Australian on-hire firms who seek to recruit overseas workers to hire out to unrelated businesses will need to request access to a labour agreement that has been developed to meet the needs of the on-hire industry.

The labour agreement, which is specifically tailored for the on-hire industry, provides the on-hire industry with a clear and defined pathway for the recruitment of skilled overseas workers.

On-hire firms seeking to recruit overseas workers to fill positions within their own organisation can continue to use standard business sponsorship arrangements.

What is a labour agreement?

Labour agreements provide a pathway to recruit overseas skilled workers where standard visa arrangements do not meet industry needs and access to overseas skilled workers is demonstrably in Australia's best interests.

Visas granted under the labour agreement will allow for temporary entry to Australia for periods of up to four years.

How much does a labour agreement cost?

There is no cost in becoming a party to a labour agreement.

Charges and fees will continue to apply for all nominations and visa applications lodged under a labour agreement.
See: Employer Sponsored Temporary Visa charges

How to request access to a labour agreement

• On-hire firms will need to request access to a labour agreement by contacting the department.
  Email: on-hire.industry@immi.gov.au
• The on-hire firm will be provided with information on the process of how to access a labour agreement.
• To become a party to a labour agreement, the on-hire firm must satisfy the department that the requirements of the industry labour agreement can be met.
• If the request to access is accepted by the department and the terms of the agreement have been finalised, the agreement will be signed off by the on-hire firm and the Commonwealth.

More information

Further information on the new labour agreement arrangements for the on-hire industry can be obtained by contacting the department.
Email: on-hire.industry@immi.gov.au