Sponsoring a chef can feel like a big decision — especially if you're running a busy restaurant, café, or hotel. But in 2025, it's become one of the smartest ways to solve long-term staffing challenges in Australia’s hospitality industry.
This guide breaks down every cost you should expect — and shows why it’s often more affordable than you think.
---
Here’s what you can expect to pay as part of the sponsorship process:
| Cost Type | Estimated Range (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SBS Application Fee | $420 | One-time fee to become a sponsor |
| Nomination Fee | $330 | Paid per sponsored role |
| Visa Application Charge (VAC) | $2,770 – $4,240 | Paid by or for the applicant (subclass 482, 186) |
| SAF Levy | $1,200 – $5,000 | Depends on business size and duration |
| Migration Agent/Legal Fees | $1,500 – $3,500 | Optional but strongly recommended |
| Health & Police Checks | $300 – $600 | Usually covered by candidate |
---
---
| Business Size | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Small Business (under $10M) | $6,500 | $9,800 |
| Mid to Large Business | $8,000 | $12,000+ |
⚠️ These numbers reflect total costs including visa, legal, and typical onboarding support.
---
Yes. Here’s why sponsoring a chef can actually save you money:
Example: A $10K sponsorship could save $30K+ in casual wages, staff loss, and re-hiring costs over two years.
---
Yes — but be cautious. Incorrect applications or missing documents can result in delays or rejections.
Venture Uplift is not a migration agency — but we connect you with chefs who are already open to sponsorship and experts who can support your hiring strategy.
---
Q: How much does it cost to sponsor a chef in Australia?
A: Between $7,000–$12,000 depending on visa type, SAF levy, legal support, and business size.
Q: Who pays the visa fees — the business or the chef?
A: Typically, the employer pays for sponsorship and nomination fees. Visa fees may be paid by either party, but some are legally required to be employer-covered.
Q: Can a small café afford to sponsor a chef?
A: Yes — especially if you’re hiring for the long-term and want to reduce turnover and quality issues.
---
Venture Uplift helps you skip the guesswork by connecting you with chefs who:
📩 Post Your Chef Requirement Now — and start receiving direct proposals today.
---
