Need help? We are available to speak to you 7 days a weekRead More

Australian Migration Agents are fully registered: MARN 2217744

Open 7 days
Minimalistic phone icon representing quick and easy contact options.
1300 618 548

Labour Agreements in Australia

Overcoming Skill Shortages with Tailored Immigration Solutions

For many Australian employers, filling essential roles with local workers is becoming increasingly difficult. This is especially true for industries like agriculture, hospitality, construction, and healthcare. When standard skilled visa programs do not meet your business needs, Labour Agreements offer a flexible path forward.

Labour Agreements are formal arrangements between individual businesses or industries and the Australian Government. They allow employers to sponsor overseas workers in circumstances where the usual visa programs fall short. Understanding which agreement suits your situation is the first step.

At Australian Migration Agents, we help employers assess their options, prepare strong applications, and manage each stage of the Labour Agreement process.

Claim your consultation

Disclaimer copy

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Hero banner featuring a map, symbolizing global migration services and assistance.

What sets Australian Migration Agents apart

Business professionals engaged in a discussion at a modern office desk with digital devices.

Types of Labour Agreements

There are several types of Labour Agreements available, each designed to address specific workforce needs.

Company-Specific Labour Agreement (CSLA)

This type of agreement is negotiated between an individual employer and the Department of Home Affairs. It suits businesses with specialised labour shortages that cannot be addressed through existing visa options. The terms are specific to the employer’s needs and may include occupational concessions, age limits, and other adjustments.

Industry Labour Agreement (ILA)

Industry Labour Agreements are pre-negotiated templates covering entire sectors facing persistent skill shortages. These include aged care, dairy farming, meat processing, fishing, and hospitality, among others. Employers applying under an ILA do not need to negotiate new terms, they follow the structure already approved for their industry.

Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

A DAMA is a regional form of a Labour Agreement. It allows businesses in approved areas to sponsor overseas workers in response to local shortages. The terms are managed by a Designated Area Representative (DAR) and tailored to the specific needs of that region.

Each type of Labour Agreement serves a clear purpose. Choosing the right one depends on your business size, location, and the nature of the roles that need to be filled.

The Labour Agreement Process

The application process is detailed and involves multiple steps. Here is a breakdown of how it works:

  1. Initial Assessment
    Employers must first show they have exhausted local recruitment options. This includes conducting labour market testing and keeping records of job advertisements and outcomes.
  2. Stakeholder Engagement or Endorsement
    Depending on the agreement type, employers may need to consult with unions, industry bodies, or local representatives. In the case of DAMAs, endorsement by a Designated Area Representative is required before applying.
  3. Submit a Business Case to the Department of Home Affairs
    The application must include:
    • Labour market testing results.
    • Details of your organisational structure and business viability.
    • A strong case explaining why the roles cannot be filled locally.
    • Details of proposed occupations and visa concessions.
  4. Negotiate Agreement Terms (for CSLA only)
    If applying for a Company-Specific Agreement, the business may need to engage in discussions with the Department to finalise terms.
  5. Agreement Approval and Nomination
    Once approved, the employer receives a Labour Agreement that is valid for up to five years. The agreement outlines approved occupations, visa subclasses, and any conditions that may apply. Employers can then begin nominating workers under the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visa programs.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Labour Agreement, a business must demonstrate that:

  • It has made genuine efforts to recruit Australian workers.
  • It is financially sound and operational.
  • It has met stakeholder engagement or endorsement conditions.
  • The roles are ongoing and align with business activities.
  • It will comply with Australian workplace laws.

Every application is assessed on its own merit, so clear and complete documentation is critical.

{visa type} visa checklist

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

  • Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
  • Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
  • Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
  • Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
  • Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Heading

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Heading

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Benefits of Labour Agreements

Labour Agreements offer several advantages over standard visa streams:

  • Access to occupations not listed on the standard skilled lists.
  • Concessions on English language requirements, salary levels, or age limits.
  • Opportunities to support permanent residency pathways.
  • Flexibility for regional and industry-specific needs.

These benefits can help address long-term staffing gaps and allow businesses to remain productive and competitive.

A professional interacting with a client during a meeting in an office space.

Why Partner with Australian Migration Agents?

Labour Agreement applications are complex and require careful preparation. Mistakes or missing information can delay the process or lead to refusals. This is where our expert guidance becomes invaluable.

Our services include:

  • Reviewing your staffing needs and recommending the right Labour Agreement type.
  • Preparing all application documents, including labour market testing evidence.
  • Handling communications with unions, DARs, and government departments.
  • Drafting a strong business case that meets the Department of Home Affairs' expectations.
  • Managing the nomination and visa application stages.

We offer honest advice, clear communication, and a structured process designed to support compliance and clarity at every stage.

Visa application steps

The visa application process can be challenging and time-consuming, but our team at Australian Migration Agents handles this daily and understands the requirements needed for successful outcomes. Get in touch to discuss your eligibility and explore the most budget-friendly services available to you.

Book a consultation
Consultation icon representing personalized migration advice and planning services.

Step 1

Consultation and engagement

Organise a consultation time to speak with one of our agents. You can meet with us in person, via Zoom or telephone. Following this, we will send you paperwork that confirms our engagement to represent you.

Application icon representing the visa submission process for Australian migration.

Step 2

Preparation and submission

We will prepare submissions in support of your visa application. This will be based on your individual circumstances, and supported by evidence where appropriate. We then submit your application to the relevant body (Department of Home Affairs)

Orange approval icon representing successful visa applications for Australian migration.

Step 3

Representation and success

We ll contact you as soon as the Department makes a decision. If the application is not granted, we can assess your options and may lodge an appeal on your behalf, depending on your circumstances.

Start the Process with Confidence

If you’re struggling to find skilled workers and need a practical immigration solution, Labour Agreements could prove invaluable. Our team has guided employers across Australia through the complexities of skilled worker sponsorship under Labour Agreements, ensuring they stay fully aligned with immigration requirements.

Contact Australian Migration Agents today for an initial consultation. We can guide you through the eligibility steps, assess your business needs, and handle the paperwork so you can focus on your operations.

Australia-wide migration services

Our skilled team offers in-person and virtual appointments, which means we can provide immigration assistance and advice regardless of where you live in Australia.

Frequently asked questions

No items found.

Book a consultation today

Tell us a little about your situation, and one of our agents will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

ABN 99 672 807 724 | ACN 672 807 724