Three Visa Options for migrant workers working on the farm
Immigration News
Australian Agriculture visa
The Federal Government will introduce an agricultural-based visa to help fill a COVID-induced labour shortage across the farming, fisheries and forestry industries.
The Australian Agriculture visa is aimed at enticing Pacific and Southeast Asian agriculture workers is not capped and will include pathways towards permanent residency and regional resettlement. – Where is this info stated?
It will operate from September 21, ahead of the next harvest, and comes in addition to the existing Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme, considered highly successful by the government.
COVID-19 Pandemic event visa (Subclass 408)
With this visa you can:
- remain in Australia if you have no other visa options and are unable to depart Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions
- remain in Australia to work in the following critical sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- agriculture
- food processing
- health care
- aged care
- disability care
- child care or
- tourism and hospitality
Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (Subclass 403)
The Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa Subclass 403 is a temporary visa to work in Australia in specific circumstances that improve Australia's international relations. There are 6 streams for this visa: The Government Agreement stream, the Foreign Government Agency stream, the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream, The Privileges & Immunities stream, The Seasonal Worker Program stream, The Pacific Labour Scheme stream.
FAQs
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 currently hold a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa that is about to expire you may be eligible for another COVID-19 Pandemic event visa if:
- you wish to remain in Australia to continue working in a critical sector under the Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme; or
- you are unable to depart Australia before the expiry of your visa due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Can I Work for another employer on my 403 Visa?
Workers in the Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme are normally only allowed to work for one Sponsor/Approved Employer, unless the Department of Home Affairs gives you permission to change.
During the COVID-19 period, you can move between Sponsors/Approved Employers. If you need to move between Sponsors/Approved Employers, your employer must contact:
- the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, if you are a Seasonal Worker.
- the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, if you are working in the Pacific Labour Scheme.
Under these temporary arrangements, employers are still required to abide by all relevant Australian workplace laws and you will continue to have the same rights under Australian workplace law as all other employees.
Can I apply for Second or third WHM visa?
If you have completed three or six months of specified workâ in agriculture, you may be able to apply for a second or third WHM visa.â
How to extend my stay if I work in agriculture?
Temporary visa holders working in agriculture, or with an offer of work in agriculture, can apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa to extend their stay and work in agriculture for up to 12 months.
If you currently hold a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa that is about to expire you may be eligible for another COVID-19 Pandemic event visa to remain in Australia to continue working in a critical sector.
Need help with getting Australian Visas?
NO BORDERS: #1 TRUSTED MIGRATION AGENTS
Email: service@noborders-group.com
Tel: +61 (07) 3876 4000
Consultation: https://www.noborders-group.com/form/free-consultation
We will help you by exploring visa options and securing application. As part of our services, we will assess the eligibility of the application for a partner visa and help you to get out of the abusive relationship and provide you with detailed advice on your chances of success. If you would like to discuss your visa options and evaluate the pathway to permanent residency, please make an enquiry or book a consultation to get expert advice with one of our knowledgeable and experienced Migration Agents/Lawyers on 07 3876 4000 or email: service@noborders-group.com.
