The Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot, which commenced on 1 July 2021, has been extended for a further 12 months under existing arrangements and will now continue until 30 June 2026. The pilot enables approved Australian employers to recruit skilled, job-ready refugees from overseas through a dedicated labour-agreement pathway.
The pilot operates through labour agreements endorsed by Talent Beyond Boundaries and provides access to 500 visa places across eligible occupations and employer-sponsored visa programs.
Key Information:
- Endorsed employers can sponsor skilled refugees or displaced people for approved occupations through a labour agreement supported by Talent Beyond Boundaries.
- Sponsorship is available under the ENS (subclass 186), Skills in Demand (subclass 482), and SESR (subclass 494) visa streams, including a pathway to permanent residence for eligible 494 holders.
- The pilot includes practical concessions, such as Talent Beyond Boundaries endorsement replacing labour market testing, employer-led skills assessment (no formal skills test required), reduced income thresholds for some roles, and lower English requirements.
- Employers must meet standard sponsorship obligations and provide full-time roles at market salary rates, while applicants must satisfy health, character, security, and basic English requirements.
Click here: Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot