Are you dreaming of a career under the Australian sun? Moving to Australia for work can seem hard, but in 2026, things are easier with the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa. This visa helps skilled people like those in tech or healthcare jobs come to Australia. The key is to know who pays what costs. This guide explains the expenses in simple words so you can plan your money well.
The SID visa (subclass 482) lets employers sponsor workers for jobs they cannot fill with local people. It has three main pathways: Specialist Skills (for high earners), Core Skills (for many skilled jobs), and sometimes Labour Agreement or Essential Skills paths. Fees can change a little each year, but here is a clear picture for 2026 based on the latest rules.
The Core Application Fees
These are the main government fees you pay to the Department of Home Affairs to get your visa processed.
The base visa application fee for the main person (primary applicant) is usually around AUD 3,210. This fee applies to most streams of the SID visa, like Core Skills and Specialist Skills. For a partner or adult dependent (18 years or older), it is also about AUD 3,210 each. For children under 18, it is lower, around AUD 805 each.
- Visa Pricing Index (VPI) Adjustment Australia increases visa fees every year on July 1. In 2026, expect a small rise of about 3% to 5% because of this index. For example, if you apply after July 1, 2026, the fees might go up a bit from the 2025 levels. Always check the official website for the exact amount at the time of your application.
- Family Unit (Dependent) Fees If you bring your family, each extra person adds a big cost. A partner or grown child pays almost the same as you. Kids pay less, but it still adds up fast. Plan for this if your family is coming with you.
- Subsequent Temporary Intermediary Charge If you are already in Australia on another visa and later add a family member, there may be an extra fee of about AUD 700 per person. This is an administrative charge for changes.
These fees are paid by the worker (you), not the employer. They are non-refundable in most cases if the visa is refused or you withdraw it.
Mandatory Employer Costs
Australian law says some costs must be paid only by the employer. It is against the rules for the company to ask you to pay these back. This protects workers.
- Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Trailing Levy This is a training levy to help train Australian workers. In 2026, good news for small companies: they can pay it in parts, like quarterly or yearly payments. For small businesses (turnover under AUD 10 million), it is about AUD 1,200 per year per worker. For larger businesses (turnover AUD 10 million or more), it is about AUD 1,800 per year per worker. The amount depends on how long your visa is for and the company’s size. The employer pays this fully.
- Nomination Training Contribution Charge This is another name for the SAF levy. The employer pays it when they nominate you for the job.
- Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) Fee The company pays a one-time fee of AUD 420 to become an approved sponsor. This lasts for five years. They pay this only once, not for each worker.
- Labour Market Testing (LMT) Advertising Before hiring you, the employer must advertise the job in Australia (for example, on Workforce Australia). This costs them about AUD 500 to AUD 800 to prove no local person was suitable. Again, the employer pays this.
These costs are all on the employer. You do not have to pay them.
Worker “Out-of-Pocket” Expenses
While the employer handles sponsorship, you pay for your own preparation costs before you travel.
- Mandatory Skills Assessment You need to prove your qualifications match Australian standards. You pay an assessing authority like VETASSESS or Engineers Australia. This costs between AUD 800 and AUD 1,400, depending on your job.
- Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) You must have private health insurance (visa condition 8501). This costs about AUD 100 to AUD 250 per month. You pay this to keep your visa valid.
- Bupa Medical Visa Services (Health Check) You need a medical exam and chest X-ray. This usually costs AUD 350 to AUD 500. You pay for this yourself.
- English Language Testing (IELTS/PTE) For many pathways, like Core Skills, you need to show English skills. The test fee is around AUD 395. Book it early.
These are your personal costs. They add up, so save money for them.
Regional & Compliance Factors
Your work location can change the costs a little.
- DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) Concessions If you work in regional areas like Northern Territory or parts of South Australia, you may get lower SAF levies or some visa fee discounts. This helps people go to smaller towns.
- Visa Application Charge (VAC) Refund Rules In 2026, refunds are hard to get. If you withdraw or the visa is refused because of your mistake, you usually lose the fees. Only in special cases can you get money back.
- Specialist Skills Pathway Premium If you earn over AUD 141,210 (updated for 2026), you are in the Specialist stream. You pay a higher base fee but get very fast processing, sometimes in 7 days.
- Professional Migration Agent Fees You do not have to use an agent, but many people do. A registered migration agent (MARA) helps with paperwork. This can cost extra, maybe thousands, but it makes things correct and easier.
Interactive Expense Breakdown 2026
Here is a simple table of typical costs:
- Visa Base Fee — Worker (usually) — AUD 3,210 (main applicant)
- Sponsorship Fee — Employer Only — AUD 420
- SAF Training Levy — Employer Only — AUD 1,200 – AUD 1,800 per year
- Skills Assessment — Worker — AUD 800 – AUD 1,400
- Health Check — Worker — AUD 350 – AUD 500
Total for a single worker can be AUD 5,000 or more (your part), plus employer costs.
Summary Checklist for 2026 Applicants
- Check your Pathway: Are you in Specialist Skills, Core Skills, or another stream?
- Confirm the SAF Plan: Ask your employer if they pay in installments.
- Book your English Test: Do it early to stop delays.
- Budget for VPI: If you apply after July 1, 2026, add a few percent to fees.
This guide helps you understand the costs clearly. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the latest fees, as they can change. Talk to a registered migration agent for your personal case.
Would you like me to draft a “2026 Who Pays What: Employer vs. Worker Checklist” or a “Step-by-Step Budget for Moving to Australia” for your article?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources, such as the Australian Department of Home Affairs or a Registered Migration Agent, before making financial decisions.