Sponsoring a work visa in Australia involves several costs for the employer. The exact expenses can vary depending on the visa category, the size of the company, and the specific requirements involved. In this response, we will provide an overview of the main costs associated with sponsoring an employee in Australia for a work visa.
1. Visa Application Charges
The first and most significant cost is the visa application charge (VAC). The VAC varies depending on the type of visa being sponsored. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the VAC for a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) ranges from AUD 1,265 to AUD 2,645, depending on the duration of the visa and whether the employer is a small or large business. These fees are subject to change.
2. Nomination Fee
Employers are required to submit a nomination application to demonstrate that the position they are offering meets the requirements for sponsorship. For a TSS visa, the nomination fee is AUD 330 for small businesses and AUD 550 for large businesses.
3. Health Examinations
As part of the visa application process, sponsored workers are typically required to undergo health examinations to ensure they meet Australia’s health requirements. The cost of these examinations can vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin, the type of visa being applied for, and the medical services provider chosen. In some cases, the employer may be responsible for covering these costs.
4. Other Costs
In addition to the expenses, there may be other costs associated with the visa sponsorship process. These can include advertising expenses, recruitment fees, legal or migration agent fees (if engaged), and administrative costs for gathering and preparing the required documentation.
It is worth noting that these costs are specific to the employer’s side of the visa sponsorship process. Sponsored workers may have their own expenses, such as travel costs, document translations, and police clearance certificates.
It is crucial for employers to stay updated with the latest regulations and requirements set by the Australian government regarding work visas. Immigration laws can change, and fees can be adjusted, so it is advisable to consult the official Australian government website or seek professional advice from a registered migration agent to obtain accurate and current information regarding the costs of sponsoring a work visa in Australia.
