Sponsoring an overseas worker? Get matched with an agent who handles it.
Employer sponsorship in Australia — the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) and the regional Subclass 494 — runs in three parts: becoming a Standard Business Sponsor, nominating a genuine position, and the worker's visa application. A defective nomination can refuse the whole matter and cost you the hire and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Migratio matches your business, free, with MARA-registered migration agents who specialise in employer-sponsored work, so you can compare their approach and fees before you engage.
What employer sponsorship costs you
- You must pay the worker at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD 79,423 (Core Skills stream) or AUD 146,576 (Specialist Skills stream), from 1 July 2026 — indexed annually.
- The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is the employer's cost by law and cannot be passed to the worker; it scales by your turnover and the visa length.
- Plus sponsorship and nomination application charges and migration agent fees (commonly $3,000–$8,000+).
How it works
- Tell us the role, location and whether you want the worker temporarily (482) or permanently (186).
- We match you with MARA-registered agents who actually do employer-sponsored work — not generalists.
- Compare their approach and fees and engage the one that fits. Free for your business.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make the worker pay the sponsorship costs?
No. The core sponsorship and nomination costs — and specifically the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy — are the employer's by law and cannot be recovered from the worker. The worker can pay their own visa application charge.
Which visa do I sponsor on — 482 or 186?
The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) is the main temporary work-sponsorship visa, up to four years, faster to start. The Subclass 186 is permanent residence for the worker. Many employers start a worker on the 482 and transition to the 186.
What salary do I have to pay a sponsored worker?
From 1 July 2026 you must pay at least the Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD 79,423 (Core Skills stream) or AUD 146,576 (Specialist Skills stream), and at least the genuine market rate for the role — whichever is higher. These figures are indexed annually.
Is this free for my business?
Matching is free. You tell us the role and we connect you with MARA-registered agents who handle employer sponsorship; they quote their fee and you choose. You only pay the agent you engage plus the government charges that apply.
How to sponsor a worker (full guide) · What it costs to sponsor an employee · Browse employer-sponsorship agents