The cost to sponsor a work visa varies significantly depending on the country, visa category, company size, and whether legal assistance is used. Employers must understand government filing fees, compliance obligations, and optional processing charges before hiring foreign talent.
This guide breaks down typical employer costs in major immigration destinations including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Contents
Cost to Sponsor a Work Visa in the United States
For U.S. employment visas such as H1B, the cost to sponsor a work visa typically includes:
- Base USCIS filing fee
- Training and workforce development fees
- Fraud prevention fee
- Optional premium processing fee
- Attorney fees
Total employer cost often ranges from $4,000 to $10,000 or more depending on circumstances.
Cost to Sponsor a Work Visa in the United Kingdom
Under the Skilled Worker route, UK employers must pay:
- Sponsor licence application fee
- Certificate of Sponsorship fee
- Immigration Skills Charge
- Legal and compliance costs
Total costs can range from £3,000 to £8,000 or more depending on business size and visa duration.
Cost to Sponsor a Work Visa in Australia
Australian employer sponsorship programs such as Subclass 482 include:
- Sponsorship approval fee
- Nomination fee
- Skilling Australians Fund levy
- Legal and administrative fees
The total cost to sponsor a work visa in Australia may range between AUD 5,000 and AUD 15,000 depending on visa length and company size.
Cost to Sponsor a Work Visa in Canada
Canadian employers sponsoring through LMIA-based work permits typically pay:
- LMIA application fee
- Compliance fee
- Recruitment advertising expenses
- Legal representation costs
Total employer expenses often exceed CAD 2,000 to CAD 6,000 or more depending on complexity.
Mandatory vs Optional Costs
When calculating the cost to sponsor a visa, employers should distinguish between:
- Mandatory government filing fees
- Employer training levies
- Optional premium processing services
- Legal representation fees
- Relocation and onboarding expenses
Some countries prohibit employers from passing mandatory fees to employees.
Additional Employer Obligations
- Salary compliance requirements
- Workplace law compliance
- Record-keeping and reporting duties
- Audit preparation
Non-compliance may result in fines or sponsorship suspension.
Factors That Affect Total Cost
- Visa category and duration
- Company size
- Number of sponsored workers
- Premium processing selection
- Future permanent residency sponsorship
Long-term immigration planning increases overall investment.
Is Sponsorship Worth the Cost?
For many employers, the cost to sponsor a work visa is justified by access to specialized global talent, especially in sectors experiencing skill shortages such as technology, healthcare, and engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can employees pay sponsorship costs?
In many countries, mandatory employer fees cannot legally be passed to the employee.
Do small businesses pay less?
Some countries offer reduced fees for small businesses, but overall costs remain significant.
Does permanent residency increase costs?
Yes. Sponsoring permanent residence typically adds several thousand dollars in additional government and legal fees.
Final Thoughts
The cost to sponsor a work visa depends heavily on country-specific immigration rules and employer obligations. Businesses should budget carefully and consult official government guidance before beginning the sponsorship process.