Farm Worker Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship 2026

Australia continues to draw international job seekers looking for work and travel opportunities abroad. With vast agricultural lands and seasonal demands across fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, livestock support, and farm maintenance, farm worker jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship remain in strong demand for 2026. Regions such as Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia operate large farming and horticulture sectors that need reliable labor, especially during harvesting cycles and peak production months.

Farm work in Australia offers structured employment, physical outdoor activity, and real experience in agriculture — all supported by Australia’s regulated labor laws and worker protections. Many farms are willing to sponsor visas under national programs when local labor shortages arise, making it feasible for international applicants to gain legal working status, competitive pay, and a potential pathway to longer stays.

This guide provides a complete overview of farm worker jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2026 — including job details, visa options, eligibility, required documents, salary expectations, application process, common challenges, helpful tips, FAQs, and a summary.

Job Details

Job Country: Australia
Job Title: Farm Worker / Agricultural Laborer
Who Can Apply?: All Nationalities
How to Apply?: Online / Employer Contact
Minimum Experience: 0–2 Years (Varies by Role)
Visa Sponsorship: Yes, Available

Also Check: Fruit Picking Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 2026

Visa Sponsorship in Australia

Australian agricultural employers can sponsor overseas workers through government-regulated visa pathways when local labor is insufficient. Visa sponsorship involves:

1. Employer nomination of the applicant for a specific farm job
2. Submission of nomination and visa applications to the Australian Department of Home Affairs
3. Employer support during the application process

Many farm employers participate in seasonal and skilled work programs that allow foreign workers to obtain legal work status. Sponsored workers receive contracts with defined conditions, ensuring compliance with Australian labor laws including minimum wage, leave entitlements, and workplace safety.

Types of Work Visas for Farm Workers

Australia has several visa options that farm workers can use — depending on job type, skills, and employment duration.

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

This employer-sponsored visa allows Australian farms to sponsor foreign workers for specific roles. Farm job nominations require evidence of labor shortages and must meet wage criteria. Farm workers with supervisory or specialized skills may qualify.

Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP)

Under SWP, eligible workers from participating countries can be sponsored by Australian agricultural employers for seasonal farm work (usually 6–9 months). This program fills peak harvesting needs, especially for horticulture farms.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 / 462)

Young applicants from qualifying countries can work temporarily in agriculture for up to one year (or longer with extensions tied to regional work). While not full employer sponsorship, this visa offers a legitimate route to perform farm work.

Skilled Independent / Regional Visas

Some regional visas offer pathways for workers with relevant experience in agriculture and a valid job offer, leading to longer-term residency options.

Types of Farm Worker Jobs in Australia

Farm work spans a variety of tasks depending on the crop, livestock type, and season.

Crop Harvester / Fruit Picker:
Collecting fruits, vegetables, and crops by hand or with basic equipment.

Packing & Sorting Staff:
Cleaning, sorting, grading, and packaging farm produce.

Irrigation & Farm Maintenance Worker:
Managing irrigation systems, basic repairs, and field upkeep.

Livestock Handler:
Supporting animal feeding, pasture rotation, and livestock care.

Greenhouse Assistant:
Working in controlled environmental agriculture (nurseries, horticulture).

Sheep / Cattle Farm Support:
Assisting with feeding, fencing, mustering, and daily livestock operations.

Eligibility Criteria

While employers have specific requirements, general eligibility standards include:

Age:
Most positions are open to workers aged 18 and older.

Education:
No formal education is required for entry-level farm jobs.

Experience:
0–2 years of prior agricultural work is often sufficient; specialized roles may require experience.

License / Fitness:
Some roles involving machinery may require a valid driver’s license or equipment credentials. Physical fitness is important due to labor intensity.

English Proficiency:
Basic English helps with communication on farms and safety instructions.

Character Requirements:
A clean police record may be required for visa processing.

Job Offer:
A confirmed contract or job letter from a sponsoring farm employer is essential.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:

• Valid passport (minimum 12–18 months validity)
• Passport-size photos
• Updated CV focused on farm/agricultural work
• Job offer letter / employment contract
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical fitness report (if required)
• Proof of previous work experience (if applicable)
• Evidence of language ability (if required)
• Proof of funds (depending on visa type)

Advantages of Farm Worker Jobs in Australia

Farm work positions offer several benefits for foreign workers:

Fair Wages:
Agricultural workers earn competitive hourly rates in line with Australian standards.

Legal Protections:
Workers are covered by Australia’s labor laws including safety standards, workplace rights, and statutory benefits.

On-The-Job Training:
Many farms provide training, especially for machinery operation and safety protocols.

Flexible Seasonal Work:
Seasonal roles allow workers to circulate through multiple regions and employment opportunities.

Pathways to Longer Stays:
With experience and visa progression, workers may qualify for regional or skilled pathways for extended stays.

Network Building:
Workers gain valuable international experience and professional references for future roles.

Salary Expectations

Farm worker earnings vary depending on location, role, and experience:

Hourly Wage: AUD 25 – AUD 35 (approx.)
Weekly Pay (Full-Time): AUD 900 – AUD 1,200
Monthly Pay (Full-Time): AUD 3,600 – AUD 4,800

Overtime, bonuses, and seasonal incentives can increase overall income.

How to Apply for Farm Worker Jobs in Australia

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Arrange a clear CV and gather all required certifications and IDs.

Step 2: Search Job Listings
Look for agricultural openings on Australian job portals, farm employer websites, and recruitment agencies.

Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online with your CV and state your availability for visa sponsorship.

Step 4: Interview Process
Interviews may be conducted by phone or online.

Step 5: Receive Job Offer
Selected applicants receive a written job offer and details on sponsorship support.

Step 6: Employer Lodges Nomination
The sponsoring farm submits paperwork to the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 7: Visa Application Submission
Submit your visa application online with all supporting documents.

Step 8: Wait for Visa Processing
Processing times vary by visa type but typically take several weeks.

Step 9: Travel and Start Work

Once approved, plan your travel to Australia and begin your farm employment.