What is a Labour Agreement?

In essence it is a contract between the Commonwealth of Australia (represented by the Minister for Immigration) and a sponsoring employer. This contract, or agreement, sets out the terms and conditions that dictates the employer’s ability to sponsor workers.

The contents of a Labour Agreement set out important guidelines such as the nomination and visa requirements, sponsorship and reporting obligations, and other negotiated conditions.

Why might employers want access to a Labour Agreement?

Employers may want to sponsor workers for an employer sponsored visa such as 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa or 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional who need certain concessions to be eligible for a visa.

What does concession mean?

It generally refers to special allowances or relaxations that can benefit applicants. Depending on their circumstances, this can help applicants to satisfy specific visa requirements.

These concessions can allow applicants to meet relaxed requirements for a visa in terms of age, work experience, English language ability, and permanent residency (PR) pathway for those over 45.

This can help make it easier for some to obtain a visa when they might otherwise not qualify.

For example, those who:  

• are 45 years old or over
• do not have enough required work experience for a standard 482 or 494
• work in an occupation that is not on the ‘standard’ skilled occupation list  
• achieved lower scores than the usual English language requirements

What are the five types of Labour Agreement?

• Company Specific Labour Agreements
• Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
• Industry Labour Agreements
• Global Talent Employer Sponsored Agreements
• Project Agreements 

Company Specific Labour Agreements 

Allow businesses to sponsor workers for positions that cannot be filled locally. As the name suggests, these agreements can be tailored to the specific needs and wants of a particular employer.

DAMA

Are tailored agreements for specific regions across Australia, addressing labour shortages in those areas. There are currently 12 DAMAs in Australia.

Industry Labour Agreements 

Cater to employers operating in specific industries that face ongoing skill shortages. This includes the aged care, dairy, horticulture, meat and pork industries.

Global Talent Employer Sponsored Agreements 

Allow employers to sponsor highly skilled workers in areas of innovation and technology for Temporary Skill Shortage 482 visas. Both established businesses and startups can sponsor global talent to enhance Australia’s competitiveness.

Project Agreements 

Are a type of labour agreement that allows project companies experiencing skills shortages, to sponsor skilled workers during the construction phase of resource or infrastructure projects.

Popular Labour Agreements include:

Employers often choose to apply for a labour agreement when they have a persistent labour need that they cannot fill.

• To secure Aged and Disability Carers through the Aged Care Labour Agreement (ACILA).
• To secure horticultural workers through the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement (HILA).

We have a page called "How to Find an Employer Sponsor in Australia" where you can find some tips on securing a sponsor. Click here to read.

Do you want to know more about Labour Agreements in Australia?

If you are planning to apply for an Australian Visa through a labour agreement and need assistance with your visa application process, please contact us. We are experienced in helping employers apply for Labour Agreements.

We are one of Australia's largest immigration law firms, with a team of professional immigration lawyers and registered migration agents who can help you.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world. You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

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New National Innovation Visa to include Investor Visa

The National Innovation Visa Australia, planned for release in late 2024, will replace the Global Talent Visa (subclass 858) and the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). This new visa aims to attract exceptionally talented migrants to Australia, such as high performing entrepreneurs, major investors and global researchers.

Potentially Streams of the National Innovation Visa Australia could include:

• High performing entrepreneurs 
• Major investors
• Global researchers

1. High Performing Entrepreneurs

This could include some features of the existing Global Talent Visa, such as the potential earnings above the Fair Work Income Threshold, which is currently AUD 175,000.

Sectors currently available under the Global Talent Visa include:

• Resources
• Agri-food & AgTech
• Energy
• Health Industries
• Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space
• Circular Economy
• DigiTech
• Infrastructure and Tourism
• Financial Services and FinTech
• Education

Click here to read more about the Global Talent Visa.

2. Major Investors 

This could include some of the existing features of the Significant Investor Visa.

The Migration Review flagged the opportunity to draw on the relative strength of the Significant Investor stream to design a visa product more sharply targeted to select migrants who can drive innovative investments in sectors of national importance or play a valuable role in the venture capital industry.

The features could include:

• Available investment of $5 million or more

• The investment must comply with the Complying Investment Framework (CIF)

 The types of investment could include:

• Venture capital and growth private equity funds which invest in start-ups and small private companies
• Approved managed funds investing in emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange
• A ‘balancing investment’ in managed funds

3. Global Researchers 

This could include some of the features currently available for the Distinguished Talent Visa. 

