Labour Agreement – Sponsor Overseas Workers in Australia
A Labour Agreement allows approved Australian businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers when local talent is unavailable and standard temporary visa or permanent visa pathways are not suitable. These agreements are formal arrangements made between individual employers and the Australian Government and are tailored to address genuine skills shortages in the Australian labour market.
At FTS Visa Services, our team of experienced immigration consultants and migration agents helps employers navigate and prepare these agreements with accuracy and compliance.
What is a Labour Agreement?
A Labour Agreement is negotiated directly between an employer and the Australian Government, allowing the business to sponsor overseas workers under specific visa programs. These agreements are usually valid for five years and support recruitment under the following visa subclasses:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa – Subclass 186
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
These visa programs are designed to fill genuine workforce gaps across various industries in Australia and align with the terms of the Labour Agreement in place.
Health Insurance (OSHC/OVHC) for Temporary Visa Holders
When migrating temporarily to Australia under a student, work, or visitor visa, having the right health insurance is essential for visa compliance and peace of mind. We assist clients with the right cover suited to their visa type.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
If you are applying for a Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500), having OSHC is mandatory. It is designed for students studying in Australia for more than three months. Types of OSHC include:
- Single Cover – For students living alone without dependents
- Couple Cover – For students accompanied by a spouse
- Family Cover – For students living with dependent family members
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
OVHC is required for individuals holding various temporary visas, such as:
- Working Visa Subclass 485
- Visitor Visas (Subclass 600, 601, 651)
This cover includes general medical expenses and services but excludes dental, orthopaedic, and ophthalmology treatments.
Why Choose FTS Visa Services?
At FTS Visa Services, our experienced team of immigration agents and migration consultants understands the complexities of the Labour Agreement process. We assist in:
- Drafting and preparing customised Labour Agreements
- Assessing employer and employee eligibility
- Guiding the nomination and visa application process
- Ensuring compliance with Department of Home Affairs requirements
We’ve helped numerous Australian employers across industries successfully secure Labour Agreements to meet their workforce needs.
Need help with your Labour Agreement or sponsorship process?
Contact our expert immigration Australia team to learn how we can support your business with compliant and efficient visa solutions.
FAQ
A Labour Agreement is a formal arrangement between an Australian employer and the government that allows the business to sponsor skilled overseas workers for jobs they cannot fill locally. It applies when standard visa programs like the 482 visa Australia or 186 visa don’t meet the employer’s unique needs.
Skilled foreign workers can apply for a visa under a Labour Agreement if they have a sponsoring employer in Australia and meet the eligibility criteria for visas like the TSS Subclass 482, ENS Subclass 186, or 494 visa. The employer must be approved under a current Labour Agreement.
Typically, a Labour Agreement is valid for five years. During this period, the employer can sponsor eligible overseas workers through applicable skilled visa programs as agreed upon with the Department of Home Affairs.
Yes. All temporary visa holders under Labour Agreements — including those on the 482 visa or 485 visa — must hold appropriate health insurance like Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), depending on their visa subclass.
Absolutely. Engaging a registered migration agent or immigration consultant can significantly ease the Labour Agreement process. At FTS Visa Services, we provide expert guidance on agreement preparation, eligibility assessments, and successful visa applications under Labour Agreement terms.