Employer Nomination Approval

⚡ At a Glance: Nomination Approval

Applies to: Subclass 482, Subclass 494, Subclass 186

Who lodges : Employer or their migration agent.

Purpose: To prove the business has a genuine role and meets salary/occupation list rules.

Key checks : Occupation on CSOL or DAMA list., Salary meets CSIT (AUD $76,515, July 2025 update)., Labour Market Testing (LMT) completed (where required), Employer complies with sponsorship obligations.

💡 Overview

For employer-sponsored visas like the Skill in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494), and the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), one of the most critical steps is securing nomination approval.

This is where the sponsoring employer demonstrates to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) that the nominated role is genuine, meets salary thresholds, and complies with labour market requirements.

📜 What Is Nomination Approval?

Nomination approval is DHA’s confirmation that:

The position is genuine and available in the sponsoring business.

The salary and employment conditions meet or exceed the minimum income threshold (CSIT).

The occupation is eligible under the relevant visa stream ( 482, 494, or 186).

The business has followed Labour Market Testing (LMT) obligations.

Without nomination approval, the employee’s visa application cannot proceed.

Step-by-Step: Employer Nomination Process

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Submitting incorrect or incomplete Labour Market Testing (LMT)

Offering salaries below the CSIT threshold.

Using the wrong ANZSCO occupation code

Employer failing to meet ongoing sponsorship obligations.

Applying for visa before nomination approval is granted.

Always double-check salary, LMT, and occupation list requirements before lodging.

Required Documents

Business registration (ABN, ASIC extract).

Financial records (profit & loss, tax return, BAS statements).

Labour Market Testing (LMT) evidence – ads, job board postings, contracts.

Position description aligned with ANZSCO.

Employment contract with nominated employee.

🌟 Why This Matters

Nomination approval ensures that:

DHA recognises the position is genuine.

The worker’s visa application can proceed.

The employer is meeting legal obligations under sponsorship rules.

Failure to secure nomination approval = refusal of the visa application

❓ FAQ's

Can the employee apply for their visa before nomination approval?

👉 No. The nomination must be approved before the visa can be granted.

How long does nomination approval take?

👉 Processing times vary, but typically 1–3 months, depending on completeness of evidence.

What happens if the nominated salary is below CSIT?

👉 The nomination will be refused. The employer must meet or exceed the threshold.

Can nomination be transferred to another worker?

👉 No. A new nomination must be lodged for a different employee.

Is LMT always required?

👉 Yes for most 482 and 494 nominations, unless exemptions apply (e.g., international trade obligations).

Employers need help with your nomination application?

Our team can prepare your business case, ensure LMT compliance, and secure DHA approval.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.