How much does it cost to apply for a Standard Business Sponsorship?

The government application fee for a Standard Business Sponsorship is AUD $420 as of 2026. This is a one-off fee payable at the time of lodgement and covers the Department of Home Affairs’ assessment of the application.  Critically, this fee cannot be passed on to the sponsored worker – either directly or indirectly. This is a legal obligation under the Migration Act, and we flag it with every employer client we work with. Recovering sponsorship costs from a worker – in any form – can result in significant civil penalties for the business.  The SBS fee is just one component of the total cost of sponsoring an overseas worker. The nomination application fee, the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, and the visa application charge are all additional costs that typically fall on the employer. When we scope out the total investment for a new employer sponsor, we make sure they have a clear picture of all costs from the outset, not just the SBS fee.  For businesses considering sponsorship for the first time, it is worth speaking to us before lodging – not just to ensure the application is correctly prepared, but to understand the full financial commitment involved across the SBS, nomination, and visa stages. See the Department’s guidance at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/becoming-a-sponsor/standard-business-sponsor/fees-and-charges