We act for Melbourne businesses that need to sponsor a skilled worker, and for the workers they sponsor. Sponsorship, nomination and visa are three separate applications; we run them as one matter, from our office in the CBD or by video with your team.
Or call (03) 9958 5854
An Australian business that cannot fill a skilled position locally may sponsor an overseas worker. The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) is the temporary option. The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is permanent, either directly or after a period on a 482 with the same employer. The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (Subclass 494) applies to positions in designated regional areas.
Each requires an approved sponsor, a nomination for a genuine position and a visa application by the worker. Salary thresholds, occupation lists and, for some nominations, labour market testing all apply.
Melbourne sponsors range from clinics and aged care providers to engineering firms, hospitality groups and technology companies. A recurring issue is the business with several sites, where a Melbourne CBD role and a role in a Victorian regional centre fall under different visas. Another is the growing business close to the $10 million turnover line, where the Skilling Australians Fund levy changes once it crosses.
We also act for workers already in Melbourne on another visa, such as a graduate visa, whose employer has offered sponsorship and who want to understand the path to permanent residence before they accept.
For the full rules, subclasses and current processing information, see our national employer sponsored visas page.
Business owners and HR managers usually meet us once at Level 13, 257 Collins Street, then the rest of the matter runs by video and email, with documents shared securely. Where the worker is overseas, they join the same meetings by video.
We give the employer and the worker each a clear account of their part: the business knows its obligations and costs, and the worker knows what the visa allows and what the path to permanent residence looks like. Our phone line, (03) 9958 5854, is answered during office hours if a question comes up during a recruitment round. To estimate the employer's government costs before you start, try the employer sponsorship cost calculator.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard business sponsorship application | $420 |
| Subclass 482 nomination fee | $330 |
| Subclass 482 SAF levy, per year, turnover under $10 million | $1,200 |
| Subclass 482 SAF levy, per year, turnover $10 million or more | $1,800 |
| Subclass 186 nomination fee | $540 |
| Subclass 186 SAF levy, turnover under $10 million | $3,000 |
| Subclass 186 SAF levy, turnover $10 million or more | $5,000 |
| Subclass 482 visa, main applicant | $4,015 |
| Subclass 186 visa, main applicant | $6,140 |
| Subclass 494 visa, main applicant | $6,140 |
To work out an employer's total for a particular nomination, use our employer sponsorship cost calculator.
Checked on 22-10-2026. Source: Department of Home Affairs: current visa pricing; Department of Home Affairs: cost of sponsoring; Federal Register of Legislation: SAF Charges Regulations 2018 (F2018L01092). Our professional fees are separate and are quoted in writing before you instruct us.
We look at the position, the occupation it fits, the salary and the business itself, and confirm which visa is open: 482, 186 or, for a regional site, 494.
If the business is not yet a sponsor, we prepare the standard business sponsorship application with the financial and operating records the Department asks for.
We prepare the nomination for the specific role, including the labour market testing evidence where it is required and the salary comparison.
The worker lodges the visa application, with our help on skills, English, health and character evidence and any family members included.
We brief the employer on sponsorship obligations, such as paying the nominated salary and keeping records, and on what to do when a role changes.
5.0 from 250+ client reviews on Google.
★★★★★
"We are truly grateful to Visa Plan for their outstanding support with our employee's employer sponsorship application… They explained every step clearly, responded promptly, and made what is usually a complicated process feel smooth and stress-free."
★★★★★
"I applied for my 482 visa with James… He was incredibly considerate throughout the entire process, ensuring I felt confident and at ease every step of the way. My company was also impressed with his professionalism."
★★★★★
"They handled our case with the utmost professionalism and care… He handled all my documents and guided me all the way to my 186 visa processing."
Reviewed by James Bae, Managing Director and Principal Immigration Lawyer. This page is general information about Australian migration law and is not legal advice for your circumstances.
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