Thursday, 18 Dec 2025
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.
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 482 visa fee is AUD 3,210 for the main applicant and AUD 3,210 for each additional adult applicant, while dependent children under 18 cost AUD 805 each. These 482 visa fees Australia include a payment for the employer to sponsor you, a fee for nominating the job, and a charge for the 482 visa application fee itself. The cost of 482 visa Australia will vary depending on whether you are the main applicant, have dependents, or have held temporary visas in Australia before. We recommend visiting the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest 482 visa cost details before you start your application.
The 482 visa cost for employee depends on which stream you apply under, as each one is designed for different job types and lengths of stay. The Australian Government charges different 482 visa 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 affect the 482 visa cost for employer.
Primary applicant fee (all streams): AUD 3,210
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 depends on your occupation and employment arrangement, but the 482 visa price remains fixed at AUD 3,210 for all streams.
Additional Applicants
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 482 visa fees. Other costs of 482 visa may apply depending on your situation or location.
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 482 visa 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. This is also referred to as the 482 nomination fee or nomination fee for 482 visa.
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.
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.
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.
The 482 visa cost calculator may help estimate these extra expenses. The fees for a 482 visa employer cover may vary 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.
Applying for a 482 visa can be confusing and overwhelming with too many regulations and fees. 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 482 visa smoothly and legally in Australia. Contact Classic Migration now to get personalized help with your 482 visa in 2026. For more information on visa expenses, requirements, and helpful advice, check out our other blog on Australia’s skilled migration pathways.
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.
Some streams of the 482 visa may provide a pathway to permanent residency after meeting the required work and visa conditions, usually through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).