Working in Australia Under a Labour Agreement 482 Visa Labour Agreement Stream
Some Australian employers operate in industries or sectors with unique skill shortages — shortages so specific that the standard Core Skills or Specialist Skills streams cannot fully accommodate them. For these situations, the Australian Government negotiates formal Labour Agreements with employers, and the Labour Agreement stream of the employer sponsored visa 482 allows workers to be sponsored under those agreements.
This page is for visa applicants being nominated under the Labour Agreement stream of the Skills in Demand visa subclass 482.
Key Facts
Stay
Permanently
Cost
From AUD4,910.00
Work Rights
Full work rights, anywhere in Australia
Family
Include your partner and dependent children
Citizenship
Pathway to Australian citizenship
What Is the Labour Agreement Stream?
The Skill in Demand visa subclass 482 Labour Agreement stream is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a formal Labour Agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia. These agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department of Home Affairs) and individual employers or industry bodies.
Labour agreements allow for variations to standard visa requirements — including in relation to salary thresholds, English language requirements, eligible occupations, and skills assessment conditions. The terms of each agreement are unique to that employer or industry. This means your visa conditions are governed not only by standard 482 requirements but also by the specific terms of the agreement your employer holds.
This stream is often used in industries such as aged care, agriculture, hospitality, fishing, and other sectors with genuine and ongoing skill shortages where standard programs cannot fully respond.
What You Can Do on This Visa
- Work in Australia for up to 4 years for your sponsor under the labour agreement (up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders)
- Study in Australia at your own expense — no government assistance provided
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- If eligible, have your employer sponsor you for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
482 Visa Eligibility Labour Agreement Stream
The occupation for which you are nominated must be covered under the specific labour agreement between the Commonwealth and your employer. This is the fundamental gateway — if the occupation is not in the agreement, the nomination cannot proceed.
Unless the labour agreement states different requirements, you must have gained at least 12 months of relevant full-time work experience, or equivalent, within the last 5 years. Part-time or casual work must be equivalent to at least 12 months full-time. The agreement may modify or waive this requirement.
Whether a skills assessment is required depends on your specific nominated occupation and the terms of the labour agreement. If a skills assessment is mandatory, it must be commenced before you lodge your application.
English language requirements equivalent to standard 482 SID visa requirements generally apply — unless the labour agreement includes a specific English language concession for your occupation. The required level is that suitable for the nominated occupation as set out in the agreement.
You and all family members aged 16 or over applying with you must meet Australia's health and character requirements.
You must maintain adequate health cover for the entire duration of your stay. Health insurance must cover medically necessary treatment including transport. You are personally liable for healthcare costs in Australia unless a reciprocal healthcare agreement applies.
Under the Labour Agreement stream, you must work only for the specific employer who nominated you. This is stricter than the Core Skills stream — there is no associated entity provision. You must begin employment within 90 days of entering Australia or your visa grant date.
You and any family members must have paid back or arranged to repay any money owed to the Australian Government.
Previous visa cancellations or refusals may affect eligibility. In some circumstances you may still be able to apply — this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If aged 18 or older, you must sign the Australian Values Statement.
Your Success Depends on Your Points Score!
Step-by-Step Process, Labour Agreement Stream
Step 1: Before You Apply
- Confirm your employer has a valid labour agreement in place and that your specific occupation is covered
- Obtain the TRN from your employer’s nomination application
- Check whether a skills assessment is mandatory for your occupation under the agreement. If yes, commence it and obtain the reference number before lodging
- Organise English language test if required — results must not be more than 3 years old
- Arrange health examinations — completing before lodging reduces delays
- Check your passport is valid
- Appoint a MARA-registered agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person for immigration assistance if needed (Form 956)
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
This is your 482 visa document checklist for the Labour Agreement stream:
- Current passport — photo page, personal details, issue and expiry dates
- Proof of name change if applicable — marriage certificate, deed poll, relevant registry documents, or statutory declaration
- TRN from your employer's nomination application under the labour agreement
- Skills assessment reference number if mandatory under the labour agreement (must be in application at lodgement — cannot be added later)
- For TRA skills assessments: relevant reference number
- For VETASSESS assessments (Project and Program Administrator or Specialist Manager NEC): relevant reference number
- If claiming a mandatory skills assessment exemption: relevant exemption evidence
- Relevant qualification certificates — professional and educational
- Registration or licensing documents if required in the state/territory you will work — must specify registration type and registering authority name and contact
- For medical practitioners: written evidence from the relevant medical board confirming your qualifications are recognised and you are registered or will receive registration
