Labour agreements are designed so that temporary or permanent visas can be granted to foreign workers under the agreement which are generally valid for 2 to 3 years. Under this scheme an employer can take advantage of an industry association agreement for a supply of needed skills, an employer can sponsor employees who are not on the list of approved occupations for temporary business subclass 457 visas or permanent employer nominated scheme visas but a skill shortage is experienced or the occupation is not covered under the Australian Standard Classifications of Occupations and where a large number of overseas workers are required.
