fee (Optional)

🔹 Payer: Applicant or Shared (optional)

🔹 Estimated Cost: Varies

Employer Responsibilities

The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is one of the biggest costs for employers. It depends on the size of the business and the duration of the sponsorship:

• Small businesses (<$10M turnover): $1,200/year
• Large businesses: $1,800/year

Employers cannot pass this cost on to the employee. This is a legal requirement, and breaching it can lead to visa refusal or penalties.

Applicant Responsibilities

As the visa holder, you’ll need to cover the Visa Application Charge and related personal expenses like:

• Skills assessment
• English test
• Police and health checks
• Migration agent services (if not paid by employer)

We at Danfe Consulting provide full transparency in planning your visa application budget so there are no surprises along the way.

Can Employers Pay for the Visa Fee?

Yes, employers can voluntarily pay for the visa application fee — but they must not request reimbursement or deduct it from your salary later. The Department of Home Affairs considers this a breach of visa sponsorship obligations.

Tips for Employers and Applicants

• Always keep receipts and payment records
• Avoid cash payments to agents or third parties
• Use a registered migration agent like Danfe Consulting for guidance

Why Choose Danfe Consulting?

Registered MARA agents in Melbourne

10+ years of success with 482 Visa applications

Assistance for both employers and skilled migrants

End-to-end support with sponsorship, nomination, and visa stages

Talk to a 482 Visa Expert Today

Whether you're an employer looking to sponsor or a skilled worker applying for a 482 visa, Danfe Consulting is here to make the process seamless and compliant.