The Distinguished Talent pathway is for exceptional and outstanding individuals who do not fit into any Global Talent sectors but are still prominent in their field. Examples include Olympic athletes and famous musicians.

National Innovation Visa Requirements

The National Innovation Visa program aims to combine the best aspects of the BIIP and Global Talent Visa programs, with criteria designed to produce stronger economic outcomes for Australia.

The specific requirements and criteria for the new visa are yet to be determined or announced.

Are you planning to invest in Australia? 

If you are a potential investor interested in migrating to Australia, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a free evaluation.

You can also take a free Global Talent Visa assessment here.

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has opened a consultation on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The Core Skills is one of the pathways in the Skills in Demand Visa introduced in the Migration Strategy, released in December 2023.

The Core Skills Visa seems set to replace the current 482 employer-sponsored visa and will have similar requirements to the 482 visa. Click here to check the 482 Occupation List.

The Draft Core Skills Occupations List is an important component of Australia's evolving migration strategy. This draft list categorizes occupations into different streams based on their importance to the economy and the current labor demand, providing a structured approach to manage employer-sponsored migration more effectively.

The JSA consultation refers to the Core Skills pathway for occupations being paid a median salary above $73,150 and below $135,000.

The draft list is based on labour market analysis of ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3 occupations, so some occupations in the other salary bands may be included in this list. However, it is not yet clear how this will be addressed in the visa regulations.

The JSA reports it has developed the draft lists benchmarked to the 2022 ANZSCO not the 2013 version which will capture new and emerging occupations and has also used the most up to date employment/labour market datasets. 

Core Skills Occupation List

The Core Skills Occupation List is being designed to identify occupations that are essential for Australia’s economic health, particularly those that are in shortage and can benefit from employer-sponsored migration. The list is split into three categories:

1. Confident On List – Occupations that Jobs and Skills Australia is certain should remain on the list.

Occupations such as Registered Nurse, Social Worker, Diesel Motor Mechanic, and IT Network Administrator are on the Confident On List.

2. Confident Off List – Occupations recommended for removal based on current labor market insights.

Occupations such as Cafe or Restaurant Manager, Cattle Farmer, ICT Project Manager, and Real Estate Representative are on the Confident Off List.

3. Targeted for Consultation – Occupations that require further input from stakeholders to determine their necessity and priority.

Occupations such as Chef, Cook, Finance Manager, Web Designer, Hairdresser, and Marketing Specialist are on the Targeted for Consultation List.

Public Consultation Open for the Draft Core Skills Occupations List

The public consultation process closed on 10 May 2024 and was a critical step in ensuring that the Core Skills Occupations List is well-rounded and effective in meeting the strategic objectives of Australia's migration and labor policies. Engaging in this process is a way for stakeholders to contribute to the policy-making process, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.

Guidelines on the timeline for the release of the final list are available on the JSA webpage. 

As soon as the Core Skills Occupation List is available, we will update it on our website.

This article is updated regularly. Last updated: July 2024

The Migration Strategy, released in December 2023, introduced the Skills in Demand Visa. There are three new types of temporary work visas focusing on clear pathways to Australian permanent residency and aiming to alleviate labor shortages. 

The three new pathways are called Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills. The Skills in Demand Visa will replace the Temporary Skills Shortage 482 Visa and provide more flexibility to workers and employers. 

Key features for all three visas include:  

• The new Skills in Demand Visa will provide a four-year work visa.
• Visa holders will have the ability to move between sponsors with 180 days to find a new sponsor.
• The time spent with any approved employer will count toward permanent residence requirements. This will avoid the clock resetting with each employer.
• All streams (Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills) will have a clear path to permanent residency in Australia.
• There will be a public register of sponsors to assist individuals in finding a new sponsor.

Specialist Skills Pathway

This pathway recognises highly skilled migrants are hugely beneficial to Australia's national productivity, including through their support of critical sovereign capabilities and potential to grow the skills and expertise of the Australian workforce. The Specialist Skills Visa will be available to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. 

Criteria: 

• Being nominated by an approved employer
• Meeting health and character requirements
• This visa will be available to any occupation except trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and laborers 
• The applicant will need to have earnings of at least AU$ 135,000 a year

Processing times: 

The Specialist Skills Visa processing time is expected to be very quick, only 7 days. 

