Farm Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners in 2025

Australia’s thriving agricultural sector offers abundant farm jobs with visa sponsorship opportunities for foreigners. From seasonal roles to long-term positions, these jobs provide a chance to earn, grow, and experience life Down Under. 

This guide covers the eligibility for farm jobs in Australia, highlights top farms offering visa sponsorship, and provides application details to get you started today.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for Farm Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship

Here are the eligibility criteria to increase your chances of securing a farm job in Australia with visa sponsorship.

• Age Requirements: Applicants are generally required to be between 18 and 50 years old, though specific jobs may have more flexible age limits.
• Work Experience: While many entry-level farm jobs don’t require prior experience, roles in specialized areas such as machinery operation, irrigation systems, or livestock management often prefer candidates with relevant expertise.
• Language Skills: Basic to intermediate English proficiency is essential to ensure smooth communication, understanding of job instructions, and adherence to workplace safety standards.
• Physical Fitness: Farming tasks can be physically demanding, requiring good health, stamina, and the ability to lift heavy loads, work in various weather conditions, and stand for long hours.
• Valid Passport: A valid passport is necessary for visa processing and entry into Australia, with at least six months of validity from the intended travel date.
• Visa Eligibility: Applicants must meet the specific requirements of the Australian visa program, including health assessments, character checks (e.g., police clearance), and proof of financial stability.
• Commitment: Farm jobs may involve long hours, early morning starts, and weekend work during peak seasons, so applicants must be flexible and committed to meeting job demands.
• Education and Certifications: While not mandatory for most entry-level roles, certifications in agriculture, machinery operation, or horticulture can increase job prospects.
• Driving License: A valid international driving license is often required, especially for jobs involving the operation of farm vehicles or equipment.
• Proof of Eligibility to Work: Applicants must provide evidence of eligibility to work in Australia, including supporting documents requested by the sponsoring employer.
• Cultural Adaptability: Familiarity with or willingness to adapt to Australian farming practices, climate, and rural lifestyles is highly beneficial.

How to Find and Apply for Farm Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship as a Foreigner

Here are the steps to help you find and apply for farm jobs in Australia as a foreigner:

Step 1: Research Job Opportunities

Start by exploring reputable job boards and websites that specialize in Australian farm jobs, such as Seek, Indeed, or Harvest Trail Jobs. 

Identify farms and agricultural companies that offer visa sponsorship for international workers. Consider joining forums or social media groups for insights from workers with similar goals.

Step 2: Verify Eligibility

Review the eligibility criteria for farm jobs and visa sponsorship. Ensure you meet the age, experience, and language proficiency requirements. 

Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for visa subclass options like the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) or Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482).

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Gather essential documents, including:

• Updated resume tailored for agricultural roles.
• Cover letter emphasizing your skills, experience, and willingness to work in farming.
• A valid passport and a driver’s license (if required).
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or similar tests).
• Health and police clearance certificates.

Step 4: Apply for Jobs

Submit applications to identified farms and companies via their official websites or job portals. Use tailored cover letters to explain why you’re the right fit for the role. Follow application instructions carefully to avoid disqualification.

Step 5: Attend Interviews or Assessments

If shortlisted, prepare for virtual or in-person interviews. Employers may ask about your physical fitness, adaptability to farm work, and willingness to relocate to rural areas. Be ready to discuss your experience and interest in working in Australia.

Step 6: Secure Visa Sponsorship

Once an employer agrees to sponsor you, they will provide a formal job offer and assist with the visa application process. Follow their guidance and submit required documents promptly.

Step 7: Apply for a Visa

Complete the visa application through the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Include all supporting documents, such as your employment offer, passport details, and evidence of meeting health and character requirements. Pay the visa fees and wait for approval.

Step 8: Arrange Travel Plans

After your visa is approved, coordinate travel to Australia. Confirm accommodation details with your employer if they provide housing, or make independent arrangements near your workplace.

