Sponsorship Costs Explained: Government Fees and Hidden Expenses in 2025

How much does it cost to sponsor a worker in 2025? Here’s a clear breakdown of government fees and real-world expenses for employers.

The total cost to sponsor a worker in 2025 depends on the visa type and business size. Expect to budget between AU$10,000 and AU$15,000 per employee once you include government charges and associated costs.

Government Fees

• Sponsorship application: around AU$420.
• Nomination fee: AU$330-540 per worker.
• SAF Training Levy: AU$1,200–1,800 per year (depending on business size).
• Visa application fee: usually paid by the worker, but some employers choose to cover it (around AU$3,000).

Additional Costs

• Recruitment advertising for LMT.
• Migration agent or legal fees.
• Health insurance for the worker.
• Time spent collecting documents and managing compliance.

Why Transparency Matters

Some businesses only budget for visa fees and forget about the levy or advertising costs. Planning ahead avoids surprises and helps you set accurate salary offers.

Need a clear cost estimate for your next sponsorship?
Seven Corp can outline the full budget before you begin.