What is the Agriculture Visa?
The Agriculture Visa (also known as the Ag Visa or Agri Visa) is a new Australian visa aimed at helping fix a labour shortage in the farming, fisheries, forestry and meat processing industries.
The visa was first discussed in 2018 and has been advocated for sometime by farming industry bodies.
The agriculture visa was confirmed in response to the Australia-UK free trade agreement, which removed the requirement for UK backpackers to complete a period of fruit picking or farm work in return for a visa extension.
ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) Workers will be prioritised for the ag visa.
ASEAN countries includes:
- Thailand
- Cambodia
- Brunei
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Malaysia
- Laos
- Vietnam
- Singapore
- Indonesia
Which Countries are eligible for the Australian Agriculture Visa?
“Despite earlier suggestions it would be offered to South-East Asian nations, it remains unclear which countries will sign up to the visa or how many workers it will attract.” Source: ABC News.
Update: “The government has committed to prioritising bilateral deals with countries through the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Source: SBS.), which include:
- Thailand
- Cambodia
- Brunei
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Malaysia
- Laos
- Vietnam
- Singapore
- Indonesia
When Can I apply for the Agriculture Visa?
The details of the agriculture visa will be confirmed and dates for application published in late September 2021 – but it is not yet clear when ag visa holders will be able to enter the country.
It has been reported that the first phase of the program will see a small number of ag visas granted with holders arriving in Australia between November 2021 and March 2022.
What are the Agriculture Visa 2021 Requirements?
The agriculture visa requirements have not been published. We will update the information here with a breakdown of the visa requirements as soon as they are published. This will include any age restrictions, nationality criteria, and required qualifications.
How do I apply for the Agriculture Visa Australia 2021?
The agriculture visa is not yet open for applications. When the visa requirements have been published you will be able to check your eligibility and apply via the Home Affairs website.
How many Agriculture Visas will be granted?
It is not yet known how many agriculture visas will be issued. We expect this to be confirmed in the next few months. It is likely that there will be a quota of visas on a country-by-country basis.
How much does the Agriculture Visa cost?
The cost of the ag visa has not been published yet. As a comparison, the Working Holiday Visa 417 costs AUD495.
Where can I find Ag Visa Jobs?
At Backpacker Job Board you’ll find a variety of jobs suitable for the agriculture visa holders. You can browse our job listings by location or find ag visa relevant roles listed in the following categories.
Ag Visa Jobs:
- Farm Jobs
- Fruit Picking Jobs
- Grain Harvest Jobs
- Station Jobs
- Forestry Jobs
- Fisheries Jobs
- Pearling Jobs
Please make sure your visa status is granted and active before applying for any roles.
