What occupations can be included in a Labour Agreement?

Labour Agreements can include occupations at ANZSCO Skill Levels 4 and 5, which are generally not eligible under the standard 482 pathway. They can also include Skill Level 1–3 occupations where specific concessions (age, English, salary) are required. The specific occupations must be justified and agreed with the Department.

How long does it take to negotiate a Labour Agreement?

Negotiations typically take 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the agreement and whether industry peak body endorsement is readily available. Employers should factor this timeframe into their workforce planning.

Can a small business access a Labour Agreement?

Yes, but small businesses may find it more practical to access an existing Industry or Designated Area Migration Agreement rather than negotiating a Company-Specific agreement. DAMAs in particular are designed to assist regional employers of all sizes.

What concessions can be included?

Depending on the type of agreement and the industry, concessions may include: a lower age limit (e.g. up to 55 instead of 45); lower English proficiency requirements; salary below the standard TSMIT; and access to occupations not on standard lists. All concessions are subject to negotiation and Departmental approval.

Does a Labour Agreement guarantee visa grants?

No. A Labour Agreement establishes the framework for employer sponsorship — it does not guarantee that individual nominations or visa applications will be approved. Each nomination and visa application is assessed on its merits by the Department of Home Affairs.

Can workers sponsored under a Labour Agreement apply for permanent residence?

In most cases, yes. Workers sponsored under a company-specific, industry, DAMA or on-hire Labour Agreement can generally apply for permanent residence through the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, Labour Agreement (LA) stream, once the specific terms of that agreement are met. The qualifying period, English level and other conditions are set by the individual agreement rather than the standard TRT rules, so this should be confirmed against the specific Labour Agreement before being relied on.

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Labour Agreements for Employer Sponsorship

A Labour Agreement is a formal arrangement between an employer and the Australian Government that allows the employer to recruit a set number of overseas workers in occupations not available under the standard subclass 482 or 186 pathways.

General information current as at October 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

The Short Answer

Labour Agreements are used where standard employer sponsorship pathways cannot meet the employer's needs — for example, for occupations below ANZSCO Skill Level 3, or where specific concessions on age, English, or salary are required. They are negotiated between the employer and the Department of Home Affairs, with input from the relevant industry peak body. Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) can advise on whether a Labour Agreement may be appropriate for your workforce needs.

Reviewed by Navpreet Aulakh, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619467)

Last reviewed: October 2026

Overview Types Eligibility Process Fees FAQ Related

Negotiated

Custom Government arrangement

Each Labour Agreement sets out specific conditions, including occupation, numbers, salary, and any concessions.

5 years

Maximum agreement term

Company-specific Labour Agreements are generally approved for up to 5 years.

Industry peak body

Endorsement typically required

Company specific agreements require consultation with relevant stakeholders (such as the industry body, the relevant union and affected community groups). Industry agreements have set terms, and DAMA agreements need endorsement from the Designated Area Representative.

Limited concessions

Age, English, salary

Labour Agreements can include concessions on standard visa requirements, subject to negotiation.

Agreement Types

Types of Labour Agreement

Home Affairs lists four types of labour agreement: industry labour agreements, Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs), company specific labour agreements and the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot. On-hire arrangements are now an industry labour agreement, and project agreements are limited to approved projects. The appropriate type depends on the employer's industry, location, and workforce needs.

Company-Specific Labour Agreement

Tailored for a single employer. Allows recruitment for specific occupations not otherwise available. Used where industry-wide agreement does not cover the employer's needs.

Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

Regional Labour Agreements negotiated by state, territory, or local governments. Allow recruitment of workers into regional areas, often with greater concessions than standard pathways. Examples: Northern Territory DAMA, South Australian DAMA.

Industry Labour Agreement

Negotiated for a sector rather than a single employer. Industry representative bodies negotiate set terms with the Department, and individual employers request an agreement on those fixed, non-negotiable terms. Examples: aged care, meat, horticulture, dairy, fishing, pork, advertising, minister of religion, on-hire and restaurant (premium dining).

