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A Simple Guide to the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – Labour Agreement Stream

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Published: 16 December 2025
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482 Labour Agreement Stream – A Simple Guide

If you’ve been offered a job in Australia under a Labour Agreement or Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), the Skills in Demand (SID) visa – subclass 482 (Labour Agreement stream) may be your pathway to living and working in Australia temporarily, with the potential for permanent residency in the future.

This guide explains how the visa works, who it’s for, and how AVIE can support you at every step.

What is the 482 Labour Agreement Stream?

The Labour Agreement stream of the subclass 482 visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by an employer that holds a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.

Labour Agreements are formal arrangements between employers and the Department of Home Affairs. They allow businesses to sponsor overseas workers for roles that may not fit standard skilled visa rules, often where there are ongoing workforce shortages.

Key points at a glance:

  • Temporary visa

  • Stay up to 4 years (up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders)

  • Work only for your sponsoring employer

  • Pathway to permanent residency may be available

How Long Can You Stay?

  • Up to 4 years, depending on:

    • The terms of the Labour Agreement

    • The period your employer nominates you for

  • Hong Kong passport holders may be eligible to stay up to 5 years

What Can You Do on This Visa?

With a 482 visa, you can:

  • Work in Australia for your approved sponsor
  • Study (without government assistance)
  • Travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid
  • Bring eligible family members
  • Be sponsored for permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), where available

Who Can Apply?

You must:

  • Be nominated by an employer under a valid Labour Agreement

  • Work in an occupation specified in that Labour Agreement

  • Have at least 12 months of relevant full-time work experience in the last 5 years (unless the agreement states otherwise)

  • Meet skills assessment requirements (if required for your occupation)

  • Meet English language requirements (unless exempt)

  • Work only for your sponsoring employer

Visa Costs (Government Charges)

  • Main applicant: from AUD 3,210

  • Dependants aged 18+: AUD 3,210 each

  • Dependants under 18: AUD 805 each

Other costs may include:

  • English tests

  • Health checks

  • Police certificates

  • Biometrics

Processing Times

Processing times vary and depend on:

  • Whether your application is complete

  • How quickly you respond to requests

  • Health, character, and security checks

The Department can decide your application based only on what is submitted — they are not required to request more information.

Your Obligations on This Visa

You must:

  • Start work within 90 days of visa grant or arrival

  • Work only in the nominated role

  • Work only for your sponsoring employer

  • Follow all visa conditions and Australian laws

If you lose your job, you generally have up to 180 days to:

  • Find a new sponsor, or

  • Make arrangements to leave Australia

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Many 482 Labour Agreement visa holders may be eligible for permanent residency via:

Eligibility depends on:

  • The Labour Agreement terms

  • Your occupation

  • Length of employment

  • Employer support

How AVIE Supports You – Every Step of the Way

Navigating a Labour Agreement visa can be complex. That’s where AVIE comes in.

We can help with:

Eligibility Assessment

We assess:

  • Your occupation

  • Your work experience

  • The Labour Agreement conditions

  • PR pathways (now or in the future)

Employer & Nomination Support

We work closely with employers to:

  • Review Labour Agreement requirements

  • Prepare nomination applications

  • Ensure compliance with sponsorship obligations

Visa Application Preparation

We:

  • Prepare and lodge a decision-ready visa application

  • Guide you on documents, English, health and character checks

  • Manage communication with the Department

Ongoing Support & PR Planning

We support you after grant with:

  • Visa condition advice

  • Job change guidance

  • Permanent residency strategy when eligible

Thinking About the 482 Labour Agreement Stream?

This visa can be an excellent opportunity to work in Australia but success depends on getting the details right from the start.

If you’re unsure whether:

  • Your role fits a Labour Agreement

  • You meet the requirements

  • There’s a pathway to permanent residency

Speak with AVIE. We’re here to guide you clearly, honestly, and strategically from first question to long-term outcomes.

This article is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Individual circumstances vary, and professional advice is recommended.