- Employment references — on employer letterhead, covering sufficient period to demonstrate required skill level, including: referee name, title and contact; your position; dates of service
- CV or résumé covering at least the last 5 years — full employment and educational history, dates and positions held, referee details
- English language test results (no more than 3 years old) OR evidence of an English language concession granted under the labour agreement for your occupation
- Evidence of exemption from English requirements if applicable
- Evidence of adequate health insurance for you and all secondary applicants for the full duration of stay — must cover medically necessary treatment including transport
- If your country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia: note this and confirm details through Services Australia
- AFP National Police Certificate (complete disclosure only — AFP-issued only, not state/territory) if 12+ months in Australia in the last 10 years since age 16
- Overseas police certificates from every country where you spent 12+ months in the last 10 years since age 16 (including home country)
- Military service records or discharge papers if you have served in any armed forces
- Form 80 — Personal Particulars for Character Assessment (if requested)
- Form 1221 — Additional Personal Particulars Information (if requested)
- Partner's identity documents, character documents, and other relationship documents if applicable
- Marriage certificate OR de facto evidence: joint bank statements, billing accounts in joint names, joint lease/mortgage, evidence of shared address
- Passport pages, birth certificate, adoption papers if applicable
- Character documents for children 16–17
- Form 1229 (parental consent) from any person with legal rights to decide where the child lives who is not applying — with photo ID (passport or driver's licence) of the signatory
- Or a statutory declaration from that person giving consent
- Identity documents, relationship documents if applicable, character documents
- Form 47a — Details of a Child or Other Dependent Family Member 18 Years or Over
- Evidence of financial dependency for at least 12 months: proof of shared residence, tax records, or proof of current enrolment in study
- Form 956A — appointing authorised recipient for correspondence
- Form 956 — appointing migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person for immigration assistance
- All non-English documents must be translated into English. In Australia: use a NAATI-accredited translator. Overseas: translator must include full name, address, phone, qualifications and experience in the language — all in English
- Scan or photograph all documents in colour — must be clear and readable
- Multi-page documents must be saved as one file
- Attach each document only once
Step 3: Apply Online via ImmiAccount
- Log in or create an ImmiAccount
- Complete the application form accurately
- Attach all supporting documents
- Pay the visa application charge — processing will not begin until payment is received
- Note your Transaction Reference Number
- If applying in Australia: hold a substantive visa or Bridging Visa A, B or C at time of lodgement
Step 4: After You Apply
- The Department must have the employer’s nomination approved before granting your visa
- If health exams not yet done: complete when instructed — results valid 12 months
- Upload all missing documents to ImmiAccount promptly
- If current visa expires before a decision: Bridging Visa A activates automatically — do NOT cancel your current visa
- Check travel conditions before departing Australia if on a Bridging Visa
- Notify the Department of any changes: contact details, employer or employment changes, passport changes, relationship status changes, birth of a child, or if you wish to withdraw
Step 5: Visa Decision
- You can be in or outside Australia when the decision is made
- If granted: visa grant number, start date, and conditions sent in writing — keep a copy
- If refused: written reasons and review rights provided — application fee not refunded
- Check conditions using VEVO at any time
Cost and Processing Time
- Item
- Amount
- Main applicant visa charge
- AUD 3,210.00
- Each dependent 18 or over
- AUD 3,210.00
- Each dependent under 18
- AUD 805.00
The 482 visa cost above is the government charge only. Use the Home Affairs visa pricing estimator for a full estimate.
482 visa processing time varies for every application. Use the Home Affairs tool for estimation. The Department’s processing time guide is an indication based on recently decided applications — not a guarantee for your specific case.
About This Visa
The Labour Agreement stream is a temporary visa. You can stay in Australia for the period of time your employer nominates you for — up to a maximum of 4 years depending on the terms of the labour agreement (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders). Time outside Australia does not extend the visa.
If your visa is expiring and you want to continue working for your employer, they must submit a new nomination and you must apply for a new visa. You cannot extend this visa.
If you lose your job, you have up to 180 days to find a new employer (who would need their own labour agreement or a different nomination pathway) or make arrangements to leave Australia.
Your employer may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after you have met the required period of work. This is not guaranteed — it depends entirely on your employer’s decision and your eligibility at the time.
Your Obligations on This Visa
- Meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws
- Begin employment within 90 days of entering Australia or your visa grant date
- Work only for the business that sponsored or nominated you — there is no associated entity provision under this stream
- Maintain adequate health insurance
- Notify the Department of: employer changes, stopping work for the nominating employer, contact detail changes, birth of a child, passport changes, or if you wish to withdraw
- You are protected by Australian workplace law — you have the same workplace rights as Australian workers
- If you have been laid off, you have up to 180 days to find new sponsorship or make departure arrangements
🎯 99% Success Rate
Our clients get their 190 visas approved
⚡ Faster Processing
Complete applications reduce delays
🛡️ MARA Protection
Fully licensed MARA agents
Why Choose The Migration?
