If you're planning to move to Australia through an employer-sponsored visa, there is an important update you should know.

From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government has increased visa application charges across almost every migration program. These new fees apply to all applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.

New Employer-Sponsored Visa Fees

The most common visa used by overseas workers is the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa.

The government application fee has increased to:

Subclass 482:$4,015 (previously $3,210)

Applicants bringing their spouse or children will also need to pay additional government charges for each family member included in the application.

Permanent employer-sponsored visas have also increased:

Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme:$6,140
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional:$6,140

Skilled Migration Visa Fees

Applicants applying through Australia's skilled migration program will now pay:

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent:$6,135
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated:$6,140
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional:$6,140

Student and Graduate Visas

Students planning to study in Australia should also budget for higher government charges.

Student Visa (500):$2,500
Student Guardian (590):$2,500
Temporary Graduate Visa (485):$5,750

Partner Visa

Partner visa applicants now face the highest government application charge:

Partner Visa:$11,710

Example

A family applying for a Skilled Independent (189) visa consisting of:

Main applicant
Husband or wife
One child

will now pay $10,745 in Australian Government visa application charges alone, before additional expenses such as:

English language tests
Skills assessments
Medical examinations
Police certificates

Does This Affect Existing Applications?

No.

If your visa application was lodged before 1 July 2026, the previous government fee applies, even if your application has not yet been decided.

Only applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026 are subject to the new charges.

Good News for Skilled Workers

Although visa fees have increased, Australia continues to face major shortages of skilled workers in occupations such as:

Carpenters
Electricians
Mechanics
Welders
Chefs
Butchers
HVAC Technicians
Nurses
Engineers
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics

Thousands of employer-sponsored jobs remain available for qualified overseas applicants.

Looking for Visa Sponsorship?

At Employer Sponsored Jobs, we connect skilled workers with accredited Australian employers offering genuine visa sponsorship opportunities.

We work with experienced recruitment and migration professionals to help eligible candidates find employment pathways to Australia.

Browse current employer-sponsored vacancies, register your profile, and take the next step toward your Australian career today.