If you are a backpacker in Australia, finding farm work to save money or qualify for the 88 days required for your visa might be a challenge. Many backpackers struggle with navigating the process and securing suitable farm jobs that meet the visa requirements.
I am currently a backpacker in Australia, completing my farm work, and I want to help other backpackers better understand the process. In this guide, I’ll share tips on how to find farm work, apply for your visa, and meet the 88 days requirement. Whether you’re looking to extend your stay or save up some extra cash, this information will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
Eligible Working Holiday Visa Countries
There are two different subclass visas for working holidays in Australia, each tailored to specific countries.
Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visas
The Subclass 417 visa is available to citizens from the following countries:
- Belgium
- Canada
- Republic of Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
- Republic of Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Sweden
- Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport)
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including British National Overseas passport holders)
For more information and to apply for the Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa, visit the official application page. The application process is easy and you can do it by yourself online from your computer (no need for a migration lawyer).
Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visas
The Subclass 462 visa is available to citizens from the following countries:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Brazil
- Chile
- China, People’s Republic of
- Czech Republic
- Ecuador
- Greece
- Hungary
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Mongolia
- Papua New Guinea (PNG)
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Türkiye
- Uruguay
- United States of America
- Vietnam
For detailed information and to apply, visit the official application page (462 visa). The application process is easy and you can do it by yourself online from your computer (no need for a migration lawyer).
Additional Criteria for Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa
Applicants for the Subclass 462 visa must meet additional criteria:
- Functional English: You must demonstrate a sufficient level of English proficiency.
- Government Support Letter: Supply a letter of support from your government.
- Educational Requirement: You must meet the education requirement, which is typically a degree or a secondary school diploma. If you are from Israel, the equivalent to the educational requirement is the completion of military national service or proof of exemption.
Understanding these criteria will help ensure that you meet all necessary requirements for your Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa application. For detailed information on the requirements click here.
You should know that the application process is easy and you can do it by yourself online from your computer (no need for a migration lawyer).
Understanding the 88 Days Requirement
The “88 days” requirement is a crucial component for working holiday visa holders in Australia who wish to extend their stay. This mandate stipulates that to be eligible for a second-year visa, working holiday visa holders must complete a minimum of 88 days (or three months) of specified work in designated regional areas of Australia during their first year. This work is intended to support regional development and often involves sectors like agriculture, mining, construction, and hospitality in specific regions.
Specified Work and Eligible Regions
To fulfill the 88 days requirement for the first year, the work must be in specific industries such as:
- Tourism and hospitality in northern or remote and very remote Australia, from 22 June 2021
- Plant and animal cultivation in regional Australia
- Fishing and pearling in regional Australia
- Tree farming and felling in regional Australia
- Mining in regional Australia
- Construction in regional Australia
- Bushfire recovery work in declared bushfire-affected areas carried out after 31 July 2019
- Recovery work in natural disaster-affected areas carried out after 31 December 2021
- Critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors anywhere in Australia, after 31 January 2020
Eligible regions for hospitality work are generally northern, remote and very remote areas, excluding metropolitan centers. These regions are determined by the Australian government and include vast areas across states like New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.
To ensure your job is in a remote area, first ask your employer. Sometimes employers may mislead you to think their work counts for the 88 days. Therefore, follow this link and search for the postcode in the list. If it’s not in the list, it does not count for the 88 days!
For a better understanding of the different areas in Australia please see the picture bellow.
For all the information about work from the official Australian government website, visit here.
UK Nationals Exempt from the 88 Days Requirement
UK nationals do not need to complete the 88 days to extend their visa. These exemptions typically apply because the UK has specific reciprocal agreements with Australia.
Nationalities Eligible for Working Holiday Visa Until Age 35
Most nationalities can apply for the working holiday visa until age 30, but some nationalities are eligible to apply for the working holiday visa until the age of 35, providing greater flexibility for older applicants:
- Canada
- Denmark
- France
- Republic of Ireland
- Italy
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Note that if you apply for the visa while you are 30 (or 35), but turn 31 (or 36) before the government has made a decision, you will still be granted your visa if you meet all other requirements.
88 Days Requirement Summary for Working Holiday Visa Years
| Visa Year | Requirement |
|---|---|
| First Year | No specified work requirement for initial visa issuance. |
| Second Year | Complete 88 days of specified work in eligible regions during the first year. |
| Third Year | Complete an additional 6 months (180 days) of specified work in eligible regions during the second year. |
Understanding these requirements and planning accordingly can significantly ease the process of extending your stay in Australia as a working holiday maker. By completing the necessary specified work, you can continue to explore the country while contributing to its regional development.
Counting the 88 Days
Understanding and accurately counting your 88 days of specified work is crucial for extending your stay in Australia under a working holiday visa. Here’s a straightforward guide to ensure your days are counted correctly and accepted by immigration authorities:
Ensuring Your Work Qualifies
Before you start counting, make sure your job qualifies as specified work under the 88 days rule. Jobs in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining are commonly eligible, but always check the latest regulations to confirm.
Once you begin employment in a qualifying role, your employer will typically enter your details into a system for payroll purposes. This information is crucial as it links to your tax records, making it visible to the government.
Importance of Official Documentation
When you receive your salary, ensure that it comes with an official payslip. This document is essential as it not only details your earnings but should also outline the number of days worked. When applying for your second or third working holiday visa, you will need to submit these payslips to prove your completed days.
