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Australian Agriculture Visa – Subclass 403

Overview

The Australian Government introduced the Agriculture Visa, a stream of the Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa – Subclass 403, on 30 September 2021. This visa addresses labor shortages in industries like agriculture, meat processing, fisheries, and forestry.

“The [Australian Agriculture] visa will provide a long-term, reliable workforce for our critical industries.” – Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud

Key Features

  • Only open to Approved Employers in the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
  • Small cohort of workers depends on border restrictions, country readiness, and quarantine availability.
  • Program developed in consultation with industry stakeholders.

Recruitment Process

Phase 1: Limited to Approved Employers in the PALM Scheme and select countries.

Phase 2: Details to be announced. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Eligibility Criteria

The Agriculture Visa facilitates entry for workers from ASEAN countries to address labor shortages in Australia’s agricultural sector. While details are still being finalized, eligibility will include:

  • Employment in skilled, semi-skilled, or low-skilled roles in sectors like meat processing, fisheries, and forestry.
  • Meeting specific health and character requirements.
Eligibility Criteria Image

Application Process

Details Pending: The application process for the Agriculture Visa has not yet been officially outlined. It is expected that the Department of Home Affairs will provide guidance once consultations with industry stakeholders are complete.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

Future Pathways

While the exact pathways to permanent residency through the Agriculture Visa are still under consideration, there may be options for visa holders to transition to permanent residency after fulfilling certain criteria, such as time spent in Australia or meeting specific employment conditions.

Number of Visa Places Available

To Be Determined: The total number of visa places available under this program is also still being finalized. The government is consulting with relevant industries to assess the demand and determine the number of places needed.

Next Steps

Stay Informed: To keep updated on the Agriculture Visa, it is advisable to regularly check the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or subscribe to their news alerts.

ASEAN Countries Eligible

The visa will be available to citizens from the following ASEAN countries:

  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • The Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam