For many international job seekers, working in Australia represents more than just a temporary gig—it’s a chance to earn a strong income, gain international experience, and possibly secure long-term residency. Among the most accessible and rewarding job paths available is working on farms in regional Australia, especially in roles that offer visa sponsorship.
With hourly wages reaching up to AUD $32, minimal entry barriers, and clear pathways toward Permanent Residency (PR), Australian farm jobs have become an appealing option for skilled and unskilled workers alike. In this article, we’ll explore what farm jobs entail, how to find them, the types of visas involved, and the roadmap to building a future in Australia.
Why Farm Jobs Are in High Demand in Australia
Australia has a vast and diverse agricultural sector that includes fruit and vegetable farms, cattle and dairy ranches, grain fields, and vineyards. These farms, particularly those in remote and rural areas, often face a significant labor shortage due to a declining local workforce and seasonal nature of the work. To fill these gaps, the Australian government allows eligible farms to sponsor foreign workers.
Some reasons why international workers choose farm jobs in Australia include:
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Attractive wages: Hourly pay ranges from AUD $22 to AUD $32 depending on the job type and region.
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Visa sponsorship availability: Employers may sponsor skilled workers through recognized visa programs.
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Pathway to PR: Regional work can contribute toward permanent residency eligibility.
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No formal qualifications needed: Many roles are entry-level and open to first-time workers.
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Scenic rural lifestyle: Work environments are often surrounded by beautiful countryside and open space.
Common Farm Job Roles for Foreign Workers
There is a broad range of roles available on Australian farms. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Fruit Picking and Packing
Fruit picking remains one of the most in-demand seasonal farm jobs. Workers are responsible for harvesting fruit such as apples, strawberries, bananas, grapes, and citrus.
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Location: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia
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Pay: AUD $25–$30/hour or piece rate (based on quantity picked)
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Requirements: Basic fitness, ability to work long hours outdoors
2. Vegetable Farming
Workers in this area handle tasks such as planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting crops like lettuce, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes. This role is often suitable for working holiday visa holders.
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Work Duration: Typically lasts from a few weeks to several months
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Advantage: Completing a certain number of days can help extend a visa
3. Dairy Farm Workers
Dairy farms are located in various regions, particularly Victoria and Tasmania. Duties may include milking cows, cleaning milking equipment, feeding livestock, and general farm maintenance.
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Pay: AUD $26–$32/hour
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Perks: Long-term contracts and on-site accommodation
4. Tractor and Machinery Operators
Operating heavy machinery on farms can command higher wages. Employers often prefer individuals with previous experience or valid driver’s licenses.
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Skills Needed: Machinery handling, driving, mechanical knowledge
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Pay: Up to AUD $32/hour or more
5. Livestock Farmhands
Tasks include feeding animals, maintaining barns and paddocks, assisting with births, and monitoring health conditions.
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Common Animals: Sheep, cattle, goats
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Physical Workload: Moderate to heavy
Visa Options for Farm Workers in Australia
There are several visa types through which international workers can legally work on farms in Australia:
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)
This visa is suitable for individuals aged 18 to 35 from eligible countries. It allows you to work in Australia for up to 12 months and can be extended if you complete 88 days of specified work, such as farming or construction in regional areas.
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Ideal for: Young travelers and seasonal workers
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Extension Options: Second and third-year extensions available
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
If you have skills in agricultural machinery, livestock management, or horticulture, you may qualify for employer sponsorship under this visa. It allows you to work full-time with a sponsoring employer.
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Duration: Up to 4 years
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Path to PR: Eligible after 3 years through Employer Nomination Scheme
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Designed to address labor shortages in regional Australia, this visa provides a pathway to permanent residency after working for three years in a regional area.
Permanent Residency Pathways
By fulfilling the criteria for sponsored regional work, accumulating sufficient work experience, and gaining employer nominations, farm workers can apply for permanent residency through:
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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
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Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
How to Find Farm Jobs with Sponsorship in Australia
Finding a sponsored farm job in Australia requires proactive searching and preparation. Here are some reliable platforms to help you get started:
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Harvest Trail – jobsearch.gov.au/harvest
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Workforce Australia – workforceaustralia.gov.au
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Backpacker Job Board – backpackerjobboard.com.au
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Agri Labour Australia – agrilabour.com.au
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Seek – seek.com.au
These websites often list seasonal job opportunities across different states and include both casual and full-time sponsored roles.
Tips for a Successful Application
To increase your chances of landing a farm job in Australia with visa sponsorship, consider the following:
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Start Early: Seasonal jobs are competitive; apply well in advance of harvest seasons.
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Tailor Your Resume: Highlight physical stamina, prior agricultural experience, or machinery skills.
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Be Flexible: Employers prefer candidates willing to relocate or work on short notice.
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Stay Legitimate: Never accept cash-in-hand offers. Ensure your employer is registered and complies with immigration laws.
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Follow Up: After submitting an application, follow up via phone or email. Persistence can make a strong impression.
Can Farm Work Lead to Permanent Residency in Australia?
Yes, and this is one of the most appealing aspects of farm work. Many farm employers in regional areas are eligible sponsors under the skilled migration program. If you demonstrate reliability and competence, your employer may nominate you for a long-term or permanent position, opening the door to PR applications.
Moreover, by spending enough time working in eligible regional postcodes, you fulfill criteria set by many state-nominated visa programs, giving you access to permanent settlement options even without employer sponsorship.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s agricultural sector presents a rare blend of opportunity: decent earnings, a simple entry point, and a structured pathway to long-term immigration. With farm jobs paying up to AUD $32 per hour and a growing demand for workers, now is an excellent time to pursue this route.
Whether you’re looking to travel, save money, or build a future abroad, a farm job in Australia could be your ideal starting point. While the work is demanding, the rewards—financial, professional, and personal—can be substantial.
Take your first step today by exploring job boards and preparing your visa documents. Your future in Australia might begin in a vineyard, orchard, or dairy farm—but it could lead you somewhere far greater.
