Labour Agreements
How to Apply
The Australian Government announced reforms to the permanent employer-sponsored program to be implemented from 1 July 2012.
See: Reforms 2012 - Permanent Employer-Sponsored Visa Program
To nominate an overseas worker for a permanent visa under a Labour Agreement, the employer must be party to the agreement. Where an agreement has not been negotiated, the employer should contact the department for the latest program information.
Email: Labour.Agreement.Section@immi.gov.au
Step 1 - Employer requests access to a Labour Agreement
The employer must make a submission to the department to access a Labour Agreement and address criteria regarding the labour market need and provide evidence of a commitment to the employment and training of Australians. The department will assess the submission and the parties must come to an agreement about the conditions of the proposed agreement.
See: Step 1 - Employer requests to access a Labour Agreement
Step 2 - Employer nominates the positions
After the agreement has been signed by both parties, the employer nominates specific workers with the qualifications, skills and experience detailed in the agreement to fill the positions.
For temporary positions:
See: Step 2 - Employer Nominates Temporary Positions
For permanent positions:
See: Step 2 - Employer Nominates Permanent Positions
Step 3 - Worker applies for a visa
The employees must apply for either a permanent or temporary visa to be allowed to work in Australia. If the department is satisfied that the nominated employee meet the terms of the agreement and other immigration criteria, they will be granted a visa.
Employees applying for a temporary visa:
See: Step 3 - Worker Applies for a Temporary Visa
Employees applying for a permanent visa:
See: Step 3 - Worker Applies for a Permanent Visa
Renewing a temporary visa
If an employee currently holds a temporary visa which is about to expire, a new nomination and visa application must be lodged under the Labour Agreement. If the Labour Agreement has ceased, a new agreement must be negotiated with the Commonwealth.
More information
More information is available on the visa application process.
See: Information Form 1025i Making and processing visa applications (64KB PDF file)