Australia is currently facing a major shortage of agricultural workers—and that means exciting opportunities for foreign job seekers in 2025. From fruit picking and livestock care to machinery operation and seasonal harvesting, farm jobs in Australia are available with visa sponsorship, free accommodation, and hourly wages of up to AUD $40.
Even better? Many of these roles offer a clear pathway to permanent residency, especially for hardworking migrants from countries in Asia, Africa, and South America.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top-paying agricultural jobs, how to apply for visa-sponsored work in Australia, and how farm work can be your gateway to long-term immigration.
🇦🇺 Why Australia Is Hiring Foreign Farm Workers
Due to aging rural populations, border restrictions during COVID, and rising demand for exports, Australian farms are struggling to find enough local labor. As a result, employers are turning to international workers—offering:
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✅ Visa sponsorship
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✅ Flexible contracts
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✅ Training and accommodation
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✅ Pathways to PR under regional migration schemes
Farm jobs are now among the easiest legal ways to enter and settle in Australia.
💼 High-Demand Farm Jobs in Australia (2025)
| Job Role | Average Pay (AUD/hour) | Sponsorship | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit Picker | $25 – $38 | ✅ Yes | Queensland, Victoria |
| Livestock Handler | $30 – $40 | ✅ Yes | New South Wales, SA |
| Irrigation Assistant | $28 – $36 | ✅ Yes | Northern Territory |
| Tractor/Machinery Operator | $35 – $45 | ✅ Yes | WA, NSW |
| Poultry Farm Worker | $26 – $34 | ✅ Yes | Tasmania, SA |
| Crop Farmhand | $27 – $40 | ✅ Yes | Victoria, QLD |
💡 Many roles include free or subsidized housing, transport, and even weekly bonuses during peak seasons.
🛂 Visa Options for Farm Workers (with Sponsorship)
Here are the most common visas that allow foreigners to legally work on farms in Australia:
1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
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Employer-sponsored
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Can lead to permanent residency after 2–4 years
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Includes full-time contract and benefits
2. Ag Visa (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility – PALM Scheme)
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For applicants from approved partner countries
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Includes accommodation, medical cover, and transport
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3–4 year contracts available
3. Working Holiday Visa (Subclasses 417 & 462)
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Open to youth from 40+ countries
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Completing 88+ days of regional farm work can extend visa or lead to sponsorship
4. Regional Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)
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For farm roles in remote or low-population areas
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Direct pathway to Permanent Residency after 3 years
🧭 Where to Find Farm Jobs With Sponsorship
🔹 Official Government Resources:
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JobSearch.gov.au
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Harvest Trail Services
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PALM Scheme
🔹 Trusted Job Portals:
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Seek.com.au
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AgriLabour.com.au
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TheJobShop.com.au
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BackpackerJobBoard.com.au
Search for terms like:
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“farm jobs with visa sponsorship”
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“agriculture work regional Australia”
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“harvest work + PR pathway”
🧰 What Employers Look For
Even without experience, you can be hired if you meet basic requirements:
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✅ Fit and able to do physical work
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✅ Speak basic English
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✅ Willing to stay in regional/rural areas
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✅ Have no criminal record
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✅ Are eligible for an Australian visa
No degree is needed. Some roles may require a driver’s license or farm safety certificate (can be provided on arrival).
📈 Can Farm Work Lead to Permanent Residency?
Yes — and here’s how:
By working in designated regional areas, you become eligible for regional migration programs. Many employers will sponsor high-performing workers under the 482 or 494 Visa, leading to permanent residence after 3 years.
Steps:
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Complete 12–24 months of full-time farm work
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Get employer nomination (482 or 494 visa)
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Apply for permanent residency under Subclass 191
Thousands of migrants from countries like Fiji, Kenya, Nepal, Ghana, India, and the Philippines have already used this route to become Australian residents.
🧠 Real Example: Ayo from Nigeria
Ayo applied for a fruit-picking role in Mildura, Victoria through a licensed recruitment agency. He was offered an AUD $32/hour contract with free housing. After two seasons of consistent work, his employer sponsored him under the Regional Employer program. Today, Ayo has a PR visa, and his wife and son have joined him in Australia.
📋 Required Documents
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Valid passport
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Police clearance
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Health check
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Resume with references
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Proof of English (basic, not mandatory for all roles)
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Willingness to relocate for seasonal or full-time work
✅ Final Thoughts
Farm jobs in Australia offer more than just a paycheck — they offer a pathway to residency, real career opportunities, and a chance to start over in a thriving, safe country.
With wages reaching up to AUD $40/hour, free housing, and visa sponsorship, this is one of the best times in recent history to apply.
🚀 Start Your Journey Now
🔹 Prepare your resume
🔹 Search trusted job platforms
🔹 Apply for sponsored roles or PALM Scheme
🔹 Begin your migration and PR journey in Australia
