Are you a business leader looking to bridge a local talent gap or a professional negotiating a relocation package? In 2026, the financial landscape of global mobility has shifted dramatically. With governments implementing “skills taxes” and increased processing fees, the true cost of sponsorship is no longer just a simple application fee.
From the staggering new $100,000 H-1B surcharge in the United States to the rising Immigration Skills Charge in the UK, this guide breaks down every line item you need to budget for.
Mandatory Employer Costs (The “Sponsorship” Fees)
In most jurisdictions, these are “non-recoverable” costs. Legally, employers must bear these expenses and cannot deduct them from an employee’s salary.
Sponsor Licence & Registration
First, the company must get approval to hire foreign workers.
- In the UK, small companies pay £574 for a sponsor licence. Big companies pay £1,579.
- In Australia, it costs $420 AUD to become an approved sponsor.
Role Assignment & Nomination
Next, the company pays to link a job to a foreign worker.
- In the UK, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) costs £525 for each worker.
- In Australia, the nomination fee for a Subclass 482 visa is $330 AUD.
- In Canada, the LMIA fee is $1,000 CAD for each job.
The “Skills Surcharge” & Training Levies
Many governments charge extra to help train local people.
- In the UK, the Immigration Skills Charge is about £1,320 per year for big companies (for a 5-year visa, this can be £6,600 total).
- In Australia, the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy can be up to $7,200 AUD for a 4-year visa for big companies.
- In the USA, standard H-1B fees are lower, but there are extra charges for some companies.
These fees add up fast. Companies pay them upfront. They help fund schools and training in the country.
Employee-Related Fees (Often Reimbursable)
These fees are for the worker’s visa. The worker should pay them, but many good companies help or pay them all. This makes the job offer better.
- In the UK, the visa application fee for a long Skilled Worker visa is around £1,519 to £1,751.
- The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in the UK is £1,035 per year. For 5 years, it is over £5,000.
- Fast processing can cost extra, like £500 to £1,000 in the UK or more in other places.
Companies often pay these to get the worker started quickly. It is like a bonus for moving.
Professional & Administrative Costs
There are other costs that are not from the government but still important.
- Legal & Migration Agent Fees You need experts to do the paperwork right. This can cost $3,000 to $7,000 or more.
- Skills Assessments Some jobs need proof of qualifications. This costs $800 to $1,500.
- Labor Market Testing In some countries, you must advertise the job locally first. This means paying for ads for weeks or months.
These costs can surprise you if you forget them. Plan for them early.
Legal Compliance & Clawback Terms
Costs are high now, so companies use rules to get money back if the worker leaves soon.
You can ask the worker to pay back some costs like moving or legal fees if they leave early. But you cannot take back government taxes like the UK Skills Charge or Australian SAF Levy.
Salary Threshold Compliance
To hire a foreign worker, you must pay them enough.
- In the UK, most jobs need at least £41,700 per year.
- In Germany for EU Blue Card, it is about €50,700 (less for some shortage jobs).
Paying low is not allowed. Check the rules for 2026.
Global Comparison: Estimated Cost for One Senior Hire (2026)
Here is a simple table with rough costs for a big company and a long visa.
| Country | Employer-Only Costs (Main Fees) | Employee/Relocation Costs | Total Possible Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (Big Co) | About £8,000 to £10,000 (for 5 years) | About £6,500 to £8,000 (visa + health) | £15,000+ |
| Australia | About $10,000 AUD | About $4,800 AUD | $15,000 AUD+ |
| USA (H-1B) | Standard fees low, but extra for some | About $3,000 USD | $10,000 USD+ (more if special fees) |
| Canada | About $1,000 CAD | About $2,500 CAD | $3,500 CAD+ |
Costs go up with family or longer stays. Add legal fees too.
Interactive Checklist: Is Sponsorship Worth It?
Ask these questions before you start:
- Is the job on a shortage list? Fees can be lower for important roles like health or tech.
- Does the worker have all proofs ready, like skills checks?
- Can your company pay the big non-refundable fees?
Think about training local workers too. It may cost less long-term.
Conclusion
Hiring a foreign worker in 2026 costs a lot of money. It is an investment in good talent. Some countries like Canada are still cheaper. Others like the UK or Australia have high fees now.
Plan your budget carefully. Talk to experts. Costs change, so check official sites often.
Next Step: Do you want a simple budget template for your company? Or help with rules for getting money back if a worker leaves?
Disclaimer: This guide is to help you learn. It is not legal advice. Always check official government websites like GOV.UK, USCIS, or Home Affairs for the latest rules and fees before you spend money.