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Improved Visa Framework for Religious Workers




Everything You Need to Know About the New Minister of Religion Labour Agreement (MoRLA)

Are you part of a religious organisation in Australia and looking to sponsor overseas workers to help grow your mission? Or are you a religious worker overseas hoping to serve in Australia?

Here’s some good news. From 13 December 2024, the Australian Government introduced a new and improved Minister of Religion Labour Agreement (MoRLA) — making it easier for religious organisations to bring in skilled workers and creating a clearer path to permanent residency.

Whether you're a church, temple, mosque, or other religious institution — this update is designed to help you fill vital roles with qualified people who align with your values.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.



What Is the Minister of Religion Labour Agreement (MoRLA)?

The MoRLA is a labour agreement that allows religious organisations in Australia to sponsor overseas workers for certain religious roles — like Ministers of Religion or Religious Assistants.

This visa framework was already in place, but the new update in December 2024 has improved things by:

  • Making the process clearer and more flexible,

  • Adding a faster, more defined pathway to permanent residency, and

  • Recognising the diversity of religious practices in Australia.



Who Can Use the MoRLA?

You must be a registered religious institution in Australia and prove that:

  • You operate legally under Australian law,

  • You have charitable status, and

  • You are in good standing (e.g., no past legal or ethical issues).

Even small or newly established religious groups may apply, though they may need to provide extra documents to show their purpose and financial stability.



What Roles Can Be Sponsored?

You can only sponsor two types of occupations under MoRLA:

  1. Minister of Religion (ANZSCO 272211) – this includes priests, pastors, rabbis, imams, or equivalent religious leaders.

  2. Religious Assistant (ANZSCO 451816) – for people supporting religious leaders with services, administration, or outreach work.

Each role has its own set of requirements for qualifications, work experience, and salary.



What Are the Main Requirements?

1. Skills and Qualifications

For Ministers of Religion:

  • You must be ordained or officially recognised within your faith.

  • You need at least five years of training or work experience in the role.

  • You must hold a Bachelor-level qualification (or have equivalent experience/training).

  • If you're applying for a senior role (like Archbishop or equivalent), you may also need a postgraduate qualification.


For Religious Assistants:

  • You need a relevant Certificate II or III (AQF).

  • At least 2 years of relevant experience or training in a similar role.

2. English Language Requirements

This varies depending on the visa:

  • For most applicants: An IELTS test with an overall score of 4.5 or higher, or 4.0 in speaking and listening for certain streams.

  • Alternative: If you’ve studied full-time in English for at least five years, you may be exempt.

  • Exemptions: If you're working in a cloistered or monastic environment, English testing may not be required.


3. Salary Requirements

You must pay your religious worker a fair wage, based on the following:

  • Ministers of Religion may include non-monetary benefits (like housing) up to 10% of their salary.

  • In special cases (e.g., working under a vow of poverty), the salary may be lower, but this must be approved.

  • Religious Assistants must be paid at least the minimum wage - no exceptions.


4. Visa Pathways

Religious workers can apply for:

  • Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – a temporary visa for 2–4 years.

  • Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – a permanent visa, available either:

    • After working for two years on a 482 visa, or

    • Immediately for senior Ministers who meet higher skill and experience requirements.

💡 ENS visas under Direct Entry are now easier for senior religious leaders who’ve been ordained for at least five years and hold formal postgraduate training.


5. Age Limits

  • No age limit for the Skills in Demand (482) visa.

  • For ENS (186) visa, applicants must be under 60 years old at the time of applying.



Key Benefits of the Updated MoRLA

✅ Faster pathway to permanent residency — especially for experienced religious leaders. ✅ Flexible salary rules — allows for religious lifestyles and non-monetary benefits. ✅ Simplified visa process — with clear criteria for training, qualifications, and job roles. ✅ Support for diverse religions — reflecting Australia’s multicultural and multi-faith society.



Important Note for Sponsors

Until early 2025, the MoRLA request form in ImmiAccount has not yet been updated. ✅ If you're applying now, write “n/a” in the nominee section of the form to proceed.



Why Work With Skylark Migration?

The MoRLA process can feel technical and confusing - especially when you’re trying to focus on your community and mission. That’s where we come in.

At Skylark Migration, we help religious organisations:

  • Navigate the visa process from start to finish,

  • Prepare strong, compliant documentation,

  • Ensure eligibility for roles, salary, English, and experience, and

  • Guide your nominated workers toward permanent residency in Australia.

With 80+ years of combined experience, and insights from a former Immigration officer, we know what it takes to get your application approved - the first time.


📅 Book a Free Strategy Session and let’s work together to bring the right people into your organisation.



Want to Learn More? Explore These Helpful Resources:





 
 
 

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