Global medical technology companies positively impact millions of patients around the world through cutting-edge medical technology.
At The Migration Agency (TMA), we help these companies expand to new geographic markets by designing and delivering corporate immigration for individuals with highly specific qualifications.
The challenge: Shortage of talent in Australia, limited visa pathways for critical roles
One of our med-tech clients develops robotic medical devices used in surgery, including advanced tools used in hip replacement operations. To launch these products in Australia, the client needed a workforce of highly specialised professionals capable of training surgeons and hospital staff how to use proprietary robotic systems.
Being an overseas product meant that employees in the Australian market did not have the required product knowledge and expertise, and it would take over 12 months to train someone from scratch. The company needed the support of international specialists who were already trained in this cutting-edge technology, but the skills were not recognised on Australia’s skilled occupation list for employer sponsored work visas, making standard employment visa sponsorship out of the question.
This happens frequently for both multinational corporations and Australian companies, especially international brands launching locally; they rely on international staff or the niche skills of a talent pool available outside of Australia.
The Solution: A bespoke labour agreement
The client’s previous provider had struggled to offer a way forward because the required occupations were not included on the skilled list.
The Migration Agency took a different approach. Rather than accepting the limitations, we developed an out-of-the-box solution by pursuing a labour agreement. This allows companies to sponsor roles outside the standard list, provided they can demonstrate a compelling need, but requires negotiation with the Department of Home Affairs.
Our migration specialists stepped in to help the business tell its story, clarify why the trainer role was essential and explain why local talent wasn’t an option. This meant taking the time to understand the client’s unique requirements, then liaising with industry bodies, compiling a 20-page submission, and translating technical product information into a case immigration decision-makers could easily understand.
Our submission to the Department of Home Affairs explained what the company’s product does and how it fits into a broader healthcare context by helping alleviate backlogs in surgery, supporting the hospital system, and ultimately benefiting the Australian community.
TMA understood our clients business and the impact the loss of a visa pathway for these specialists would create for their business. We worked closely with their HR leaders to deeply understand the position and the highly specialised skills needed. We then found a solution when none had previously been identified.
The result: A five-year Labour Agreement and a growing robotic specialist team
The Migration Agency successfully secured a five-year labour agreement for this client. Over this period, the company was able to rely on our support to sponsor multiple specialised trainers, mainly from Europe and the United States, who now live and work in Australia.
Client Feedback
The client’s Senior HR Director shared glowing feedback:
“The Migration Agency have been an incredible support to our business, taking the time to understand our people and culture to come up with immigration solutions that enable us to attract and retain great talent. Each case is handled with care and an individualised approach, which has allowed us to maximise our ability to sponsor candidates. They are professional, considerate and understanding of the unique challenges our company and industry faces. All the visa holders that The Migration Agency has helped have been able to have a positive impact on healthcare in Australia and we are very grateful for their support.”
Need help to bring in overseas employees whose qualifications are not on the skilled occupation list?
The Migration Agency’s team of immigration experts has extensive experience negotiating labour agreements across various sectors, including medical, technology, manufacturing, aged care, labour hire and others. We give HR teams strategic, low-friction access to global talent, and reduce compliance risk. By integrating TMA’s immigration expertise into your workforce planning we help alleviate the legal and administrative load for HR. We provide personalised support for each individual visa application in line with our client’s employee value proposition.
If your Australian-based business needs to sponsor skilled talent in roles not included on the skilled occupation list, there are always options. Reach out to TMA for more information.
Talk to The Migration Agency today about how a labour agreement or other arrangement can provide continuity of talent as you expand into Australia.
