Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement

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Sponsor Skilled Workers for Your Farm or Horticulture Business

The Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement enables eligible Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for 31 key occupations in horticulture—on temporary or permanent visas. Terms are set and non-negotiable, with some concessions available depending on the visa subclass and your business’s regional location.

Eligible Occupations

You can sponsor skilled overseas workers for the following positions (ANZSCO codes in brackets):

Irrigation Designer/Manager (234111)*
Agronomist (234112)
Entomologist (234518)*
Horticulture Grower (070499)*
Protected Cropping Grower (070499)*
Horticulture Research & Development Officer (132511)*
Mechanical Engineer (233512)
Horticulture Farm Manager (070499)*
Quality Assurance Manager (139914)
Biosecurity Officer (311399)*
Facility Plant Manager (149913)*
Facility Supervisor (070499)*
Maintenance Electrician (341111)*
Fitter and Welder (323213)
Agriculture Technician (321212)*
Mechanic (321211)*
Senior Nurseryperson, Nurseryperson, Nursery Supervisor (362411)
Truck Driver (733111)^
Mobile Plant Operator (721111)^
Forklift Driver (721311)^
Irrigationist, Irrigationist Assistant (841999)^
Horticulture Section Manager, Section Supervisor, Production Horticulture Supervisor, Production Horticulturist (070499)*^
Machinery Manager (149913/149999)*
Machinery Supervisor, Cold Storage Manager (149999)*

* For some occupations with no direct ANZSCO code, code 070499 is used and specific skills/qualifications are detailed in the agreement.
^ Some roles have skill/qualification requirements different from ANZSCO; see your Labour Agreement for details.

Visa Options

You can sponsor skilled overseas workers for:

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)

English Language Requirements

482 (Skills in Demand) visa:
IELTS overall 5.0 (or equivalent), minimum 4.0 in each component
186 (ENS) & 494 (SESR) visas:
IELTS overall 5.0 (or equivalent), minimum 4.5 in each component

Skills, Qualifications & Assessment

For approved skilled occupations:
Follow standard visa program requirements (qualifications/experience)
For occupations not on standard skilled lists:
VETASSESS skills assessment is required

Salary (TSMIT/CSIT) & Employment Terms

Meet salary requirements for 482, 494, and 186 visas
In Category 3 regional locations: minimum salary can be 90% of TSMIT (494) or 90% of CSIT (482/186)
Full-time employment required

Age Requirements

No age limit for 482 visa
For 494/186 visas: must be under 50 at time of application

Labour Market Testing

Standard LMT (Labour Market Testing) requirements must be met for all sponsored roles.

How to Apply

Confirm eligibility for your business and role
Check the occupation list and skill/qualification requirements
Complete labour market testing and prepare evidence
Apply through ImmiAccount using the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement
Sponsor skilled overseas workers for the relevant visa

Get Help With the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement

Our experienced migration team will check your eligibility, prepare the application, and guide you through every step to sponsor skilled workers for your farm or horticulture business.

📞 Call us: 0485 907 989
📧 Email: jade@jadeimmigrationlawyers.com.au
📝 Submit an online enquiry or
📅 Book a consultation We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

Related Pages & Further Reading

Get Your Question Answered

Practice Areas

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Labour Agreement services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.

Which occupations are covered?

31 key horticulture, farm, logistics, and technical roles—see the full list above.

482 (Skills in Demand), 494 (Regional), 186 (ENS).

Are there English or salary concessions?

Yes, for some roles and regional locations—see details above.

What skill or qualification proof is needed?

Standard visa rules for most occupations; VETASSESS assessment for those not on skilled lists.

Is part-time or casual work allowed?

No—full-time employment only.