Labour Agreements for Skilled Migration in Australia

You may qualify if you've genuinely attempted to recruit Australians without success, the occupation isn't available under standard visa programs, and you can demonstrate business viability and compliance history. We assess your specific situation during an initial consultation.

Department processing typically takes three to six months for straightforward applications. Complex company-specific agreements requiring extensive negotiation can take longer. DAMA endorsements from regional authorities add additional time before Department lodgement.

Costs include professional fees for application preparation and government charges for visa nominations and applications. We provide fixed-fee quotes covering our services, and government fees vary depending on visa subclass and agreement type. Contact us for a transparent quote based on your circumstances.

Not always. Concessions depend on the agreement type and specific terms negotiated. Some agreements provide only expanded occupation access without concessions, while others, particularly DAMAs, include multiple concessions. Your specific agreement terms determine available concessions.

Yes. Most labour agreements include pathways to permanent residence through the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa. Workers typically become eligible after two to three years of employment under the agreement. Some regional agreements also provide pathways through the subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.

Yes, business size doesn't automatically disqualify you. However, you must demonstrate genuine labour shortages, financial viability, and capacity to meet sponsorship obligations. Smaller businesses often find DAMA or industry agreements more accessible than company-specific negotiations.

Obligations include ensuring workers receive agreed salary and conditions, maintaining employment records, notifying the Department of significant changes, not recovering visa costs from workers, and cooperating with compliance monitoring. Specific obligations vary by agreement terms.

Core documents include business registration certificates, financial statements, labour market testing evidence, job descriptions, and proposed employment terms. For DAMAs, you'll also need endorsement from your regional authority. We provide a detailed checklist during your consultation.

Yes. Labour agreements typically specify the number of positions you can fill annually. Larger businesses or those with significant shortages may negotiate higher caps. Each sponsored worker requires individual nomination and visa applications under the agreement terms.

You may be able to address concerns raised by the Department and reapply, or explore alternative pathways such as different agreement types or standard visa programs if eligible. We assess refusal reasons and advise on the best path forward.

Absolutely. While our office is Sydney-based, we assist employers across Australia with labour agreement applications. We regularly work with businesses in regional areas accessing DAMAs and industry agreements.