Employer Sponsored Visa Melbourne | 482 TSS & 186 ENS Specialist
Expert employer sponsored visa services in Melbourne for subclass 482 (Skills in Demand/TSS) and 186 (ENS). MARA-registered agents helping employers sponsor workers and employees gain PR. SAF levy guidance included.
Employer Sponsored Visa Services in Melbourne
As Melbourne's expert employer sponsored visa specialists, we assist both skilled workers seeking employer sponsorship and Melbourne businesses wanting to sponsor overseas talent. Our MARA-registered migration agents (No. 1569835) provide comprehensive guidance on the subclass 482 visa (Skills in Demand, formerly TSS - Temporary Skill Shortage) and subclass 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme/ENS) for permanent residency. Whether you're a chef, IT professional, engineer, manager, or tradesperson in Melbourne, we can help you secure employer sponsorship or guide your business through the sponsorship process.
The employer sponsored visa pathway is one of the most popular routes to Australian permanent residency, especially in Melbourne's diverse job market. The 482 visa allows skilled workers to work in Australia for up to 4 years for an approved sponsor, with full work rights and access to Medicare. After 3 years on a 482 visa, eligible workers can transition to the permanent 186 visa (ENS) through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. Our Melbourne employer visa agents help navigate the complex requirements including labour market testing, Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, minimum salary thresholds ($73,150 in 2025), and nomination processes.
Our employer sponsored visa services in Melbourne include employer sponsorship approval, labour market testing compliance, position nomination applications, SAF levy calculation and guidance, visa application preparation for employees, 482 to 186 transition planning, and ongoing compliance support. We serve employers and employees across Melbourne CBD, St Kilda, and all Victoria suburbs with bilingual support in English and Chinese.
Employer Sponsor Visa Options
Employer-sponsored pathways for skilled workers
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
A temporary visa allowing skilled workers to work in Australia for an approved sponsor for up to 4 years. Can lead to permanent residency.
- Work for approved sponsor
- Up to 4 years duration
- Pathway to permanent residency
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by their employer. Allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.
- Permanent residency
- Work for nominating employer
- Pathway to citizenship
Labour Agreement Stream
For workers sponsored under a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government. Tailored to specific industry needs.
- Negotiated terms
- Industry-specific pathways
- Flexible requirements
Quick Comparison
| Temporary (482) | Permanent (186) | Agreement (482) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2-4 years | Permanent | 4 years |
| Pathway to PR | |||
| Work rights | Sponsor only | Unrestricted | Sponsor only |
| Processing | 3-6 months | 6-12 months | 3-6 months |
Employer Sponsored Visa Fees 2025 - Complete Cost Breakdown
Australian employer sponsored visa fees effective July 1, 2025
Important: Employer vs Employee Costs
Employer sponsored visas involve costs for BOTH the employee (visa application fees) and the employer (sponsorship, nomination, and SAF levy). Below we clearly separate these costs for transparency.
Subclass 482 - Skills in Demand (TSS) - Temporary Visa
Up to 4 years duration
Employee Pays (Visa Fees)
Additional costs per person:
- • Health exam: $300-600
- • Biometrics: ~$300
- • Police checks: varies
Employer Pays
SAF Levy (per year)
Turnover <$10M
SAF Levy (per year)
Turnover $10M+
482 Visa Total Cost Examples
Single Employee + Small Business (<$10M)
Couple + 1 Child + Large Business ($10M+)
Note: SAF levy is $1,200/year for businesses under $10M turnover, $1,800/year for $10M+
Subclass 186 - Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) - Permanent Visa
Permanent residency pathway
Employee Pays (Visa Fees)
Additional costs per person:
- • Health exam: $300-600
- • Biometrics: ~$300
- • Police checks: $50-200
- • Skills assessment (Direct Entry): $500-1,500
Employer Pays (One-Time)
SAF Levy
Turnover <$10M
SAF Levy
Turnover $10M+
Note: SAF levy is one-time payment for permanent 186 visa (vs. annual for temporary 482)
186 Visa Total Cost Examples
Single Employee + Small Business
Family of 3 + Large Business ($10M+)
What is the SAF Levy (Skilling Australians Fund)?
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is a mandatory training contribution paid by employers to fund training for Australian workers. This levy is paid by the sponsoring employer, NOT the visa applicant.
Temporary Visa (482)
Paid annually for each year of visa validity (e.g., 4-year visa = 4 × $1,200 = $4,800)
Permanent Visa (186)
One-time payment only (not annual)
Minimum Salary Requirements 2025
Core Skills (482/186)
$73,150
per year
Specialist Skills (482)
$135,000
per year
Labour Agreement
$76,515
per year
TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold) - salaries must meet Australian market rates
Pathway to Permanent Residency: 482 to 186
How temporary employer sponsorship leads to permanent residency
482 TSS Visa
Temporary (up to 4 years)
Cost: ~$8,760
(small business, 4 years)
Work 3 Years
Same employer, same role
Requirement
Salary: $73,150+
186 ENS Visa
Permanent Residency
Cost: ~$8,450
(small business)
Citizenship
After 4 years on PR
Australian Citizen
Total Pathway Cost: ~$17,210 (482 + 186 for single applicant, small business over ~7 years to citizenship)
Employer Sponsored Visa Requirements
Approved Sponsor
Your employer must be an approved sponsor or apply for sponsorship approval. They must demonstrate genuine need for the position.
Nomination
Your employer must nominate you for a position that matches your skills and qualifications. The position must meet salary and conditions requirements.
Skills and Experience
Have the skills, qualifications, and work experience required for the nominated position. May require skills assessment.
English Language
Meet English language requirements appropriate to the visa stream and occupation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common concerns about employer sponsorship
Ready to Explore Employer Sponsorship?
We help both employers and employees navigate the sponsorship process