Step 9: Start Working

Arrive in Australia and report to your employer on the agreed date. Attend any required orientation or training sessions before beginning your role. Stay compliant with visa conditions and work agreements to ensure a smooth experience.

Top Farms and Agricultural Companies Offering Farm Jobs In Australia With Visa Sponsorship

Here are the top farm and agricultural companies:

Costa Group

Costa Group is one of Australia’s largest producers of fresh produce, specializing in fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms. They operate multiple farms across Australia, providing agricultural job opportunities, from seasonal harvest roles to more permanent positions.

Costa Group is known for sponsoring foreign workers, particularly those with experience in horticulture and farming. They are open to sponsoring skilled and unskilled labor for short-term and long-term employment.

Applicants should be between 18 and 50 years old, with basic English proficiency and the physical ability to work in demanding outdoor environments.

How to Apply: Visit their Careers page or check out job listings on platforms like Seek or Harvest Trail Jobs to apply directly for available roles.

Rivalea Australia

Rivalea is a leader in Australian pork production, focusing on sustainable farming practices and animal welfare. With large-scale operations across the country, they offer a variety of jobs in livestock farming, including pork production, farming, and factory roles.

Rivalea actively sponsors foreign workers, especially for roles in livestock care, farm management, and food processing.

Candidates should have a relevant agricultural background, ideally in animal husbandry or pork production, and meet visa eligibility requirements. Physical fitness and adaptability to farm work in rural environments are crucial.

How to Apply: Job opportunities and application guidelines can be found on their Careers page or through agricultural job portals like Seek and Harvest Trail Jobs. 

Tasmanian Berries

Tasmanian Berries is a well-known grower and packer of premium berries, operating primarily in Tasmania. They offer seasonal work in berry picking, packing, and farm management, along with opportunities for long-term employment as their business expands.

The company hires international workers for fruit picking and processing tasks, and they support visa applications through recognized agricultural visa programs.

Applicants should be fit and healthy, capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions. While no formal experience in farming is required for picking roles, those with prior experience in agriculture or packing operations have an advantage.

How to Apply: Visit their Work with Us page for current job listings and application instructions.

Australian Agricultural Company (AACo)

AACo is one of the largest beef producers in Australia, operating extensive cattle stations across the country. They focus on producing high-quality beef and are heavily involved in sustainable agriculture and land management.

AACo offers visa sponsorship for foreign workers. They are open to sponsoring skilled workers for long-term roles and often have seasonal opportunities for laborers.

Applicants should have a background in agriculture, with skills in livestock handling or farm management. Applicants need to be adaptable to rural work environments and able to manage physically demanding tasks.

How to Apply: Check out job opportunities on the AACo Careers page.

The Average Salary for Farm Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship

The average salary for farm jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship can vary based on several factors such as location, job type, experience level, and industry. 

Below is a breakdown of the salary range for farm jobs across different sectors:

National Average (Hourly Rate)

• Entry-Level Farm Jobs: Typically, new workers with no experience in agriculture earn around $22 – $25 per hour. These jobs can include general farm labor, fruit picking, or packhouse roles.
• Experienced Workers: Workers with some prior experience in farming or agricultural machinery earn $25 – $30 per hour, which applies to roles like general farm hand or experienced farm labor.
• Skilled and Specialist Roles: For positions like farm managers, supervisors, or machinery operators, the hourly rate can range from $30 – $40 per hour, depending on the complexity of the work and the level of responsibility.

National Average (Annual Salary)

• Entry-Level Roles: These positions typically pay between $45,000 and $55,000 annually for full-time workers, though seasonal work may lead to slightly lower earnings depending on hours worked.
• Mid-Level Roles: Workers with a few years of experience or in supervisory roles can expect annual salaries ranging from $55,000 – $70,000, with some roles such as skilled farmhands earning closer to the higher end of this range.
• Senior and Skilled Roles: Farm managers and other senior staff in charge of operations may earn $70,000 – $90,000 annually or even more depending on the scale of the farm and responsibilities.

