Around 2.6 million people are currently working in Australia’s agriculture industry, and it’s estimated the number of workers needed to fill both seasonal and long-term positions could reach up to an additional 32,000 over the next few years. To meet demand, the Australian Government has introduced initiatives to enable the recruitment of overseas workers via the Australian Agriculture Visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the Australian Agriculture Visa to work and live in Australia in 2022.
Firstly, you need to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for the Australian Agriculture Visa, you need to demonstrate that your skills match those required for the visa category. This includes knowledge of English, at least lower-intermediate proficiency in English, general farm management and agricultural machinery operation. In some circumstances, you may also need a criminal record check.
Once you have ensured you are eligible to apply for the visa, the next step is to complete an online application form and provide relevant documentation. This includes copies of your passport and any relevant qualifications, as well as proof of your English language proficiency. You will also need to have a valid passport that is valid for the length of time you intend to stay in Australia.
When you have completed and submitted your application, you need to pay the relevant visa application fee. The fee and banking details can be found on the Australian Government website. Once the payment has been made, you will be notified via email regarding the outcome of your application.
Once you have received your visa, you will need to make sure you have all the necessary work-related documentation before you commence work in Australia. This includes an employment contract and a letter of offer from your Australian employer. If you are unable to obtain these documents from your employer, you may need to contact your local Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
Finally, you will need to be aware of your visa obligations. These include reporting to your employer at the start of your employment, and fulfilling your tax obligations. You will also need to remain in Australia for the agreed duration of your visa and comply with Australian Government work visa rules and laws.
Temporary Visa Requirements
The requirements to qualify for the Australian Agriculture Visa are generally the same as those of the regular temporary visa. Documents that must be submitted in addition to your visa application include: your passport, proof of your English language proficiency, a valid Australian police check, and proof of your educational qualifications.
You may also need to provide evidence of your work experience, depending on the visa category. For some categories, you may need to provide a professional reference or a letter of reference from a recognised organisation. Additionally, you may need to have valid travel, health and accident insurance. It is important to note that you may be asked to provide evidence at a later date if your visa application is approved.
Genuine Entrants Requirement
The Genuine Entrants Requirement is designed to ensure that visa applicants are genuine and have a genuine interest in entering and participating in the Australian agriculture sector. This requirement requires applicants to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required experience, qualifications and character to be eligible for the visa. This includes providing evidence of your English language proficiency and any other relevant credentials.
In some cases, applicants may need to provide evidence of current or previous farm management experience and a formal letter from their Australian employer. In most cases, the visa applicant will need to provide a copy of their resume or CV which outlines their relevant experience and skills.
Visa Renewal and Extension
Applicants for the Australian Agriculture Visa can apply for a visa renewal or extension at the end of their visa term. Those who are eligible to extend their visa will need to provide evidence of their continued employment and may need to meet other eligibility criteria. Depending on the success of their application, they may be permitted to stay in Australia for a further period of time.
In some cases, visa holders may be eligible to convert their current visa to another long-term visa. This is usually dependent on the success of their visa application and their current employment status. In some cases, visa holders may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Australia. To do so, they will need to meet certain criteria and satisfy any relevant conditions which apply to their visa.
Visa Status and Conditions
When a visa application is approved, the applicant will receive an visa grant notice that outlines the duration, entitlements and conditions of the visa. They will also be informed of any additional entitlements or obligations related to their visa, including requirements to renew or extend their visa. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the conditions of their visa, as any breaches of these conditions may result in visa cancellation, detention or deportation.
The visa status and any conditions, medical requirements and/or other supplementary information must be provided in the form of a visa label or visa stamp placed in the applicant’s passport. All visa holders must carry their passport, with the visa label or stamp clearly visible, at all times.
Health Checks and Obligations
All Australian visa holders must have a valid health check before they enter the country. This is to ensure they are healthy, meet the character requirements and have adequate health insurance. Those on a Working Holiday visa are also required to obtain health insurance to be eligible for the visa.
Additionally, visa applicants may need to undertake and abide by their work license obligations, such as working in the designated occupation listed on their visa. This includes reporting any changes to the employer, such as changes to the place of work or length of the contract.
Immigration Advice
It is important to note that Australian immigration laws are constantly changing and the process for obtaining a visa can be complicated. To ensure that your visa application is successful, it is recommended that you consult with a registered migration agent or a qualified visa agency. Migration agents can help with completing and submitting the visa application, as well as provide advice to applicants on their rights and obligations including visa status and conditions.
A visa agency can assist with the preparation and submission of your application, as well as help with the interpretation of any documentation or additional requirements needed by the Australian government. It is important to seek professional advice when considering an application for an Australian visa, to ensure that all the necessary steps are taken to obtain the most appropriate visa for your circumstances.
