Are you thinking about moving to Australia for a job in 2026? It is a great chance, but the costs have changed. From January 15, 2026, Australia started a new “user-pays” system for migration. This means new fees, like the Work Licence Fee, that foreign workers must pay. This guide explains all the fees in simple words for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa.
Many people come to Australia on employer-sponsored work visas. These visas let skilled workers live and work here for some time. Some can lead to permanent residency later. But now, in 2026, the rules and fees are different. The old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is gone. It is replaced by the Skills in Demand visa. You need to know the costs so you can plan your move well.
New & Breaking: The 2026 “Work Licence” Fee
The biggest change came on January 15, 2026. Australia added a new fee called the Work Licence Fee. It is AUD $230.
This fee started from January 15, 2026. If you are on a temporary visa and you renew or extend it to keep your work rights, you must pay this $230. It also applies to bridging visas with work rights. The government says this fee helps pay for checking employers and making sure rules are followed.
- Who pays? Most temporary workers pay it. This includes international students, graduates, and others who extend their work rights.
- Can employers pay it? No, usually the worker pays it themselves. It is your responsibility.
- Is it refundable? No. You do not get the money back, even if your visa application is refused.
Expert Tip: There are some hardship waivers for certain seasonal workers in 2026, but they are hard to get. Always plan to pay this $230 when you extend your visa. It is a must-pay cost now.
This new fee shows Australia’s move to make workers pay more for the system. Many temporary visa holders will face this when they renew. It adds to the total cost of staying and working in Australia.
Core Visa Subclasses: The 2026 Pricing Structure
The old TSS 482 visa is fully replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which is Subclass 482. Your fees depend on the stream you are in.
Skills in Demand (SID) Subclass 482
There are different streams now.
- Specialist Skills Stream: This is for high-paid jobs. Your salary must be $141,210 or more. You get fast processing in about 7 days.
- Core Skills Stream: This is for most skilled workers. Your salary must be at least $76,515.
Visa Application Charge (VAC): The main fee is $3,210 for the primary applicant. This is the base cost to apply.
Permanent Residency: Subclass 186 (ENS)?
If you want permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Direct Entry Stream), the Visa Application Charge is $4,910.
These fees are for the main person applying. Extra fees apply for family members. The costs help the government run the visa system.
Financial Thresholds & Compliance
In 2026, your salary is very important. It decides if you can get the visa.
- TSMIT 2026: The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold is now $76,515. Your job offer must pay at least this amount. If it is lower, you cannot get sponsored.
- CSIT: This is the Consolidated Skilled Income Threshold. It checks if your pay matches what locals get. It stops employers from cutting your pay to cover their costs.
The SAF Levy (Employer Cost)
Employers pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy. This is also called the Nomination Training Contribution Charge.
- For small businesses (turnover under $10 million): $1,200 per year for SID visas, or $3,000 one-time for ENS.
- For large businesses (turnover over $10 million): $1,800 per year for SID visas, or $5,000 one-time for ENS.
This levy helps train Australians. Employers pay it, not you. But it affects how companies decide to sponsor workers.
Also Read: China Employer Visa Cost 2026: Application, Medical & Permit Fees
Direct Out-of-Pocket Costs for Workers
The visa fee is only part of the cost. As a foreign worker, you pay many other things yourself.
Here is a simple list of estimated costs in AUD:
- Work Licence Fee: $230
- Secondary Applicant Fee (Adult): $3,210 for SID, or $2,455 for ENS
- Child Dependent Fee: $805 for SID, or $1,230 for ENS
- Health Check (Bupa): $350 to $500 per person
- English Test (like IELTS or PTE): about $475
- Skills Assessment: $500 to $3,000 (it depends on your job)
- STAC (Onshore Penalty): $700 if you apply for a second temporary visa while in Australia
These costs add up fast. For example, a single person might pay over $5,000 just for the main visa and extras. A family pays much more. Always save money for these.
Health checks are important. You must do them with approved doctors like Bupa. English tests show you can speak and understand English well.
Professional Fees: Is a Migration Agent Worth It?
You can apply for the visa yourself. But the rules in 2026 are hard and change often. Many people use a registered migration agent. MARA-registered agents charge between $4,500 and $7,500 for full help. Some offer fixed fees so you know the cost from the start. No surprise bills.
An agent can check your papers, fill forms, and answer questions. This saves time and reduces mistakes that can cause refusal. If you are not sure about English or forms, an agent is a good idea. But choose only registered ones from MARA.
Quick Checklist for 2026 Applicants
Follow these steps to get ready:
- Check the CSOL: Make sure your job is on the Core Skills Occupation List.
- Verify Salary: Your pay must be at least $76,515 to meet TSMIT.
- Book Health Checks: Use official Bupa Medical Visa Services.
- Confirm Fees: Ask your employer about Nomination Fee ($330 to $540) and SAF Levy.
Do these early to avoid delays.
Take the Next Step
The rules for work visas in Australia change fast in 2026. Talk to your employer about their duties. Get your English test and skills assessment done soon. Plan your budget carefully. This move to Australia can be exciting. But know all costs first. Check the official Department of Home Affairs website or talk to a migration agent for the latest info.
Would you like me to create a personalized “Cost Calculator” table based on your specific family size and visa subclass?
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. Always check with the Australian Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent before you decide. Fees and rules can change.