Employer visas / Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme
Employer Nomination visa (186).
Keep your best people for good. The 186 is a permanent visa for workers nominated by their employer, either from a 482 or directly from overseas.
Our fees
Clear terms, agreed before you begin.
At Zest Legal, we believe in clear, upfront pricing. Our professional fees for standard visa applications are outlined below, so you know what to expect before getting started.
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Sponsoring multiple employees?
We offer tailored pricing for businesses with multiple applications or ongoing sponsorship needs. Contact us to discuss a fee arrangement suited to your business.
We act on fixed professional fees for most matters, confirmed in writing together with the scope of our services before you proceed. Government charges and third-party expenses are additional.
For businesses
What your business needs.
You nominate the worker for a permanent position. Your business must be actively operating and able to offer the role for at least 2 years.
Nomination
- A genuine, full-time position
- Available for at least 2 years
- Salary meets the market rate and at least AUD 79,423
Which stream
- Temporary Residence Transition: your current 482 or 457 worker
- Direct Entry: someone new, often from overseas
For employees
What the worker needs.
The requirements depend on the stream.
Temporary Residence Transition
- Hold a 482 or 457 (or an eligible bridging visa)
- Usually 2 years full-time with your sponsor
- Usually under 45, unless exempt
- Competent English
Direct Entry
- Occupation on the relevant skilled list
- Usually under 45, unless exempt
- Skills assessment and usually 3 years’ experience
- Competent English
How it works
From first call to a working visa.
Free 15-minute call
We confirm the right visa, the occupation and the salary, and flag anything that could hold it up.
Clear terms, then we begin
You receive a written quote and a checklist for the business and the employee.
We prepare everything
Sponsorship, nomination and visa, prepared together where we can. We guide any job advertising that’s needed.
Lodged and looked after
We lodge, deal with Home Affairs until a decision, and explain your obligations.
FAQ
Questions about the Subclass 186.
When can we nominate our 482 worker?
Usually after they have worked for you full-time for 2 years on the 482 (or 457).
Is there an age limit?
Usually the worker must be under 45 when they apply. Some exemptions apply, for example for some high earners.
What does the nomination fee cover?
Preparing and lodging the nomination and dealing with Home Affairs until a decision. The worker’s visa is a separate fee. Government fees and the SAF levy are extra.
Who pays for the visa?
The employer or the worker. The nomination fee and SAF levy must be paid by the business.
Can I pay in instalments?
Payment arrangements are discussed when we provide your quote and confirmed in your engagement letter.
Government charges are set by the Department of Home Affairs, change each July, and are paid on top of our fees. Figures checked October 2026. Use the Home Affairs estimator for exact visa charges.
Client reviews
What business owners say.
“I had an amazing experience with Zest Legal, they helped my company successfully secure visas for our employees. I'm so happy we switched over to Zest Legal from our previous lawyers, Rosa did an outstanding job and really went the extra mile to take care of all our immigration needs.”
“We had a really positive experience working with Zest Legal to organise a working visa for one of our employees. The team was amazing to deal with, kept us informed every step of the way, and made the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming than we expected. Everything was handled smoothly and without delays.”
★★★★★ 4.9 from 58 Google reviews
Zest for Business
Sponsoring several workers? Add ongoing support.
A monthly retainer for businesses with sponsored staff or a steady hiring pipeline. It covers the work that keeps you compliant and hiring.
- Sponsor compliance monitoring, with reminders before deadlines
- Notifying Home Affairs of changes within the required timeframes
- Advice calls on sponsorship and workforce questions whenever you need them
- Priority preparation of new nominations and visas
- An annual sponsorship health check
Monthly retainer
Tailored to your workforce
Pricing depends on how many sponsored workers you have and how often you hire. Tell us about your business and we'll send you a proposal.
Talk to us about Zest for BusinessHiring from overseas?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to check basic eligibility and whether we're the right fit. It isn't legal advice, and depending on your circumstances you may still need a consultation. For legal advice now, book a 30-minute consultation ($330). Or call 1300 079 743.