Understanding the Cost of Australia’s 482 Visa in 2025: Fees & Employer Charges Explained

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa Subclass 482 allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when no suitable local candidates are available. While this visa provides a great opportunity to live and work in Australia, it’s important to understand the cost of 482 visa. Some expenses fall on the employer, while the employee must cover others. Knowing the cost of 482 visa early can help you prepare and make the application process smooth.
In the blog, we explain all parts of the cost of 482 visa for employees and employers, focusing on government charges, costs for nomination and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. In addition, we’ll respond to the most common questions and explain how Classic Migration makes the application process easier for you.

Government Fees for the Australia’s 482 Visa in 2025

The fees for a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) change depending on the visa stream and the number of people applying. Because the Department of Home Affairs updated its fees in 2025, the current cost to apply for a 482 visa is AUD 1,495 for the short-term stream and AUD 3,115 for the medium-term and labour agreement streams. The fees include a payment for the employer to sponsor you, a fee for nominating the job, and a charge for the visa application itself. The cost of 482 visa will be different depending on if you are the main applicant, if you have dependents or if you have held temporary visas in Australia before.

We recommend visiting the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest cost of 482 visa details before you start your application.

Visa Application Charges for the 482 Visa (2025)

The cost of 482 visa varies depending on which stream you apply under, as each one is designed for different job types and lengths of stay. The Australian Government charges different fees for each of the Short-Term, Medium-Term and Labour Agreement streams. Your application might include other individuals, such as your partner or children which can change the amount you pay. You can find the updated government cost of 482 visa for all streams below as of 2025.

• Primary applicant fee (all streams): AUD 3,115

This fee applies to all occupations and agreement types under the 482 visa, regardless of whether the role is eligible for a 2-year or 4-year stay. The length of stay still depends on your occupation and employment arrangement, but the application fee remains fixed at AUD 3,115 for all streams.

Additional Applicants

• Each dependent aged 18 or older: AUD 3,115
• Each dependent under 18 years: AUD 780

Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC)

• If you apply while in Australia on another temporary visa, there is an extra fee of AUD 700 per person.

Note: These are the base government fees. Other costs of 482 visa may apply depending on your situation or location.

Sponsorship and Nomination Fees

Before a 482 visa application can move forward, the employer needs to complete two important steps. First, they must apply to become an approved sponsor, which allows them to hire overseas workers. Once approved, the employer must then nominate the specific job position they want to fill with a skilled worker. Both of these steps come with separate government fees and must be done before the visa applicant can submit their application.

Employer Sponsorship Application

• Fee: AUD 420
• This is a one-time fee paid when the business applies to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor. Once approved, the business can nominate overseas workers for a 482 visa.

Nomination Fee

• Fee: AUD 330 (per nomination)
• This fee is paid each time the employer nominates a position for a 482 visa applicant. A new fee applies for each role they wish to fill.

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy
The SAF levy is the largest cost of 482 visa for most employers. It helps fund the training of local workers and must be paid upfront for the full duration of the visa.

• Businesses with an annual turnover under AUD 10 million:
  AUD 1,200 per year for each visa holder
• Businesses with an annual turnover of AUD 10 million or more:
  AUD 1,800 per year for each visa holder

For example, sponsoring a worker for four years would cost a large business AUD 7,200 in SAF levy. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid even if the visa is not granted.
Important: Under Australian law, the SAF levy must be paid by the employer and cannot be recovered from the employee in any way.

Additional Costs for 482 Visa Application

In addition to the government fees, you may have to spend more depending on your situation. These expenses are usually required to finish your visa application and comply with all the rules. Examples of these are health checks, police certificates, language tests, insurance and help from migration agents or lawyers.

• Paying the visa application fees for the employee and their family
• Covering relocation costs like flights and short-term accommodation
• Providing private health insurance
• Paying for English tests or skills assessments, if needed

The fees for a 482 visa employer cover may be different based on the particular job, the company’s rules and the deal between employer and employee. These additional services can make it much simpler and less stressful for the worker and their family to move to Australia.

Choose Classic Migration for 482 Visa Support and Cost Guidance

Applying for Visa can be confusing and overwhelming with too many regulations and fees. We understand the issue, and that’s why Classic Migration is here to help you smooth your application process.
Our trusted visa experts and migration agents will guide you so that you can apply for a visa smoothly and legally in Australia. Contact Classic Migration now to get personalized help with your 482 visa in 2025. For more information on visa expenses, requirements and helpful advice, check out our other blog on Australia’s skilled migration pathways.

FAQ: Understanding the Cost of Australia’s 482 Visa in 2025

1.How much does it cost for a company to sponsor an employee?

The first step to sponsoring a 482 visa costs AUD 420 for the sponsorship fee and AUD 330 for the nomination fee, bringing the total to AUD 750. Companies are also required to contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF), which costs between AUD 1,200 and AUD 1,800 per year, depending on how many employees they have.

2.Is a 482 visa eligible for PR?

Yes. Although the Short-Term stream doesn’t provide a route to PR, the Medium-Term stream can give you PR after three years of full-time work in the job you were nominated for through the ENS Subclass 186.