The Agricultural and Horticultural Sector involve the growing of crops and resources and the rearing of animals. The Agriculture and Horticulture industries in Australia rely heavily on international workers and working holiday makers. Due to COVID-19 and international border closures, the Agricultural and Horticultural sectors experienced a significant reduction in skilled workers and manual labour. Since Australia’s borders reopened in 2022, international workers have returned and these industries continue to rely on overseas workers. If you are interested in travelling to Australia as a working holiday maker or if you have skills in the Agricultural or Horticultural sectors, VisaEnvoy can assist you in determining the best visa pathway.
Skilled Migration
Former Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)
The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List was a temporary list of occupations given priority processing during COVID-19, and it no longer applies. Since 19 September 2026, skilled visa processing priorities are set by Ministerial Directions 121 (482 visas) and 122 (permanent and regional skilled visas such as the 186, 189, 190, 491 and 494). Occupations in priority sectors, including construction, healthcare, teaching, resources, agriculture, law enforcement and defence, are processed first, and applicants already in Australia are generally processed ahead of those applying from outside Australia. See our order of consideration page for details. The following occupation related to Agriculture and Horticulture were on the former PMSOL:
While the PMSOL applied, employer sponsored nominations and visa applications in these occupations were given priority processing.
Occupations in the Agriculture and Horticulture Industry
There are several types of occupations that are valuable to the Agriculture and Horticulture industry. For further information regarding the skills and qualifications of agricultural and horticultural-related occupations see below:
- Agricultural Consultant – ANZSCO 234111
- Agricultural Engineer – ANZSCO 233912
- Agricultural Scientist – ANZSCO 234112
- Agricultural Technician – ANZSCO 311111
- Animal Attendants and Trainers Nec – ANZSCO 361199
- Aquaculture Farmer – ANZSCO 121111
- Beef Cattle Farmer – ANZSCO 121312
- Cotton Grower – ANZSCO 121111
- Crop Farmers Nec – ANZSCO 121299
- Dairy Cattle Farmer – ANZSCO 121313
- Earth Science Technician – ANZSCO 311412
- Environmental Consultant – ANZSCO 234312
- Environmental Engineer – ANZSCO 233915
- Environmental Manager – ANZSCO 139912
- Environmental Research Scientist – ANZSCO 234313
- Environmental Scientists Nec – ANZSCO 234399
- Flower Grower – ANZSCO 121212
- Fruit or Nut Grower – ANZSCO 121213
- Gardener (General) – ANZSCO 362211
- Grain, Oilseed or Pasture Grower – ANZSCO 121214
- Grape Grower – ANZSCO 121215
- Horse Breeder – ANZSCO 121316
- NEW Horticultural Supervisor or Specialist – ANZSCO 363114
- NEW Irrigation Technician – ANZSCO 362712
- Livestock Farmers Nec – ANZSCO 121399
- Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer – ANZSCO 121411
- Mixed Crop Farmer – ANZSCO 121216
- Mixed Livestock Farmer – ANZSCO 121317
- Production Manager (Forestry) – ANZSCO 133511
- Vegetable Grower – ANZSCO 121221
- Veterinarian – ANZSCO 234711
- Veterinary Nurse – ANZSCO 361311
Additional information regarding Employer Sponsored Visas can be found here.
Short Term Skilled Occupation List – PR Pathways
The following occupations in the Agricultural and Horticultural Sector are on the Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL):
- Animal Attendants and Trainers Nec – ANZSCO 361199
- Aquaculture Farmer – ANZSCO 121111
- Earth Science Technician – ANZSCO 311412
- Flower Grower – ANZSCO 121212
- Grape Grower – ANZSCO 121215
- Mixed Livestock Farmer – ANZSCO 121317
- Production Manager (Forestry) – ANZSCO 133511
- Vegetable Grower – ANZSCO 121221
- Veterinary Nurse – ANZSCO 361311
For information regarding the available pathways to permanent residency in Australia for occupations on the STSOL, see our page here. Please note that since 7 December 2024, the 482 Skills in Demand visa uses the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) instead of the STSOL, and 482 holders can generally move to permanent residence through the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream regardless of which occupation list their occupation was on.
Visa Options for the Agricultural and Horticultural Sector
The Agricultural and Horticultural sector involve farming and cultivation practices of crops and animals. These industries in Australia are commonplace for working holiday makers and temporary workers. To utilise your skills in agriculture and horticulture, the following visa options are available:
- Agriculture Visa (Subclass 403) (repealed in October 2022)
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
- Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
Agriculture Visa (Subclass 403)
The Agriculture Visa was introduced in September 2021 to restart worker migration for the agricultural and horticultural sector. It allowed approved employers to hire workers through the Australian Agriculture Worker Program. The Agriculture visa stream was repealed on 1 October 2022, and the Government committed to incorporating its key features into the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
The Working Holiday Visa permits the following applicants to have an extended holiday for up to 12 months in Australia and support themselves financially with short-term work.
- Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 (inclusive)
- Applicants from some countries, including Canada, France, Ireland and the United Kingdom, can apply up to the age of 35 (inclusive)
Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
The Work and Holiday Visa allows eligible tourists between the age of 18 and 30 to remain in Australia for an extended holiday and participate in short-term work. This visa is valid for 12 months.
Book an appointment today for a commitment free briefing with our Registered Migration Agents to find more about your visa options.
