Minister of Religion Labour Agreement (MoRLA)

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Sponsor Overseas Ministers & Religious Assistants for Your Organisation

The Minister of Religion Industry Labour Agreement (MoRLA) enables registered Australian religious organisations to sponsor overseas Ministers of Religion and Religious Assistants for up to 4 years—and, in some cases, for permanent residence. All terms and conditions are fixed and non-negotiable.

Eligible Occupations

You may sponsor overseas workers for:

Minister of Religion (ANZSCO 272211)
(Skill Level 1, must be a senior leadership role)
Religious Assistant (ANZSCO 451816)
(Skill Level 4, supports religious leadership duties)

Multiple Ministers of Religion can be sponsored per organisation, but business cases must justify the need.

Visa Options

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)

The Department of Home Affairs will determine which visa is most appropriate, based on your application and business case.

Organisation Eligibility

Your organisation must:

Be defined as a “religious organisation” in the Migration Regulations
- Founded to promote a religious object
- Have members who show belief in a supernatural being/thing/principle, and follow canons of conduct

Meet section 50–50 and income tax exemption under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
Be recognised as a charity and, where relevant, participate in the National Redress Scheme

English Language Requirements

Minister of Religion/Religious Assistants must meet one of:

482 visa: IELTS overall 4.0 (listening/speaking, or equivalent)
186 visa: IELTS overall 4.5, minimum 4.0 in all bands (or equivalent)
Alternative: At least 5 years’ full-time study (secondary or higher ed) in English

For those in monastic/cloistered environments, some flexibility may be allowed.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Ministers of Religion must:

Be ordained or professed, or have equivalent accreditation in the faith tradition
Hold a relevant AQF bachelor degree, or
5+ years of structured training/instruction, or
(where formal training unavailable) 5+ years of relevant work experience
For senior leadership (e.g., Archbishop), at least 5 years ordained and postgrad training (if available)

Religious Assistants must:

Have AQF Certificate II or III, or
2+ years of structured training, or
2+ years’ relevant work experience

Permanent Residence Pathway

General PR pathway:
After 2 years working on a 457/TSS/SID visa, Ministers of Religion and Religious Assistants may be eligible for ENS 186
Immediate PR pathway:
Only available to the most senior Minister of Religion position (e.g., Archbishop or equivalent)

Age Requirements

No age limit for 482 visa applicants
ENS (186) visa: Must be under 60 years old at time of application

Salary & Employment Conditions

Meet salary requirements for 482/186 visas
(including market salary, TSMIT or CSIT as applicable)
Up to 10% of salary can be non-monetary benefits (accommodation, etc.) if allowed
For “vow of poverty/service” cases, special concessions may be possible for Ministers of Religion (not for Religious Assistants)
Must meet at least the national minimum wage if Reduced TSMIT/CSIT concession is granted

How to Apply

Confirm your organisation’s eligibility (charity status, religious organisation, etc.)
Prepare a business case for the role(s)
Ensure nominees meet skills/English/experience requirements
Apply for the MoRLA through ImmiAccount
Sponsor eligible Ministers of Religion or Religious Assistants

Need Help with the Minister of Religion Labour Agreement?

We guide religious organisations through the MoRLA process: eligibility, business case, nomination, compliance, and all government requirements.

📞 Call us: 0485 907 989
📧 Email: jade@jadeimmigrationlawyers.com.au
📝 Submit an online enquiry or
📅 Book a consultation We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

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FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Labour Agreement services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.

Who can apply for the Minister of Religion Labour Agreement?

Only registered religious organisations, as defined by Australian law.

What roles are eligible?

Minister of Religion (ANZSCO 272211) and Religious Assistant (ANZSCO 451816).

Is PR possible?

Yes—after two years’ work on a 457/TSS/SID visa, or immediately for the most senior Minister of Religion.

What are the English requirements?

IELTS 4.0–4.5, or equivalent, or 5 years’ study in English. Monastic exemptions may apply.

Are there salary concessions?

Yes—some non-monetary benefits may count, and special rules apply for vows of poverty.