Cost of a Temporary Work Visa in Australia

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Key Takeaways

Temporary work visas in Australia involve various costs, including application fees and additional charges for dependents.
Associated costs include skills assessment fees, English language tests, police checks, health exams, and legal assistance.
Employers face costs like the sponsorship application fee, nomination fee, and Skilling Australians Fund levy based on turnover.

Obtaining a temporary work visa in Australia 🇦🇺 involves several costs that applicants need to be aware of. Ensuring you understand these expenses can help in better planning and budgeting for your migration or employment journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, distills complex information into simple terms, and places the expenses in a broader context that is relevant to both applicants and employers.

Application Fees

Cost of a Temporary Work Visa in Australia

The most straightforward cost associated with obtaining a temporary work visa in Australia is the visa application fee. This fee varies depending on the type of visa program one is applying for. Popular choices for temporary work visas in Australia include the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa) and the Subclass 400 (Temporary Work Short Stay Specialist Visa).

Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa) Costs

Short-Term Stream:
- This stream allows employees to stay in Australia for a maximum of two years, and costs start at around AUD $1,330. This fee is payable when the application is submitted to the authorities.
Medium-Term Stream:
- Suitable for longer durations, up to four years. The cost is approximately AUD $2,770 for the main applicant.
Labour Agreement Stream:
- This is for employers who have entered into a labour agreement with the Australian government. Costs are similar to the medium-term stream, around AUD $2,770.
Additional Applicant Fees:
- If including dependents, there are additional charges. For dependents over 18 years, the fee is AUD $1,335, while for those under 18, it is AUD $670.
Subsequent Temporary Application Charge:
- If applying while onshore and after having previously held another temporary visa, an extra fee of AUD $700 may apply.

Subclass 400 (Temporary Work Short Stay Specialist Visa) Cost

This visa is for those who engage in non-ongoing work that requires a high level of specialist skills, knowledge, or experience. The application fee starts at about AUD $315.

Other Associated Costs

Skills Assessment Fee:
- Many visas, including the 482 Visa, require a skills assessment to ensure the applicant meets the Australian qualifications and standards. These assessments can cost from AUD $300 to AUD $1,500 depending on the occupation and assessing authority.
English Language Test Fees:
- As proficiency in English is often required, applicants may need to take a language test such as IELTS or TOEFL. The cost for these tests ranges from AUD $300 to AUD $500.
Police Check Fees:
- Applicants need to provide evidence of good character, often necessitating police clearance certificates. The price for these checks varies by country but can be approximately AUD $42 to AUD $100 per certificate.
Health Examination Fees:
- A mandatory requirement, health examinations cost between AUD $200 and AUD $600, depending on the assessments needed.
Legal and Agent Fees:
- While it’s possible to apply independently, many choose to hire migration agents or lawyers for assistance. This can add significantly to costs, from AUD $1,000 to over AUD $4,000.

Employer-Specific Costs

Employers sponsoring overseas workers also incur costs, including the Sponsorship Application Fee, generally around AUD $420. Additionally, a Nomination Fee of AUD $330 applies per nomination. The most noteworthy expense, however, can be the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy, which is calculated based on the company’s turnover and the number of years a worker will be employed. For businesses with a turnover of more than AUD $10 million, the SAF levy is AUD $1,800 per year per employee. Smaller businesses pay AUD $1,200 per year.

Implications and Considerations

Understanding these costs is vital for both applicants and employers as they impact not only the budget but also strategic decisions regarding international hiring and migration. VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that careful planning can help avoid unexpected financial strain and streamline the application process.

Migrants should also be aware of potential additional expenses, such as relocation fees, travel insurance, and everyday living costs in Australia, which can vary significantly depending on the region. Visa policies are subject to change, so being informed on current fees and requirements by consulting official sources like the Australian Department of Home Affairs can save time and reduce uncertainty.

Payment and Refund Policies

When it comes to paying fees, understanding the Australian government’s refund policies is crucial. In most cases, visa application fees are non-refundable, even if an application is withdrawn or refused. Therefore, ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate before submission can safeguard against costly mistakes.

Common Misconceptions

There are frequent misconceptions that must be clarified. For instance, some believe that visa agents are unnecessary and the costs they cite can be avoided entirely, but this choice depends greatly on an individual’s understanding of complex immigration processes. Furthermore, there is a myth that all temporary work visas are easily convertible to permanent residency. While possible, conversion involves careful consideration of different criteria and possibly incurring more costs.

Supporting Resources and Enquiries

Applicants and employers seeking further guidance or facing challenges can turn to resources such as the Australian government’s immigration website or contact professional migration agents licensed by the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA).

In conclusion, obtaining a temporary work visa in Australia involves several financial commitments, with expenses varying based on visa type, individual circumstances, and additional services required. Thorough preparation, knowledge of associated costs, and investing time into understanding all aspects of the application process can strongly influence the likelihood of a successful application. Always ensure you are using official and up-to-date resources, such as the ones provided by governmental agencies, to understand the most recent requirements and fees.

Learn Today

Visa Application Fee: The cost required to submit a visa application, varying by visa type and applicant circumstances.
Skills Assessment Fee: A charge for evaluating if an applicant’s qualifications and skills meet Australian standards for visa eligibility.
Sponsorship Application Fee: Payment made by employers for sponsoring foreign workers, necessary to proceed with the visa process.
Skilling Australians Fund Levy: A levy paid by businesses sponsoring overseas workers, calculated based on turnover and employment duration.
Nomination Fee: A fee that employers pay for each foreign worker they nominate to ensure compliance with visa policies.

This Article in a Nutshell

Navigating Australia’s temporary work visa landscape can be costly. Key expenses include visa application fees, skills assessments, and health examinations. Understanding these costs aids in effective planning. Employers and applicants should budget wisely and stay informed to manage financial commitments, ensuring a seamless migration or employment experience. Preparation ensures success.
— By VisaVerge.com