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Working in agriculture

Support farmers, support Australia

​​​​Employers in agriculture

Flexibility for visa holders working in agriculture

Temporary visa measures are in place to support the agriculture sector, including:

  • allowing students who work in agriculture to work beyond the usual 40 hours per fortnight work limitation during their study period
  • giving Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) working in agriculture an exemption from the six month limitation working with one employer
  • enabling WHMs to apply for a further visa to continue working in agriculture for an additional 12 months
  • allowing temporary visa holders in Australia working in agriculture to apply for a COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa to extend their stay for an additional 12 months.​

Workers for agriculture

A range of temporary visas allow visa holders to work in the agricultural sector, including the Working Holiday Maker program, the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, and the Student, Temporary Graduate, SHEV and TPV visa categories.

Migrant workers in Australia are covered by the same workplace laws, entitlements and protections as Australians and must have the right to work on their visa. Employers can check prospective employee work rights through VEVO.

There are penalties for employing illegal workers. Find out more on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website.

Australian worker incentives

​There are incentives available for Australians to work in the agriculture sector.

See further information on: