All You Need to Know About Labour Agreement Stream (Subclass 482)

If you are a skilled worker who wishes to migrate to Australia, here is a great opportunity for you!

The Australian Government offers temporary skills shortage visas (subclass 482) to overseas skilled workers. There are four streams of this visa, each with its own set of requirements and conditions. These streams include:

• Short-term stream 
• Medium-term stream
• Labour agreement stream 
• Subsequent entrant stream

This blog focuses on the labour agreement stream, covering all aspects such as requirements, application process, visa cost, and processing time. Let’s delve together to find out the details.

What is a Labour Agreement stream (subclass 482)?

The labour agreement stream is designed for  skilled workers nominated by sponsors who have a labour agreement. With this visa, you can live and work in Australia temporarily. A labour agreement is developed between the Australian Government and respective sponsors. Moreover, you can travel to and from Australia as often as you want.

How long can you stay under a labour agreement stream?

You can stay in Australia for up to four years. However, if you are a  Hong Kong passport holder, you can stay for up to 5 years under the labour agreement stream. This visa also provides a route to permanent residence for you via the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), if you meet certain criteria.

What is the visa cost of the Labour Agreement stream (Subclass 482)?

The visa cost of the labour agreement stream is AUD 3,115.00 for primary applicants and dependents aged 18 or above. However, dependents under the age of 18 must pay a visa fee of AUD 780.00. In addition to this, you will have to pay additional charges for biometrics, an English language test, a health examination, and police clearance certificate.

Can I extend the Labour Agreement stream (subclass 482) in Australia?

This is a temporary visa. You can stay in Australia for a maximum of four years. If your visa is about to expire and you wish to stay with your existing employer for an extended period of time, do the following:

• Ask your employer to submit a new nomination application. 
• Apply for a new visa to extend your stay in Australia.

Moreover, you can convert your 482 visa to a PR visa. To do so, your employer must sponsor you for permanent residence through:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) 
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)

What are the work conditions for a Labour Agreement stream?

The visa conditions associated with the labour agreement stream (subclass 482) include the following:

• You must start your job within 90 days of entering Australia if you are outside Australia.
• If you are living in Australia, you must start working within 90 days after receiving your visa.
• You can work only for your nominating employer or business that has  a labour agreement with the Commonwealth. 
• You can only work in Australia in your nominated occupation.

What is the processing time for the Labour Agreement stream (subclass 482) in Australia?

The processing time for a 482 stream varies depending on the stream, and several other factors are involved in determining it. Usually, it takes three to seven weeks to process applications for a labour agreement stream. Remember that this is the estimated time period. The following factors affect the processing time of 482 visa applications:

• Whether you provided the complete information.
• The provided information is correct.
• Volume of the applications being received by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). 

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Labour Agreement Stream (Subclass 482)

When applying for a subclass 482 labour agreement stream, make sure you fulfil the visa conditions and requirements. Here, I’ve shortlisted the main eligibility requirements that you need to meet. Have a look.

• You must be nominated by an eligible sponsor under the terms of the labour agreement.  
• Your nominated occupation must be under the labour agreement between the Commonwealth and the nominator. 
• You must have at least two years of work experience in the nominated occupation.
• You must be proficient in the English language to be eligible for a labour agreement stream in Australia. 
• You must meet certain health and character requirements set by the Australian Government.
• You must have adequate health insurance to cover all your necessary medical expenses during your stay in Australia. 
• If you owe any money or funds to the Australian Government, it is necessary to first pay them back before applying for this visa. 
• You must not have had a visa cancelled or refused in the past. It means that your immigration history should be clear.
• If you are 18 years of age or older, you are required to sign the Australian values statement. It demonstrates that you will respect and obey Australian laws and ways of life.

Application Process of 482 Labour Agreement Stream

Follow this step-by-step process to apply for a 482 labour agreement stream in Australia:

• Stage 1: Labour agreement request
• Stage 2: Nomination application
• Stage 3: Submit a visa application
• Stage 4: Wait for the visa outcome

Below is a detailed overview of each stage.

Stage 1: Labour Agreement Request

Ask your employer to lodge a labour agreement request with the Department of Home Affairs. To be eligible for nomination, your employer must have a legally active business in Australia and fulfill all other sponsorship requirements. A labour agreement developed between the Department and the employer remains valid for five years.

Stage 2: Nomination Application

Once the labour agreement request is approved, your employer can nominate you. For this purpose, he will have to submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs. Employers can sponsor overseas workers till the validity period of the labour agreement. Sponsors are required to pay the Skilling Australia Fund (SAF). The amount payable varies depending on the sponsor’s yearly turnover and the visa applicant’s  duration of stay in Australia.

Stage 3: Submit a Visa Application

Now, you can lodge your visa application. So, gather and organize all your required documents. Here is the document checklist for the 482 visa:

• Identity documents.
• Nomination approval letter.
• Evidence of English language proficiency.
• Documents demonstrating your previous work experience.
• Partner documents.
• Proof of adequate health insurance.
• Police clearance certificates.
• Medical examination certificate.
• Positive skill assessment.
• Documents showing relevant skills, including qualifications, certificates, and work experience.

Make sure to translate all these documents into English. Then visit the official website of ImmiAccount. Follow these steps to file your application:

• Create an online account on the ImmiAccount website.
• Download the application form for a short-term stream.
• Fill out the application form carefully and correctly.
• Scan and attach all the necessary documents.
• Pay the visa fee and submit the application form.

Important piece of advice for you: It is required that you provide complete and accurate information. Failure to do so may result in visa refusal or rejection. So, be careful.

Stage 4: Wait for the Visa Outcome

After submitting your application, wait for the visa outcome patiently. The Department will send you an official message regarding their decision on your visa application. 

If your visa is approved, you will be notified about:

• Your visa grant number.
• Expiry date of your visa.
• Your visa conditions and obligations.

However, if the Department refuses your visa, they will let you know about:

• The reasons for refusal.
• Whether you have a right to review the decision of the department.

Concluding Thoughts

This blog post has covered all the important things regarding the labour agreement stream (subclass 482). By now, you have analyzed the basics of this visa, including its requirements and the application process. 

In case you are still confused or have concerns about the labour stream, it is better to take help from professionals. Contact our MARA-certified agent, Nasir Nawaz, for authentic visa consultation services at affordable rates. Therefore, book an appointment now and allow us to deal with your visa application.

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