Industry Labour Agreements are tailored migration arrangements between the Australian Government and specific sectors facing persistent skill shortages. They allow approved employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers under more flexible terms than standard migration pathways, ensuring workforce needs are met when local recruitment efforts fall short.
With more than 35 years of experience in skilled migration since 1988, Interstaff is a trusted advisor to employers and applicants navigating the complexities of establishing a Labour Agreement.
This case study highlights how Interstaff’s strategic expertise assisted an agricultural business to overcome specific immigration challenges to engage semi-skilled workers.
The Case:
Meat Industry Labour Agreement Australia
A regional abattoir experiencing chronic labour shortages required an immigration solution to retain a group of skilled meat workers already employed within the business and whose visas were nearing expiry.
With limited access to suitable local candidates and no standard migration pathway available for the required skill set, the business engaged Interstaff for expert immigration advice.
Actions Taken
Comprehensive Needs Assessment:
Interstaff conducted an in-depth consultation to understand the client’s operational requirements, including the number and type of workers needed, visa expiry timelines and logistical constraints.
Thorough Eligibility Evaluations:
Like many employers, the client was unaware of visa options beyond Australia’s standard programs.
Interstaff first assessed the business’ eligibility for Labour Agreement pathways through a structured assessment of:
- Business structure and financial viability
- Demonstrated labour market need and workforce shortages
- Alignment with the terms of relevant Labour Agreements
- History of compliance with workplace and immigration regulations
- Capacity to meet ongoing sponsorship obligations
We then proceeded to assess eligibility across the four key application stages required under Labour Agreements:
- Labour Agreement Request
- Skills Assessments
- Nomination Applications
- Visa Applications
Strategic Visa Planning:
A tailored visa strategy was developed to enable the business to become an approved sponsor under the Meat Industry Labour Agreement.
This included:
- Uncovering the basis of the business case to request a Labour Agreement, including advice on evidence requirements and Labour Market Testing (LMT)
- Leveraging Labour Agreement provisions to sponsor under an expanded list of occupations for Subclass 482 Visas
- Guiding the client on ongoing compliance obligations
- Advising realistic timelines for engaging workers under the Labour Agreement prior to their visas expiring
Precision in Application Management:
Interstaff ensured accuracy and compliance in preparing and lodging the Labour Agreement request and Subclass 482 Visa and Nomination applications, with a focus on efficiency and integrity.
Clear and Ongoing Communication:
Regular updates were provided to the client, with direct communication maintained with visa applicants to ensure transparency and alignment throughout the process.
Detailed Reporting and Workforce Planning Support:
Interstaff delivered comprehensive reports tracking the progress of each application, allowing the client to make informed decisions for workforce planning.
Resolution
The key outcome was securing a tailored migration pathway that enabled the business to sponsor semi-skilled workers for occupations not available under the standard 482 Visa program.
Successfully obtaining concessions offered by the Labour Agreement not only addressed immediate workforce shortages but also provided a long-term pathway to Permanent Residence for workers through the 186 Labour Agreement Stream.
This helped the business overcome regional labour constraints and strengthen workforce retention.
Interstaff strategically guided the client through a three-month preparation period to become an approved sponsor under the Meat Industry Labour Agreement.
While preparation timelines vary by client, Interstaff’s advice and assistance on key requirements such as Labour Market Testing and eligibility documentation enabled the client to navigate the complex application process with confidence and efficiency.
This strategic support ensured the business met all criteria for the Labour Agreement approval and was well-positioned to proceed with visa applications for its workforce in a timely manner.
By utilising a Labour Agreement, the business’s workers were able to apply for Subclass 482 Visas and continue their employment before their existing visas expired, ensuring uninterrupted business operations.
Talk to us about your business’ niche labour needs.
Getting Sponsored:
Requirements for Applicants
If you have a business willing to sponsor you, it is essential to understand your eligibility for visa sponsorship.
Interstaff provide eligibility assessments to both individuals and employers.
We also advise on skills assessments, visa conditions, health and character issues and Permanent Residence pathways.
Experience and Insights:
Labour Agreements
Explore more about the Labour Agreement Strategy, how we work, our experience and insights.
Labour Agreements & Strategy
Skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 482
Permanent Residence Planning
About Interstaff
Interstaff has delivered Australian immigration solutions since 1988. With over 35 years of expertise in skilled migration, we help businesses meet labour shortages with confidence.
Our proven track record spans small and medium enterprises to large multinational corporations across industries such as Oil and Gas, Mining, Engineering, IT, Government, Agriculture, Health, and Education. We understand the distinct immigration challenges each sector faces and tailor our strategies accordingly.
Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, our team combines local insight with global reach.
We are committed to a customer-centric approach—supporting both employers and their employees throughout every stage of the immigration process.
Speak with Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents to explore solutions for skill shortages.
