Meat Industry Labour Agreement

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Sponsor Skilled Meat Workers for Your Processing Facility

The Meat Industry Labour Agreement allows eligible Australian meat processors to sponsor skilled overseas workers as ‘skilled meat workers’ for up to 4 years (temporary) and/or permanent residence. Terms and conditions are set and non-negotiable, with some concessions available depending on visa subclass and business location.

Eligible Occupations

Skilled Meat Worker
(Use code 070499 when nominating. No direct ANZSCO code.)

Tasks include:

Stunning and slaughtering livestock, removing organs and hides
Boning, slicing, cutting, and preparing meat for packing and marketing
Operating machinery, processing carcasses, food safety and hygiene
Operating restrainer and stunning equipment, adhering to animal welfare
Trimming, washing, preparing meat cuts, and following religious or export requirements

Visa Options

You can sponsor skilled meat workers for:

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) (after three years’ transition)

English Language Requirements

482 (Skills in Demand):
IELTS 5.0 overall (no minimum component score), or equivalent, for all regions
186 (ENS):
IELTS 5.0 overall (no minimum score), or equivalent
OR
Previous 457 visa holders with no prior English requirement, if they meet functional English under Migration Regulations
494 (Regional):
(Category 2/3 regions only): IELTS 5.0 overall (no minimum per band), or equivalent

Skills, Qualifications & Assessment

Assessed and verified as a Skilled Meat Worker with skills at least equal to an AQF Certificate III in meat processing
(assessed by a MINTRAC-registered or government-approved assessor, with Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and meat processing experience)
Plus, one of the following:
- Minimum 2 years skilled work experience at an approved meat processing establishment (MPE)
- OR 9+ months work at an Australian MPE on a 457 or 482 visa
- OR 1+ year relevant work at an Australian MPE on another temporary visa
ENS applicants with a prior 457 or 482 skills assessment may be exempt from reassessment, unless requested by Home Affairs

Salary (TSMIT/CSIT) & Employment Terms

Meet minimum salary requirements for 482, 494, and 186 visas
In Category 3 regional locations, salary can be 90% of TSMIT (494) or 90% of CSIT (482/186)
All sponsored workers must be employed full-time
If an equivalent Australian earns more, you must “top up” the overseas worker’s salary to match (reviewed annually)
Annualised salaries must comply with Australian law and employment standards

Age Requirements

No age limit for the 482 (Skills in Demand) visa
For 186 and 494 visas:
- Category 1 (most urban): Standard age rules (usually under 45)
- Category 2/3 (regional): Under 55 years at time of application

How to Apply

Check eligibility for your business and worker
Prepare evidence (genuine need, compliance, skills assessment, experience)
Apply via ImmiAccount under the Meat Industry Labour Agreement stream
Sponsor full-time skilled meat workers for the relevant visa

Program Concessions

Regional businesses (Category 2/3) may access concessions on English, salary, and age limits

Need Help with the Meat Industry Labour Agreement?

We help meat processors across Australia secure approval, manage compliance, and sponsor the skilled staff they need to keep production moving.

📞 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 occupation is eligible?

Only ‘Skilled Meat Worker’ (code 070499), covering slaughter, boning, and slicing roles.

What visas are available?

482 (Skills in Demand), 494 (Regional), and 186 (ENS, after three years).

Are there concessions?

Yes—English, salary, and age concessions may apply for regional businesses.

Who does the skills assessment?

MINTRAC-registered or approved assessors only.

No—full-time employment is required.