Who Pays for 482 Visa-Related Fees: Employer or Employee?

The Subclass 482 Skill in Demand (SID) visa is a popular employer-sponsored visa in Australia, allowing businesses to bring in skilled workers from overseas when local talent is unavailable. One of the most common questions regarding the 482 visa is: who is responsible for paying the associated costs— the employer or the employee?

The answer depends on the type of fees involved, as some are mandatory employer-paid costs, while others can be covered by the employee. Let's break it down.

Employer-Paid Costs for the 482 Visa

1. Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Application Fee

Employers must apply for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) to sponsor skilled workers. Once approved SBS will last for 5 years and can sponsor multiple employees. The cost of this application is:

• $420 AUD (one-time payment)

✅ Responsibility: Must be paid by the employer.

🚫 Cannot be passed on to the employee.

2. Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy

The SAF levy is a significant cost and is legally required to be covered by the employer. The fees are:

• Small businesses (annual turnover under $10M): $1,200 per year per worker
• Larger businesses (annual turnover over $10M): $1,800 per year per worker

✅ Responsibility: Must be paid by the employer.
🚫Cannot be passed on to the employee.

3. Nomination Fee

To nominate an employee for a 482 visa, the employer must pay a nomination fee of:

• $330 AUD

✅ Responsibility: Must be paid by the employer.

4. Agent fees:

🚫Cannot be passed on to the employee.

Agent's fees associated with SBS and Nomination applications must be paid by the Employer and cannot be passed on to the employee.

Employee-Paid Costs for the 482 Visa

1. Visa Application Fee

The visa applicant is responsible for their visa application fee:

• Single Applicant: $3,115 AUD
• Additional Applicant ( 18 and over): $3,115
• Additional Applicant (under 18) : $780 AUD

✅ Responsibility: The employee typically covers this cost unless the employer offers to reimburse it as part of the employment agreement.

2. English Test & Skills Assessment (if required)

Employees may need to take an English language test (IELTS, PTE, etc.) and undergo a Skills Assessment (if required for the occupation). The cost varies based on the testing provider and assessing authority.

✅ Responsibility: Usually covered by the employee.

3. Health Insurance & Medical Examination

482 visa holders must have adequate health insurance and undergo a mandatory medical examination.

• Health Insurance: Approx. $1,000–$2,000 per year (varies by provider)
• Medical Exam: Approx. $350–$500

✅ Responsibility: The employee usually pays for these unless the employer offers to cover them.

4. Police Clearance Certificates

Applicants may need police clearance certificates from their home country or any country they’ve lived in for over 12 months. Costs vary depending on the country.

✅ Responsibility: Typically paid by the employee.

Additional Costs That Employers May Choose to Cover

While some costs are mandatory for employers, many businesses voluntarily cover additional fees as part of an employment package, such as:
✅ Visa application fees for the employee and family members
✅ Relocation expenses (flights, temporary accommodation)
✅ Health insurance
✅ English test & skills assessment fees

This varies from one employer to another and is subject to negotiation between the employer and the employee.

Key Takeaways

Employers cannot ask employees to reimburse mandatory employer-paid costs like the SAF levy and nomination fee, as this would breach Australian migration laws.

For employees considering the 482 visa, it's best to clarify which costs the employer will cover before accepting a job offer. For employers, offering to cover more costs can help attract and retain top talent.

Would you like to discuss your 482 visa options? Contact MaxiMax Education & Migration Services for expert guidance!