Australia’s creative industries play a vital role in the national economy. Yet, many businesses face significant barriers when sponsoring overseas creative professionals, particularly for roles not listed on the Core Skilled Occupation List. The Advertising Industry Labour Agreement (ILA) was introduced to give Australian employers a clear and realistic sponsorship pathway for key creative roles.
Through this agreement, businesses gain access to essential positions such as Advertising Specialist, Graphic Designer, Copywriter, Multimedia Designer, and Web Developer. These occupations are critical in advertising, marketing, and digital media but often fall outside the scope of standard skilled migration programs.
A Practical Solution for Overcoming Salary Thresholds
Traditionally, employers wanting to sponsor creative professionals like Graphic Designers or Copywriters have been forced to use the Specialist Skills Stream. This option requires a minimum annual salary of AUD 141,210, making it unattainable for most businesses in the creative sector.
The Advertising Industry Labour Agreement provides a more achievable solution by reducing the minimum salary requirement to AUD 85,000 per year. This significant reduction aligns better with market rates in the industry, making it a practical choice for businesses seeking to recruit skilled creative talent from overseas.
Prioritising Skilled and Experienced Professionals
To maintain industry standards and protect local job opportunities, the Advertising ILA requires that sponsored workers have at least three years of relevant work experience. This ensures employers bring in seasoned professionals who are ready to contribute immediately to their business needs.
Employers benefit by filling critical skills gaps while supporting workforce development in Australia’s creative sector.
Building Long-Term Employment and Permanent Residency Pathways
The agreement also supports long-term employment relationships. Sponsored employees may become eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa after three years of continuous employment with their sponsoring business.
This arrangement provides a clear pathway to permanent residency, helping employers attract committed professionals who are looking for stable career opportunities in Australia.
How to Apply for an Advertising Industry Labour Agreement
Businesses seeking to utilise the Advertising ILA must first secure an endorsement from an industry body. For the advertising sector, endorsements can be obtained from either the Media Federation of Australia or The Communications Council.
Once endorsed, employers can proceed with their sponsorship agreement, nominate the overseas candidate, and apply for the visa.
At NB Migration Law, we assist businesses throughout the entire process. From obtaining industry endorsements to preparing sponsorship, nomination, and visa applications, our experienced migration lawyers are here to help businesses navigate the system with confidence and efficiency.
Your Trusted Partner in Sponsoring Creative Professionals
In today’s competitive creative market, securing the right talent is essential. The Advertising Industry Labour Agreement offers a tailored and cost-effective pathway for Australian businesses to access skilled creative professionals from overseas.
If you are considering sponsoring under this agreement, contact NB Migration Law today. Our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process, helping you build a talented and future-ready creative team.