Salaries by Cities & States/Territories

Salaries in farming can differ significantly across different states, cities, and regions due to variations in the cost of living, demand for labor, and the type of agriculture in each area.

• Sydney (New South Wales): Entry-level salaries range from $23 – $28 per hour, or $48,000 – $60,000 annually, while skilled roles can earn between $35 – $45 per hour, or $75,000 – $90,000 annually.
• Melbourne (Victoria): Entry-level roles offer $22 – $26 per hour, or $46,000 – $58,000 annually, while skilled positions can pay $33 – $43 per hour, or $72,000 – $85,000 annually, driven by strong demand in horticulture and viticulture. 
• Brisbane (Queensland): With a focus on fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and cattle farming, Brisbane offers entry-level salaries of $21 – $25 per hour, or $45,000 – $56,000 annually, and skilled roles earn $32 – $42 per hour, or $70,000 – $85,000 annually. 
• Adelaide (South Australia): With opportunities in wine grape growing and livestock farming, entry-level positions pay $20 – $24 per hour, or $44,000 – $55,000 annually, with skilled roles earning $30 – $40 per hour, or $68,000 – $80,000 annually. 
• Perth (Western Australia): Offers competitive salaries, with entry-level jobs paying $23 – $28 per hour, or $48,000 – $60,000 annually, and skilled roles ranging from $36 – $46 per hour, or $75,000 – $90,000 annually, particularly in the mining and agricultural sectors. 
• Tasmania: Provides salaries for entry-level roles between $21 – $25 per hour, or $45,000 – $55,000 annually, with skilled roles earning $32 – $42 per hour, or $70,000 – $85,000 annually, particularly in fruit picking, dairy farming, and wine grape growing.

Salaries by Employment Type

• Seasonal Jobs (e.g., Fruit Picking, Harvesting): For seasonal workers, the hourly rate ranges from $22 – $28 per hour, often paid based on piece rates (per kilogram of produce). Seasonal workers may earn between $45,000 – $55,000 annually if employed full-time throughout the harvest season.
• Permanent Farm Jobs (General Farm Workers, Supervisors): These positions typically pay $24 – $35 per hour. Permanent roles generally earn between $55,000 – $80,000 annually, with farm managers and skilled workers earning more as their experience and responsibilities grow.
• Farm Managers and Supervisors: Farm managers and experienced supervisors earn higher wages, usually $30 – $40 per hour. Their annual earnings range from $70,000 – $90,000, with the potential to exceed this depending on the farm’s size and the complexity of operations.

Salaries by Industry

• Horticulture (Fruit, Vegetables, and Nurseries): Entry-level workers earn $22 – $26 per hour, experienced workers earn $26 – $34 per hour, and skilled roles can earn $34 – $45 per hour. Annually, entry-level positions earn around $46,000 – $58,000, while skilled roles can go up to $72,000 – $85,000.
• Livestock Farming (Cattle, Sheep, Poultry): Entry-level workers earn $23 – $28 per hour, experienced workers earn $28 – $35 per hour, and skilled roles can earn $35 – $45 per hour. Livestock workers typically earn $55,000 – $70,000 annually, with skilled workers in management earning up to $85,000.
• Viticulture (Wine Grape Growing): Entry-level workers earn $22 – $25 per hour, experienced workers earn $25 – $30 per hour, and skilled roles can earn $30 – $40 per hour. Workers in this sector can earn $45,000 – $55,000 annually for entry-level positions, and $70,000 – $85,000 for skilled roles.
• Dairy Farming: Entry-level workers earn $22 – $26 per hour, experienced workers earn $26 – $32 per hour, and skilled roles can earn $32 – $42 per hour. Dairy farmers typically earn $50,000 – $60,000 annually, with skilled farm workers or managers earning up to $80,000 – $90,000.

Benefits of Farm Jobs In Australia With Visa Sponsorship

Farm jobs in Australia offer numerous advantages for foreign workers, especially when combined with visa sponsorship opportunities.