Core Skills Pathway

Most temporary skilled migrants will come through the Core Skills pathway. The Core Skills visa is designed to bring skilled employees to Australia and to fill the needs that are available now and, in the future, to ensure we can provide ourselves with the goods and services that are needed for the Australian economy. 

Criteria:

• Available for a wider range of occupations, including registered nurses, trades, and some machinery operators
• Individuals with occupations on the new Core Skills Occupation List
• Individuals with a salary at or above the TSMIT, which is currently AU$ 73,150 a year

As soon as the Core Skills Occupation List is available, we will update it here. The Core Skills Visa is likely to have requirements very similar to the current 482 visa. You can check the 482 Occupation List here. 

Processing times:

The Core Skills Visa processing time is expected to be approximately 21 days. 

Essential Skills Pathway

The government is considering the Essential Skills pathway in the context of the care and support economy, which has become essential to the quality of Australian life. 

Criteria: 

• It's a pathway for lower-paid workers with essential skills
• This visa might include individuals earning a salary under the TSMIT, which is currently AU$ 73,150 a year
• The Essential Skills pathway is likely to have similarities with the current Labour Agreement visas

Which Skills in Demand visa should I go for?

If you're looking for positions with a salary above AU$ 135,000, then it's going to be the Specialist Skills pathway for most occupations.

The distinction between the Core Skills pathway and the Essential Skills pathway could be defined by the occupation you're going for. For example, professions like aged and disability carers would be categorized under the Essential Skills pathway, while most other health-related occupations like registered nurses, would be for the Core Skills pathway. 

All Skills in Demand visas, however, will be regulated to ensure that Australia is receiving the skilled workers it needs and that the sponsored employees are protected from exploitation. 

Requirements for employers in terms of the Skills in Demand visas

Labour Market Testing

As the visas are work visas, then some elements of the current 482 work visa may be adapted. For example, Labor Market Testing. It is being announced that there will be reduced requirements for Labor Market Testing. The period of Labor Market Testing will be valid for six months, as opposed to the current four months. Also, the number of adverts will be reduced to two from what has recently been three. 

Skilling Australia Fund

The Skilling Australia Fund is a fee that the employer must pay to the government to access the visa program, providing funds for training Australians. 

It's expected that the Skilling Australia Fund requirements will not be an upfront payment but rather will be installments over the time the visa holder is in Australia with the employer. 

When will the Skills in Demand visas be implemented? 

The Migration Strategy Action Plan provides the indicative timeframe of late 2024 for implementation. 

As soon as we receive more information about the new Skills in Demand visas, we will update this page.

The Specialist Skills is one of the pathways within the Skills in Demand Visa. 

This pathway recognises highly skilled migrants are hugely beneficial to Australia's national productivity, including through their support of critical sovereign capabilities and potential to grow the skills and expertise of the Australian workforce. The Specialist Skills Visa will be available to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. 

Criteria: 

• Being nominated by an approved employer
• Meeting health and character requirements
• This visa will be available to any occupation except trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and laborers 
• The applicant will need to have earnings of at least AU$ 135,000 a year

Processing times: 

The Specialist Skills Visa processing time is expected to be very quick, only 7 days.

Key features for the Specialist Skills visa include:  

• The Specialist Skills Visa will provide a four-year work visa.
• Visa holders will have the ability to move between sponsors with 180 days to find a new sponsor.
• The time spent with any approved employer will count toward permanent residence requirements. This will avoid the clock resetting with each employer.
• The Specialist Skills Visa will have a clear path to permanent residency in Australia.
• There will be a public register of sponsors to assist individuals in finding a new sponsor.

We will update this page as soon as we receive more information about the Specialist Skills Visa.

Other Skills in Demand Pathways: 

Core Skills Pathway

Essential Skills Pathway

Click here to learn more about the Skills in Demand Visa.

This article is updated regularly. Last updated: Thursday, 23rd May 2024

The Core Skills is one of the pathways within the Skills in Demand Visa. 

Most temporary skilled migrants will come through the Core Skills pathway. The Core Skills visa is designed to bring skilled employees to Australia and to fill the needs that are available now and, in the future, to ensure we can provide ourselves with the goods and services that are needed for the Australian economy. 

