Australian Visas and Labour Agreements

Temporary and permanent visas can be granted under a labour agreement. These are formal arrangements to recruit a certain number of overseas skilled workers and are generally effective for two to three years.

A Labour Agreement can be used by an organisation where:
.Employers are acting collectively as part of an industry association
.The industry has fluctuating demand for goods and services
.A new government policy or program has been implemented, requiring the need to hire overseas skilled workers
.The organisation has demonstrated commitment to employment and training of Australians
.Evidence of direct employer-employee relationship is available
.Evidence that the organisation can meet salary and training requirements is available
.Evidence of a need to fill occupations with skilled employees

Australia visas that can be granted with a labour agreement include:
.Temporary Business (Long Stay) Visa or Subclass 457
.Permanent Entry Labour Agreement Visa Programs (Subclass 120 and 855)

Individuals who have a temporary Australia visa under a labour agreement can work in Australia for up to four years, bring eligible secondary applicants with them who can also work and study in Australia. The temporary visa holder, after entering Australia, will have no limit to the number of times they travel in and out of Australia.

If there is a need for renewal of the temporary Australian visa granted under a labour agreement, an existing labour agreement must be in place. The visa holder must also be nominated again and a new visa application will have to be lodged.

For individuals who hold a permanent visa based on a labour agreement, they can live, study and work in Australia on a permanent basis. They are also eligible to receive subsidised healthcare through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits scheme, access social security payments (after the waiting period), be eligible for Australian citizenship (once the residency criteria have been met) and sponsor people for permanent residence.

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Dylan Lautner
http://www.nationalvisas.com.au/