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Labour Agreements
Negotiated agreements between Australian businesses (or industry bodies) and the Commonwealth allowing skilled overseas workers to be sponsored where standard visa programs cannot meet labour-market needs.
Types of Labour Agreements
- Company-Specific Labour Agreements — bespoke arrangements with a single employer.
- Industry Labour Agreements — for industries with established workforce-shortage frameworks (e.g. meat processing, on-hire, fishing).
- Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) — region-specific agreements administered by designated area representatives.
- Project Agreements — for major infrastructure or construction projects with specific time-limited needs.
- Global Talent Employer Sponsored — for niche, high-demand occupations.
When to consider a Labour Agreement
- The occupation you need is not on the relevant Skilled Occupation Lists.
- Standard salary thresholds are not viable for the region or industry.
- Standard English requirements are impractical for the role.
- You need flexibility on age limits or qualifications for genuine business need.
How the process works
- Stakeholder consultation — Department, unions, industry bodies and state / regional partners.
- Drafting of the agreement — including labour-market analysis, occupations, concessions and term.
- Internal Department review and decision.
- Once endorsed, the business can lodge sponsorships and nominations under the agreement.
How StudyNet supports Labour Agreement matters
- Initial feasibility assessment and pathway selection.
- Industry data and labour-market evidence collation.
- Drafting submissions and stakeholder engagement strategy.
- Ongoing visa lodgement and compliance under the approved agreement.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information and refers to the Department of Home Affairs visa categories. It does not replace personalised migration advice. Please book a consultation for case-specific guidance.