The Labour Agreement stream is among the most technically complex pathways in Australian migration. Your visa eligibility is governed by a legal document unique to your employer — and you need advisors who understand both standard 482 requirements and the specific conditions of the applicable agreement.
MARA Registered Agents
Authorised to advise on and represent you through the Department of Home Affairs
Skills Assessment Timing
We manage assessment commencement to prevent application invalidity
Your Questions Answered
What is a Labour Agreement and how does it affect my visa?
A Labour Agreement is a legally negotiated arrangement between an employer and the Australian Government. It sets your specific visa conditions — including eligible occupations, salary requirements, and English language standards. These conditions may differ from standard 482 visa requirements.
Do I need a skills assessment for the Labour Agreement stream?
It depends on the labour agreement and your occupation. If required, it must be commenced before lodging your application. We review the relevant agreement and advise you on what is required for your specific situation.
What is the 482 visa cost for the Labour Agreement stream?
The 482 visa cost is AUD 3,210.00 for the main applicant and each dependent 18+. Dependents under 18 are AUD 805.00. Additional costs for health examinations, police certificates, English tests, and biometrics may apply.
Can I work for a different employer if my employment ends?
Under this stream, you must work only for the employer who nominated you. If employment ends, you have up to 180 days to find alternative sponsorship — which would require a new nomination under a valid labour agreement or another visa stream. Seek advice immediately.
Can I apply for PR on a 482 visa?
Yes, via the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after meeting the required work period. Not automatic — depends on employer sponsorship and individual eligibility at the time.
What Is Labour Agreement Stream Sponsorship?
Labour agreements are formal arrangements developed between the Australian Government and employers — or industry bodies representing employers — to address genuine skill shortages that cannot be met through standard migration programs.
Once a labour agreement is in place, it allows you to nominate workers in the specific occupations covered by the agreement, potentially under conditions that vary from standard 482 visa eligibility requirements.
Your obligations as a sponsor under this stream include meeting all standard SID visa sponsor obligations — plus any specific obligations outlined in your labour agreement. Getting this right from the start protects your business, your workers, and your right to continue sponsoring.
What Your Sponsored Worker Can Do
- Live, work, and study in Australia
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as they want while the visa is valid
- Work toward permanent residency via Subclass 186 after meeting required work period
Step-by-Step Nomination Process
You must have a signed labour agreement in place between your business and the Commonwealth before nominating anyone under this stream. Without a labour agreement, this stream is not available to you.
If your workforce needs to align with an existing industry labour agreement (such as those covering aged care, dairy farming, or on-hire arrangements), you may be able to access the relevant agreement without negotiating your own. If no suitable industry agreement exists, a company-specific labour agreement can be negotiated directly with the Department — this requires demonstrating a genuine, ongoing skill shortage that cannot be addressed through standard migration programs.
The position you nominate must be specifically listed or covered by your labour agreement. The agreement sets out which occupations are eligible, what salary conditions apply, what skills assessment is required, and what English language standards are needed.
Your labour agreement specifies the Labour Market Testing requirements that apply — including whether LMT is required, what form it takes, and any applicable exemptions. You must follow these exactly.
The nominated position must genuinely exist, be consistent with your business operations, not have been created solely to facilitate migration, and meet full-time work requirements.
Your Success Depends on Your Points Score!
Step-by-Step Nomination Process
Step 1: Before You Apply
- Confirm your labour agreement is current and in force
- Check that your employee’s occupation is covered by the agreement
- Verify the nominee meets the eligibility requirements under the agreement (experience, English, skills assessment)
- Conduct Labour Market Testing if required under the agreement
- Confirm the position is genuine and full-time
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
- Evidence that your business is registered in Australia and currently operating (ABN registration, business activity evidence, financial documents)
- Reference to or confirmation of the applicable labour agreement under which you are nominating
Nomination Documents as Specified by Your Agreement Your labour agreement specifies the exact documents required for each nomination. This typically includes some or all of the following:
- Employment contract — signed and dated by both parties if required under the agreement
- Terms and conditions of employment — confirming the role, salary, hours, and entitlements
- Labour market testing evidence — advertising records, applicant outcomes, and evidence of LMT compliance as specified in the agreement
- Genuine position evidence — duty statement, organisational chart, business description, evidence of how position fits within your operations
- Documents for any occupation caveats — specific evidence addressing caveats applicable to your nominated occupation under the agreement (e.g., for a cook or chef position: position description, menu, floor plan, photographs, food preparation details, in-restaurant dining volume)
- Any agreement-specific documentation outlined in the terms of your labour agreement
The exact documents required will depend on the specific terms of your labour agreement. We review your agreement and prepare a tailored document checklist for each nomination.