Criteria:

• Available for a wider range of occupations, including registered nurses, trades, and some machinery operators
• Individuals with occupations on the new Core Skills Occupation List
• Individuals with a salary at or above the TSMIT, which is currently AU$ 73,150 a year

Core Skills Occupation List: 

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has opened a consultation on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). You can find a draft list here. As soon as the Core Skills Occupation List is available, we will update it on our website. 

The Core Skills Visa is likely to have requirements very similar to the current 482 visa. You can check the 482 Occupation List here. 

Processing times:

The Core Skills Visa processing time is expected to be approximately 21 days. 

Key features for the Core Skills visa include:  

• The Core Skills Visa will provide a four-year work visa.
• Visa holders will be able to move between sponsors with 180 days to find a new sponsor.
• The time spent with any approved employer will count toward permanent residence requirements. This will avoid the clock resetting with each employer.
• The Core Skills Visa will have a clear path to permanent residency in Australia.
• There will be a public register of sponsors to assist individuals in finding a new sponsor.

We will update this page as soon as we receive more information about the Core Skills Visa.

Other Skills in Demand Pathways: 

Specialist Skills Pathway

Essential Skills Pathway

Click here to learn more about the Skills in Demand Visa.

This article is updated regularly. Last updated: July 2024

The Essential Skills is one of the pathways within the Skills in Demand Visa program.

The government is considering the Essential Skills pathway in the context of the care and support economy, which has become essential to the quality of Australian life. 

Criteria: 

• It's a pathway for lower-paid workers with essential skills
• This visa might include individuals earning a salary under the TSMIT, which is currently AU$ 73,150 a year
• The Essential Skills pathway is likely to have similarities with the current Labour Agreement visas

Key features for the Essential Skills visa include:  

• The Essential Skills Visa will provide a four-year work visa.
• Visa holders will have the ability to move between sponsors with 180 days to find a new sponsor.
• The time spent with any approved employer will count toward permanent residence requirements. This will avoid the clock resetting with each employer.
• The Essential Skills Visa will have a clear path to permanent residency in Australia.
• There will be a public register of sponsors to assist individuals in finding a new sponsor.

We will update this page as soon as we receive more information about the Essential Skills Visa.

Other Skills in Demand Pathways: 

Specialist Skills Pathway

Core Skills Pathway

Click here to learn more about the Skills in Demand Visa.

This article is updated regularly. Last updated: July 2024

Initial Consultations

The appointment will be with one of our Immigration Lawyers or Registered Migration Agents. Please find professional profiles here.

At the appointment, we will:

• Discuss your situation
• Advise on your visa options and specific issues that may be relevant to your circumstances
• Advise on appeals, if your application has been refused

Following the appointment, we will:

• Send you a follow-up email summarising the advice on your visa or appeal options.
• We will also provide a fee estimate so you know what you are likely to spend if you proceed with a visa application, appeal or hourly rate representation.

Please note that we may identify the need for further specific research, especially in relation to appeals or complex matters. We would confirm your instruction to undertake further research, and hourly rate fees would apply.

Standard Appointment — $330

Please book this appointment for general advice about your visa options, including 189, 190, 491, 887, Employer Sponsored, Family, Partner, Parent, Skills Assessment, Resident Return Visa, and Citizenship. 45 minutes

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Complex Matters — $440

Please book this appointment if you have a complex matter, such as you want us to consider the skills profile for more than one applicant in your family unit, a character issue, health criteria concerns, visa refusal, cancellation, AAT appeal, Australian citizenship discretion, Judicial Review, you are unlawful, or you need advice regarding a request from the Department of Home Affairs. 1 hour

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Urgent Same Day or Next Day Appointments — $550

For very urgent advice, we will try to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments which have a fee of $550. Please call +61 08 8351 9956 to enquire. 1 hour

Cancellation fees apply to all appointment types:

If you cancel an appointment within 48 hours before an appointment, we will be charging a $100.00 cancellation fee. 

Administration Fee

If you reschedule an appointment more than once, then we charge an administration fee of $100.

Estimated Fixed Fee Service Pricing

Prices quoted below are in Australian dollars (AUD), exclusive of GST and do not include Government charges, such as visa application charges.

Some services are offered or available on an hourly rate basis.

Services may be available that are not listed below.

 * Our quoted fees are specifically for the professional services provided by our firm. Additional charges, including but not limited to, government filing fees and costs for health and character assessments, may apply. The provided fee estimates are applicable to typical applications. In cases where your situation is more intricate or deviates from our standard service range, a customized fee estimate will be provided to you.

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