Employer Nominations – Secure the Right Talent for Your Business

Take the Next Step in Hiring Skilled Overseas Workers

Once your business has been approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS), the next stage is the Employer Nomination.
This is where your business formally nominates a specific overseas worker for a skilled position under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (Subclass 186), or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494).

A successful nomination proves that the role is genuine, meets the requirements of the relevant visa program, and that the overseas worker has the skills to fill it.

Why Employer Nominations are Crucial

Without an approved nomination, your sponsored worker cannot proceed to their visa application.
The Department of Home Affairs assesses the nomination to ensure:

• The position is genuine and in line with the occupation lists
• The nominated salary meets the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
• Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirements have been met, where applicable
• The terms and conditions of employment are no less favourable than those for Australian workers

Whether you’re hiring an engineer, nurse, IT specialist, chef, or skilled tradesperson, the nomination stage ensures the right person is matched to the right role in compliance with Australian laws.

Key Benefits of a Successful Employer Nomination

• Enables your nominated worker to proceed to their visa application
• Confirms the position meets market salary and occupation requirements
• Helps address urgent skills gaps in your business
• Strengthens long-term workforce planning through skilled migration pathways

Who Needs to Lodge an Employer Nomination?

You must lodge a nomination if you are:

• Sponsoring a skilled worker under Subclass 482, 494, or 186 visas
• Seeking to transfer an overseas worker already in Australia under your sponsorship
• Wanting to offer a permanent position to a temporary sponsored employee

Eligibility Criteria for Employer Nomination

To nominate a worker, your business must:
✅ Hold a current SBS approval (or be an eligible regional certifying body applicant for certain visas)
✅ Offer a position that is on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
✅ Prove that the position is genuine and necessary to your business
✅ Pay the required market salary (meeting or exceeding TSMIT)
✅ Conduct and evidence Labour Market Testing (if required)
✅ Commit to paying the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy

Required Documents for Employer Nomination

• Detailed position description and employment contract
• Organisational chart showing the role’s place in the business
• Evidence of Labour Market Testing (advertisements, recruitment outcomes)
• Salary evidence (Fair Work compliance, payscales, market salary surveys)
• Business financial documents (if requested)
• Proof of paying the SAF levy

Processing Time and Validity

• Standard processing time: 1–3 months (may be faster for accredited sponsors)
• Validity: Generally valid for the duration of the worker’s visa grant period
• Must be lodged and approved before the worker can apply for their visa

How BFES Global Helps You Get Nominations Approved

At BFES Global, we:

• Assess your position against current Skilled Occupation Lists
• Prepare all required documentation and evidence for a strong nomination case
• Advise on Labour Market Testing requirements and exemptions
• Ensure compliance with salary, workplace, and SAF levy obligations
• Liaise with the Department of Home Affairs to address any queries promptly

Our expertise ensures that your nomination is accurate, compliant, and maximises the chances of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions – Employer Nominations

Can I nominate an overseas worker already in Australia on another visa?
Yes — if they meet the visa and occupation requirements.

Do I have to advertise the position?
Yes — for most TSS visa nominations, Labour Market Testing is required unless an exemption applies.

What if my nomination is refused?
You may have review rights through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), depending on your circumstances.

Can I nominate more than one worker for the same role?
Yes — provided each nomination meets the criteria and SAF levy requirements.

Employer Nomination Summary

• Approval Body: Department of Home Affairs
• Eligible Sponsors: SBS-approved Australian businesses
• Visa Pathways: Subclass 482, 494, 186
• Key Requirements: Genuine position, eligible occupation, market salary, LMT (if required)
• Processing Time: 1–3 months
• Levy: Skilling Australians Fund (SAF)

Move Your Sponsored Worker One Step Closer to Australia with BFES Global

From position assessment to full nomination preparation, BFES Global ensures your business meets every requirement for a successful sponsorship process.