Step 3: Submit Your Nomination in ImmiAccount
- Log in or create an ImmiAccount
- Nominate the applicant online — attach all required documents
- Pay the AUD 330.00 nomination application fee and the Skilling Australians Fund levy — the Department will not process your nomination until payment is received
- Note your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) and provide it to the nominee
- Complete applications are processed more quickly — incomplete applications risk delay or refusal
Step 4: After Lodgement
- If anything changes while your nomination is being assessed, attach updated information or a submission explaining the changes in ImmiAccount
- You may also complete and upload Form 1022 — Notification of Changes in Circumstances
- Respond to any Department information requests promptly
- To withdraw your nomination formally: notify the Department directly — removing the application from ImmiAccount does NOT constitute a formal withdrawal
- You remain liable for the visa holder and their dependents until they have a new approved nomination from another approved business sponsor
Step 5: Nomination Outcome
- If approved: you receive a letter containing your nomination approval number — your nomination is valid for 12 months from the approval date
- If refused: you receive written reasons for the refusal and any review rights
- Your nomination must remain approved and valid at the time the Department decides on the nominee’s visa application
- The nominee must begin employment within 90 days of entering Australia or their visa grant date — failure can result in visa cancellation
🎯 99% Success Rate
Our clients get their 190 visas approved
⚡ Faster Processing
Complete applications reduce delays
🛡️ MARA Protection
Fully licensed MARA agents
Cost and Processing Time
- Item
- Amount
- Nomination fee
- AUD 330.00
- Skilling Australians Fund levy
- Calculated by ImmiAccount
- Nominee visa charge main applicant
- AUD 3,210.00
- Nominee dependent 18+
- AUD 3,210.00
- Nominee dependent under 18
- AUD 805.00
482 visa processing time for Labour Agreement nominations varies. Complete applications process more quickly. The processing time guide on Home Affairs is indicative only.
About This Visa
Your nominated worker can stay in Australia for up to 4 years — or up to the period specified in your labour agreement, whichever is shorter. The nomination lasts 12 months from the date of approval. It ends earlier if the nominee’s visa is granted, the nomination is withdrawn, or the labour agreement ceases.
Sponsorship obligations continue for as long as the nominee holds a valid 482 visa and continues to work for you.
Your Ongoing Sponsor Obligations
- Ensure the nominee begins employment within 90 days of entry or visa grant date
- Notify the Department if you terminate the visa holder’s employment or they cease working for you
- Notify the Department if you change the visa holder’s hours, duties, or pay
- Notify the Department when the visa holder’s visa is expiring
- Comply with all Australian workplace law requirements
- You remain responsible for these obligations even if a migration agent manages the process
If you withdraw a nomination, you remain liable for the visa holder and their dependents until they secure a new approved nomination from another sponsor.
Why Choose The Migration for Labour Agreement Nominations?
Labour agreements are complex, legally binding documents — and getting a nomination wrong under one can have serious consequences for your business and your workers.
MARA Registered Agents
Authorised to handle nominations and communicate with the Department
Agreement Interpretation
We read and apply the exact terms of your labour agreement to every nomination
Frequently Asked Questions, Labour Agreement Sponsors
How do I get a Labour Agreement?
If your workforce needs align with an existing industry agreement, contact the relevant industry body. If no suitable agreement exists, you can apply to the Department of Home Affairs to negotiate a company-specific agreement — this requires demonstrating a genuine, ongoing shortage that standard migration programs cannot address. We advise on whether your business qualifies and can help build the evidence case.
What is the 482 visa cost for Labour Agreement nominations?
The nomination fee is AUD 330.00 plus the SAF levy calculated by ImmiAccount. The nominee separately pays the visa application charge. The SAF levy is your obligation as sponsor and cannot be passed to the nominee.
What happens if my Labour Agreement ends while the nominee's visa is still valid?
If your labour agreement ceases, your nomination under that agreement also ends — which may affect the nominee’s visa status. Seek advice immediately if your agreement is expiring or being terminated. We help you manage the transition and advise on your obligations to your sponsored workers.
What if the nominee does not start within 90 days?
If the nominee has not begun employment within 90 days of entering Australia or their visa grant date, their visa may be cancelled. If their start is delayed for legitimate reasons, seek advice promptly.
Your Skills Deserve Permanent Recognition
Your employer has a Labour Agreement — and your visa conditions depend on it. Let’s go through it together before you lodge anything.