Australian Agricultural Visa
The State Government will introduce an agricultural-based visa to help address COVID-induced labour shortages in all agriculture, fisheries, and forestry industries.
The Australian agricultural visa is aimed at attracting Pacific and South Asian agricultural workers who are not included and will include routes to permanent settleme
nts and regional resettlement. – Where is this information explained?
It will be operational from September 21, before the next harvest, and comes in addition to the current Seasonal Work Program and the Pacific Labour Scheme, which is considered the most successful by the government. Here are the Three Visa Options for migrant workers.
COVID-19 pandemic event visa (Subclass 408)
With these visas you can:
- stay in Australia if you do not have other visa options and can leave Australia due to the travel restrictions of COVID-19
- stay in Australia to work in these key areas during the COVID-19 epidemic:
- agriculture
- food processing
- health care
- care for the elderly
- disability care
- childcare or
- tourism and hospitality
Temporary Employment Visa (International Relations) Visa (Subject 403)
The Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa Subclass 403 is a temporary work visa in Australia for certain conditions that promote international relations in Australia. There are 6 streams of this visa: The Government Agreement stream, Foreign Government Agency stream, Domestic worker (diplomatic or Consular) stream, The Privileges & Immunities stream, The Seasonal Worker Program stream, Pacific Labour stream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my 408 Visa?
Subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic event visa holders under the Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme
If you are currently in possession of an expired COVID-19 Pandemic event visa you may be eligible for another COVID-19 Pandemic event visa if:
- wish to remain in Australia to continue working in a critical field under the Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme; or
- you cannot leave Australia before the end of your visa due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Can I work for another employer with my 403 Visa?
Employees in the Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme are only allowed to work for one Sponsor / Approved Employer unless the Department of Home Affairs has given you permission to change.
During COVID-19, you can move between authorized sponsors / employers. If you need to move between authorized sponsors / employers, your employer should contact:
Department of Education, Skills and Employment, if you are Seasonal Worker.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, if you are working in Pacific Labour Scheme.
Under these interim provisions, employers are still required to comply with all applicable Australian laws and will continue to have the same rights under Australian workplace law as all other employees.
Can I apply for a second or third WHM visa?
If they meet all eligibility criteria including but not limited to having worked in a designated area for 6 months.
How can I extend my stay if I work in agriculture?
Temporary visa holders who work in agriculture, or through employment in agriculture, can apply for a COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa to extend their stay and work in agricultural activities for up to 12 months.
If you are currently holding a visa for the expiring COVID-19 Pandemic incident you may be eligible for another COVID-19 Pandemic event visa to stay in Australia to continue working in the critical sector.
How can Migration Guru help you?
We will help you explore visa options and secure the application. Migration Guru has experience in immigration and visa application in Australia, and our immigration agents and attorneys have extensive knowledge of legal requirements, eligibility criteria, and supporting documentation required.
Simply dial 07 3036 3800 or email: info@migrationguru.com.au and let us help you start with your way towards obtaining an Australian visa.
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