Risks of Unofficial Cash Payments
If you are paid in cash without an official record, such as a payslip, this work will not count towards your 88 days. While cash jobs can provide quick income, remember that these do not help you meet visa requirements. It’s tempting to take up cash jobs, especially for short-term financial needs, but be aware that these days will not contribute to your visa extension application.
Key Takeaways
- Always verify that your job qualifies as specified work for the 88 days requirement.
- Ensure every payment is accompanied by an official payslip detailing the number of days worked.
- Avoid relying on cash jobs that do not provide official documentation if your goal is to extend your stay through the working holiday visa program.
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the process of counting and validating your 88 days of specified work with confidence, setting you up for a successful application for visa extension.
Finding Eligible Farm Work
Need help finding eligible visa work in Australia? We’ve got you covered with our tips and advice from an experienced worker.
When it comes to finding eligible farm work in Australia, there are several types of jobs that qualify for the 88 days requirement. These include:
- Fruit Picking: One of the most common types of farm work, involving the harvesting of fruits such as apples, berries, and citrus fruits.
- Dairy Farm Work: Involves milking cows, feeding livestock, and maintaining farm equipment.
- Hospitality Roles in Rural Areas: Includes working in rural hotels, hostels, or cafes, particularly in remote regions.
- Broadacre Farm Jobs: Involves large-scale farming operations for crops like wheat, barley, and canola. This type of work is highly recommended for those looking to save money while completing the 88 days requirement.
Understanding seasonal trends is crucial for securing farm work, as the availability of jobs can vary significantly throughout the year.
Seasonal Work Trends
East Coast:
Summer (December to February):
- Queensland: Ideal for picking mangoes in the regions of Mareeba and Bowen, bananas in Tully, and other tropical fruits.
- New South Wales: Blueberry picking in Coffs Harbour and grape harvesting in the Hunter Valley.
- Victoria: Berry picking in the Yarra Valley and stone fruit harvesting in Shepparton.
Autumn (March to May):
- Tasmania: Apple and pear picking in the Huon Valley.
- Victoria: Grape harvesting in the Yarra Valley and vegetable harvesting in Gippsland.
- New South Wales: Citrus fruit picking in the Riverina region.
Winter (June to August):
- Queensland: Citrus fruit picking in Gayndah and Mundubbera.
- New South Wales: Mandarins in the Riverina region.
- Victoria: Dairy farm work in the Gippsland and Murray regions remains consistent throughout the year.
Spring (September to November):
- Queensland: Strawberry picking in Caboolture and stone fruit picking in Stanthorpe.
- New South Wales: Stone fruit and berry picking in Young.
- Victoria: Vineyard work in the Yarra Valley and vegetable planting in the Mornington Peninsula.
West Coast:
Summer (December to February):
- Western Australia: Grape harvesting in the Margaret River and Swan Valley regions. Melon picking in Kununurra and Broome.
Autumn (March to May):
- Western Australia: Olive harvesting in the Great Southern region and continued grape harvesting in Margaret River.
- Northern Territory: Citrus and mango picking in Darwin and Katherine.
Winter (June to August):
- Western Australia: Vegetable harvesting in the south-west regions, particularly around Manjimup and Pemberton.
- Northern Territory: Broadacre crop work in the Barkly Tableland.
Spring (September to November):
- Western Australia: Avocado picking in the south-west regions and strawberry harvesting around Bullsbrook and Wanneroo.
- Northern Territory: Melon and mango picking in Katherine and Daly River regions.
Broadacre Farm Jobs
Broadacre farming involves large-scale crop production, such as wheat, barley, and canola. This type of work is an excellent option for saving money while completing the 88 days requirement due to the steady and often higher pay rates. Typically, broadacre farming jobs include accommodation and meals, which helps minimize expenses and maximize savings. The broadacre farming calendar typically includes:
- Seeding Season (April to June): This period involves preparing the soil and planting seeds. It is a labor-intensive time with many job opportunities, particularly in regions like the Wheatbelt of Western Australia and the Darling Downs in Queensland.
- Harvest Season (October to December): Harvesting crops is another peak period for employment. Jobs are plentiful in regions such as the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, the Riverina in New South Wales, and the Mallee region in Victoria.
Broadacre farm work provides consistent employment and substantial earnings, making it a highly recommended option for backpackers looking to maximize their savings while fulfilling the visa requirements. By understanding these seasonal trends and specific regional opportunities, you can plan your travels and job applications more effectively, ensuring you find the best farm work opportunities throughout the year.
My Personal Insight
Reflecting on my journey, the working holiday visa in Australia and the 88 days requirement have been a significant part of my experience here. Understanding the types of eligible work—like fruit picking, dairy farming, hospitality roles, and especially broadacre farm jobs—has been essential in planning my travels and making the most out of this opportunity.
From my perspective, part of the magic of traveling and living in Australia is experiencing the local aspects of life, especially the world of local farmers. There’s a special beauty in agriculture, whether it’s the peaceful early mornings in the fields or the strong sense of community among fellow workers. These moments have enriched my adventure, giving me a deeper connection to this incredible country.
One crucial tip I’ve learned is the importance of looking for work in advance. Securing a good role, particularly for the seeding and harvest seasons, not only ensures better pay but also provides a more rewarding experience. Planning ahead has allowed me to find the best opportunities and make the most of my time here.
Moreover, the cost of living in Australia is quite high, which makes it essential to carefully plan your work alongside your travels. Balancing work and travel ensures you can support yourself financially while exploring this beautiful country.
By preparing and understanding these requirements, you can truly maximize your stay in Australia. You’ll gain valuable experiences, save some money, and create unforgettable memories along the way.
