Religious institutions play a vital role in Australian communities, providing spiritual guidance, cultural connection, and charitable support. But as congregations grow and faith-based organisations expand their outreach, finding experienced religious leaders and assistants can be a challenge. The Minister of Religion Industry Labour Agreement (MoRLA) helps bridge this gap, allowing religious organisations to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fulfill key leadership and support roles.

Whether it's an experienced Minister of Religion guiding a congregation or a Religious Assistant supporting worship services, this agreement provides a structured, long-term solution for faith-based institutions in need of skilled workers.

Who Can Apply? Understanding the Sponsorship Process

Religious organisations can sponsor overseas workers for two key visas:

✅ Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – A temporary visa for up to 4 years.
✅Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) – A permanent residency pathway, available after a transition period or immediately for the most senior Minister of Religion positions.

The Australian Government assesses each application based on the religious organisation’s legitimacy and its workforce needs. The terms of the agreement are non-negotiable, ensuring that all applicants meet the necessary skill, experience, and salary requirements.

Defining a Religious Organisation

To qualify for the MoRLA, an organisation must meet strict legal and tax criteria. This includes:

• Being recognised as a religious organisation under Australian migration law.
• Operating to promote a religious purpose and following recognised beliefs and practices.
• Holding charitable status and income tax exemptions under the Australian Income Tax Assessment Act.

These measures ensure that only genuine religious institutions can access this labour agreement, maintaining integrity and purpose within faith-based migration.

Ministers of Religion & Religious Assistants: Who Qualifies?

Ministers of Religion (ANZSCO 272211)

A Minister of Religion is a senior leadership position within a religious organisation. To qualify, applicants must:

✔ Be ordained or have completed an equivalent religious accreditation.
✔ Hold a bachelor’s degree in theology or religious studies (or equivalent training).
✔ Have at least five years of structured training or work experience in a religious leadership role.

For those applying under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Direct Entry stream, additional experience requirements may apply—especially for high-ranking positions like Archbishops or equivalent religious leaders.

Religious Assistants (ANZSCO 451816)

Religious Assistants play a supporting role, helping with religious ceremonies, administration, and community services. They must meet one of the following:

✔ Hold a Certificate II or III in a relevant religious field.
✔ Have at least two years of structured religious training or work experience.

These positions are crucial for the smooth operation of religious institutions, helping to manage daily functions and support community outreach.

English Language & Work Experience Requirements

Given the importance of communication in religious leadership, English language skills are a key requirement. Skilled workers must meet different IELTS score thresholds depending on the visa subclass.

Additionally, a minimum of two years of work experience in the nominated occupation is required before permanent residency can be granted.

For those working in monastic or cloistered environments, special exemptions may apply.

Salary & Concessions: Supporting Religious Work

Salaries for Ministers of Religion and Religious Assistants must comply with visa requirements. However, religious organisations can provide non-monetary benefits—such as housing or food—up to 10% of the minimum salary threshold.

For Ministers of Religion, additional concessions apply:

• Those who have taken a vow of poverty or vow of service may qualify for specific salary adjustments.
• Religious Assistants cannot claim vow-of-poverty concessions but must still meet national minimum wage standards.

These provisions allow religious workers to continue their calling while ensuring fair and lawful compensation.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

Ministers of Religion and Religious Assistants can transition to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa after two years of employment under a temporary visa.

However, an immediate permanent residency pathway is available for senior Ministers of Religion (such as Archbishops or equivalent positions), recognising their significant role in religious leadership.

Faith, Community, and Skilled Migration

The Minister of Religion Labour Agreement is more than just a visa pathway—it’s a way to sustain and enrich religious communities in Australia. By bringing in skilled overseas Ministers and Religious Assistants, faith-based institutions can continue to serve their congregations, expand their outreach, and uphold their traditions.

For religious organisations, this agreement offers a structured, government-backed solution to workforce shortages. For skilled religious workers, it provides a chance to make a meaningful impact while securing a future in Australia.

👉 Interested in applying? Learn more about the requirements and process with the help of Growmore Immigration.