Here are the benefits:

Visa Sponsorship and Work Stability

Visa sponsorship allows foreign workers to legally work in Australia, providing a secure and stable employment opportunity. 

With sponsorship, employers handle the visa process, which can save time and ensure all legal requirements are met. For many workers, a farm job with visa sponsorship offers the potential for permanent residency in Australia. 

Some visas, like the Skilled Worker Visa, allow individuals to transition to permanent residency after a certain period, providing a pathway to citizenship. 

Additionally, sponsored workers can gain access to various benefits, including healthcare through Medicare (once they fulfill specific visa conditions) and other rights afforded to Australian employees.

Competitive Salaries and Financial Growth

Farm jobs in Australia offer competitive wages, especially for skilled workers in horticulture, livestock farming, viticulture, and dairy farming. 

With visa sponsorship, workers are assured of fair pay, with many opportunities to earn a good salary while living in Australia. 

Many farm jobs offer overtime pay and seasonal bonuses, particularly during peak farming periods. This can significantly boost your overall earnings and provide additional financial security.

Work in a Diverse, Growing Industry

The Australian agricultural sector is vast, offering a variety of job types across different industries such as horticulture, livestock farming, viticulture, and dairy farming. 

This diversity means that foreign workers can find jobs that match their skills and interests while contributing to an essential sector of the economy. 

Farm workers are consistently in demand due to the nature of agriculture and its seasonal needs. With visa sponsorship, workers are not only helping to fill gaps in the workforce but are securing long-term employment in an industry that provides stability.

Cultural Experience and Travel Opportunities

Working on farms across different regions offers the chance to explore Australia’s diverse landscapes, from lush vineyards in the south to expansive cattle ranches in the north. 

Foreign workers can take advantage of their time in Australia to experience the country’s natural beauty and unique wildlife. 

Farm jobs allow you to immerse yourself in Australian culture, interact with locals, and build meaningful connections with people from various backgrounds. It’s a great opportunity for personal growth and to gain a global perspective.

Career Development and Skills Enhancement

Farm jobs provide hands-on experience in various aspects of agriculture. This is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, especially for individuals looking to build careers in the farming or agricultural industries. 

Working in Australia allows you to expand your professional network and build connections within the agricultural sector, leading to future career advancement and business opportunities in Australia and internationally.

A Healthy Work-Life Balance

Farm work often involves physical tasks such as planting, harvesting, and animal care, which can be highly rewarding and beneficial for physical health. 

Many workers find that outdoor farm work promotes a healthy lifestyle, reduces stress, and provides a sense of accomplishment. 

Additionally, many farming jobs, especially in seasonal industries, offer flexible schedules that allow workers to take time off during the off-season or between harvests. This flexibility enables foreign workers to explore Australia’s vibrant cities, beaches, and countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you have to work on a farm in Australia?

The duration of farm work depends on the visa type. For example, to extend a Working Holiday Visa or qualify for permanent residency, workers must complete at least three months or 88 days of farm work in rural areas.

Is farm work hard in Australia?

Farm work can be physically demanding, involving long hours and outdoor conditions. However, many workers find it rewarding due to the connection with nature, the sense of accomplishment, and the opportunity to learn new skills.

What type of farming is most profitable in Australia?

Profitable farming sectors in Australia include horticulture (particularly fruit and vegetables), viticulture (wine grape growing), and livestock farming (cattle and sheep). These industries offer the highest wages and job security.

Do farmers pay tax in Australia?

Yes, farmers in Australia are required to pay tax on their income, just like other workers. They must register for the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and file taxes annually.

Where is the most farm work in Australia?

Farm work is most common in rural and regional areas, particularly in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. Key farming regions include the Riverina, Murray-Darling Basin, and parts of Tasmania.

What is the new agriculture visa in Australia?

The new Agriculture Visa, introduced in 2021, allows workers from participating countries to fill labor shortages in the Australian agriculture sector, offering opportunities for seasonal and skilled farm workers to work in rural areas.