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Labour Agreement — Subclass 482 · 186 · 494
Labour Agreement
Visa Sponsorship
Labour agreements and DAMAs allow Australian employers to sponsor workers for occupations outside standard skilled lists. Formal arrangements can include concessions on age, salary, and English language.
MARN: 2619317
Labour Agreement Visas
How Labour Agreements Work
Labour agreements are negotiated between the employer and Home Affairs. They can cover temporary and permanent visa options with tailored conditions.
Overview
What Is a Labour Agreement?
Formal government-approved arrangements for occupations outside standard visa lists
A Labour Agreement is a formal arrangement negotiated between an Australian employer (or industry group) and the Department of Home Affairs. It allows the employer to sponsor skilled overseas workers for occupations that are not covered by the standard skilled occupation lists, where a genuine and ongoing labour shortage has been demonstrated.
Key Benefits
- Access to additional occupations not on the standard MLTSSL or STSOL lists
- Possible concessions on age, English language, and salary thresholds
- Tailored agreement terms to suit industry or regional workforce needs
- Pathway to temporary and permanent residency for sponsored workers
- DAMA arrangements provide region-specific flexibility for employers
Basic Requirements
- Employer must hold an approved labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs
- Agreement covers the specific occupation and work location
- Employer demonstrates genuine, ongoing, and unfilled labour shortage
- Business genuinely operating in Australia with a valid ABN
- Compliance with sponsorship obligations under the agreement
📋 Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are a type of labour agreement specific to a region or area of Australia. They allow regional employers to sponsor workers not covered by standard visa programs, with additional occupations and concessions.
Visa Options
Temporary & Permanent Pathways
Subclass 482, 186, and 494 — each with different stay periods and PR options
Labour agreement arrangements can support three main visa types depending on the occupation, region, and terms of the agreement. Each provides a different combination of temporary stay and pathway to permanent residence.
Key Benefits
- Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand visa under a labour agreement stream
- Subclass 186 — Permanent Employer Nomination via the labour agreement stream
- Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa under DAMA or labour agreement
- All three visas may include concessions negotiated in the agreement (age, English, salary)
- Pathway from temporary visa to permanent residence for qualified workers
Basic Requirements
- Worker's occupation must be covered under the specific labour agreement
- Skills assessment where required for the nominated occupation
- Meet the English language requirements — standard or concessional as per agreement
- Salary at or above the agreed minimum (which may differ from standard Skills in Demand thresholds)
- Age, work experience, and health and character requirements
- Worker must be nominated by the agreement-holding sponsor
📋 The concessions available under a labour agreement depend heavily on the specific agreement negotiated. Your employer or migration agent can confirm the exact conditions that apply to your occupation and agreement.
Employer & Worker Obligations
Responsibilities Under a Labour Agreement
Both employers and sponsored workers carry specific duties
Labour agreements impose obligations on both the sponsoring employer and the visa holder. Failure to comply with obligations can result in the cancellation of the agreement, the visa, or bar future sponsorship. Understanding these obligations is critical before entering into any arrangement.
Key Benefits
- Employer must pay market salary rate and provide equivalent conditions to Australian workers
- Employer must keep records of employment and report changes in circumstances to Home Affairs
- Worker must work in the nominated occupation and for the approved sponsor
- Worker cannot be exploited — protections apply to workers under labour agreements
- Employer must cooperate with any compliance audits or monitoring by Home Affairs
Basic Requirements
- Worker must remain employed by the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation
- Changes in employer, location, or role may require a new nomination or agreement variation
- Worker must notify Home Affairs of significant changes (e.g., change of address)
- Both employer and worker must maintain health insurance as applicable
- The agreement terms must be followed for the full duration of the visa
Using a labour agreement visa outside its approved terms — for example, working for a different employer or in a different occupation — is a serious visa breach and may result in cancellation. Always seek advice before any change in employment circumstances.
Related Pathways
Explore Other Migration Options
If a labour agreement is not the right fit, explore employer-sponsored, skilled, or citizenship pathways.
Employer or Sponsored Worker?
Let's Talk
Whether you are an employer exploring a DAMA or labour agreement, or a worker who has been nominated through one, our registered migration agents can help you understand your obligations and rights.