Industry Labour Agreements (ILAs) are a critical component of Australia’s skilled migration program, offering a tailored solution for employers in sectors facing ongoing labour shortages. At NB Migration Law, we’ve launched this article series to help Australian employers understand how ILAs work, who can access them, and how they can streamline the process of sponsoring skilled foreign workers.
Whether you’re in aged care, hospitality, agriculture, or another sector, this guide will help you navigate ILAs effectively and assess whether your business can benefit from one.
What Are Industry Labour Agreements?
Industry Labour Agreements are one of the five core labour agreement streams negotiated between the Australian Government and peak industry bodies to fill skill gaps with overseas workers. These agreements standardise migration settings for an entire sector, offering greater flexibility and access to occupations not always available under standard skilled visa programs.
The five types of labour agreements in Australia include:
-
Company Specific Labour Agreements
-
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)
-
Global Talent Employer Sponsored Agreements (GTES)
-
Project Agreements
-
Industry Labour Agreements (ILAs)
Unlike company-specific agreements, ILAs remove the need for individual negotiations, allowing eligible employers to access skilled workers under a pre-approved framework. Most ILAs are valid for five years and apply to key visa subclasses, such as:
-
Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
-
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
-
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Key Benefits of Industry Labour Agreements for Employer
Concessions to Standard Visa Criteria
ILAs allow employers to benefit from relaxed visa requirements. This may include concessions on:
-
English language proficiency
-
Skills and qualifications
-
Work experience
-
Salary thresholds
These concessions reduce red tape and help businesses access the skilled talent they need without compromising compliance.
Access to Emerging or Unlisted Occupations
Through ILAs, employers can sponsor workers for occupations not currently listed on ANZSCO, such as emerging roles in tech, care, or creative sectors. This is especially valuable in fast-changing industries where job titles and duties may not yet be officially recognised.
Streamlined Sponsorship Process Across Industries
Rather than negotiating individual labour agreements, employers can operate under a standardised agreement managed by their industry’s peak body. This saves time, reduces cost, and ensures consistency across businesses.
Note: ILAs are fixed for the entire industry. While they simplify access, they don’t allow for further concessions at the individual employer level.
Industries Currently Covered by Industry Labour Agreements
As of 2025, ILAs have been established for the following sectors:
-
Dairy
-
Fishing
-
Meat Processing
-
Pork Industry
-
Horticulture
-
Aged Care
-
Religion
-
On-Hire Recruitment
-
Fine Dining
-
Advertising Industry
Each agreement is tailored to meet the unique labour challenges and skill shortages in these sectors.
What If Your Industry Isn’t Covered?
If your sector is not yet part of an existing ILA, you may still be able to initiate and negotiate one. At NB Migration Law, we work with industry leaders and associations to:
-
Assess eligibility for a new labour agreement
-
Prepare submissions to the Department of Home Affairs
-
Negotiate terms aligned with sector-specific needs
-
Provide ongoing legal and migration support
Is Your Business Eligible for an Industry Labour Agreement?
If your business operates in one of the sectors listed above, you may already qualify to access an ILA. These agreements can drastically improve your ability to recruit and retain skilled international workers, especially for roles that are difficult to fill locally.
Even if your industry isn’t covered, you may still benefit by leading the way in establishing a new agreement. Doing so can set your business apart and provide access to a broader global workforce.
How NB Migration Law Can Help
At NB Migration Law, we specialise in helping employers across Australia navigate migration law, labour agreements, and skilled visa pathways.
We assist with:
-
Reviewing your eligibility under existing ILAs
-
Preparing nomination and visa applications under ILA concessions
-
Advising on compliance and sponsorship obligations
-
Initiating and negotiating new industry-wide labour agreements
With our guidance, you can confidently tap into global talent and ensure your workforce is future-ready.
📞 Ready to find out how an Industry Labour Agreement can benefit your business?
Contact NB Migration Law today for expert advice tailored to your sector.