Employer visas
Hire the talent your business needs.
Employer sponsorship handled by lawyers. Sponsorship, nomination and visa, from first call to decision.
Compare
Employer visas side by side.
| Skills in DemandSubclass 482 | Employer NominationSubclass 186 | Regional employerSubclass 494 | Short-term specialistSubclass 400 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Filling a skilled role | Keeping a worker permanently | Skilled roles in regional Australia | Short specialist work |
| Stay | Up to 4 years | Permanent | 5 years | Up to 3 months (6 with a strong case) |
| Path to permanent residence | Yes, through the 186 | It is permanent | Yes, through the 191 | No |
| Business must sponsor | Yes | Nominates | Yes | No |
| Salary threshold | AUD 79,423 (Core) or AUD 146,576 (Specialist) | AUD 79,423 | AUD 79,423 | None |
| Government visa charge | From AUD 4,015 | From AUD 6,140 | From AUD 6,140 | From AUD 535 |
| See 482 | See 186 | See 494 | See 400 |
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. Salary thresholds apply to nominations lodged from 1 July 2026. We give you a fixed-fee quote after your consultation.
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.
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
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 sponsoring costs.
The government costs your business pays directly. Our fees are listed above.
482 Skills in Demand
Temporary, up to 4 years186 Employer Nomination
PermanentFor employees
Your visa, handled.
Once your employer’s nomination is lodged, we prepare and lodge your visa and include your family.
Skills in Demand visa
Government charge from AUD 4,015 per adult.
About the 482Employer Nomination visa
Government charge from AUD 6,140.
About the 186Regional employer visa
Government charge from AUD 6,140.
About the 494How 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.
Guides
Before you sponsor.
The steps that decide most employer sponsorships, explained.
Across Australia
Employer visas in your state.
Regional status and the 494 depend on where the role is. See your city page.
FAQ
Common questions.
Do we have to advertise the job first?
For the 482 and 494, usually yes. Labour market testing means advertising in Australia for at least 28 days before nominating, unless an exemption applies.
Can we pass the costs to the worker?
No. Sponsorship and nomination costs and the SAF levy must be paid by the business. The worker’s visa costs can be paid by either of you.
Which visa leads to permanent residence?
The 186 is permanent. The 482 can lead to a 186 after 2 years, and the 494 can lead to a 191 after 3 years in a regional area.
How long does it take?
Processing times vary and Home Affairs prioritises some sectors. We prepare sponsorship, advertising and nomination together so no time is lost.
Can we pay in instalments?
Payment arrangements are discussed when we provide your quote and confirmed in your engagement letter.
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.