On-Hire Labour Agreement

Now offered as the On-hire Industry Labour Agreement, with set, non-negotiable terms. It allows temporary sponsorship of workers in certain occupations who are placed with third parties, with the labour-hire business remaining the direct employer.

Project Labour Agreement

Designed for large construction, engineering, or resource projects where peak demand for specialist overseas workers exists for a defined project period. The agreement is tied to the project rather than the employer generally. Project agreements are only available to project companies whose projects are endorsed by DFAT under the China-Australia Investment Facilitation Agreement, for skills shortages during the construction phase of resource or infrastructure projects.

Eligibility

When Is a Labour Agreement Appropriate?

Labour Agreements are not available to all employers. The Department expects employers to demonstrate that standard pathways are genuinely insufficient before a Labour Agreement will be considered.

Standard pathways are unavailable or insufficient

The nominated occupation is not on any relevant occupation list for the subclass 482, or the employer requires concessions (e.g. on age or English) that the standard pathway does not permit.

Genuine business need

The employer must demonstrate a genuine, ongoing need for overseas workers in the relevant occupation. The Department is not satisfied by short-term or project-based workforce gaps in most cases.

Industry peak body support

For Company-Specific and most Industry Agreements, the relevant industry peak body (e.g. union or employer association) must provide endorsement or a letter of support. This requirement ensures labour market protections are maintained.

Compliance track record

Employers with a poor compliance history — including previous sponsor obligations breaches — may find it more difficult to secure a Labour Agreement. The Department considers the employer's past conduct as a sponsor.

Process

How to Obtain a Labour Agreement

Negotiating a Labour Agreement is a multi-step process that typically takes 6 to 18 months. Early preparation and professional advice are strongly recommended.

Confirm standard pathways are unavailable

Identify why the subclass 482 or 186 standard pathways do not meet the workforce need. The Department will require this justification.

Identify the appropriate Labour Agreement type

Choose from: Company-Specific, Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), Industry Agreement, or On-Hire Agreement. Each has different requirements.

Engage industry peak body

For most types, secure an endorsement or letter of support from the relevant industry peak body (e.g. the relevant union or employer association).

Apply to negotiate with the Department

Submit a Labour Agreement proposal to the Department of Home Affairs. The Department will assess the proposal, consult with relevant government agencies, and negotiate terms.

Sponsor workers under the approved Agreement

Once the Labour Agreement is in place, the employer nominates workers under the agreed terms and workers apply for the relevant visa (482, 494 or 186 Labour Agreement stream).

Costs

Fees and Timeframes

Department fee for Labour Agreement proposal

Nil (no application fee), but significant preparation costs

Nomination and visa application charges

Standard 482 rates apply once the Agreement is in place

SAF Levy

Applies to nominations under a Labour Agreement at standard rates

Professional fees

Variable and significant — contact Nanak Migration Group for a scope discussion

Timeframe

Typically 6–18 months for negotiations; complex agreements may take longer

Figures current at October 2026 — confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore whether a Labour Agreement suits your workforce needs

Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) can assess whether a Labour Agreement — or an existing DAMA — may provide a pathway for occupations outside the standard 482 or 186 lists.

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General information only — not immigration advice

About this information

This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.

No outcome representation

1313 Success Group Pty Ltd trading as Nanak Migration Group makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.

Get personal advice

Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Information current as at October 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.

Labour Agreements for Employer Sponsorship

General information current as at October 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

The Short Answer

Types of Labour Agreement

Types of Labour Agreement

When Is a Labour Agreement Appropriate?

How to Obtain a Labour Agreement

Fees and Timeframes

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Explore whether a Labour Agreement suits your workforce needs

Types of Labour Agreement

When Is a Labour Agreement Appropriate?

How to Obtain a Labour Agreement

Fees and Timeframes

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Explore whether a Labour Agreement suits your workforce needs