482 Labour Agreement Visa: Employer Requirements & Processing
Labour agreements allow approved employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers where standard temporary or permanent visa programs are not available and there is a demonstrated labour-market need. They can support Subclass 482, 186 and 494 pathways.
Three main labour agreement pathways
Home Affairs identifies Industry Labour Agreements, Designated Area Migration Agreements and Company Specific Labour Agreements. The right pathway depends on industry, location, occupations and the employer’s circumstances.
How long does a labour agreement last?
Labour agreements are generally in effect for five years. There is no charge to request a labour agreement itself, although nomination and visa-stage costs apply.
Processing is multi-stage
A labour agreement pathway can involve agreement negotiation or endorsement, nomination and then the visa application. Search queries asking for one ‘482 labour agreement processing time’ therefore need to account for multiple stages rather than only the visa decision.
Claim your consultation
Tell us about the employer, occupation, proposed salary, current visa status and the 482 issue you need advice about.
The Emigrate Lawyers difference
Lawyer-led employer sponsorship strategy. We assess sponsorship, nomination and visa criteria together, including salary, LMT, occupation selection, evidence and compliance. We also act in complex refusals and ART matters. Our paperless practice assists employers and skilled workers across Australia and internationally.
Build the complete 482 strategy
Also read our 482 visa hub, 482 salary guide and employer sponsor requirements guide.
Madhab Kharel — Principal Lawyer
Madhab Kharel is Principal Lawyer and Director of Emigrate Lawyers. His practice includes employer sponsorship, Subclass 482 and 186 visas, nomination refusals, ART review and complex migration matters.
Frequently asked questions
Does meeting one 482 requirement guarantee approval?
No. Sponsorship, nomination and visa criteria operate together and each relevant criterion must be satisfied.
Should employers prepare the nomination before the worker’s visa?
The applications are connected. Evidence should be planned as one consistent case even though the legal criteria are distinct.
Can requirements change?
Yes. Salary thresholds, occupation settings and policy can change. This article was legally reviewed on 26 September 2026.
General information only and not legal advice.
