Visa extensions for ag workers
This information is sourced from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Extending your stay if you 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.
There is no visa application charge and you can apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa from 90 days before your current visa expires.You will not need to show your attempts to depart Australia.
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.
Find out how to apply.
How long you can stay
This is a temporary visa with multiple entries, however travel restrictions are in place. See Leaving Australia
If you apply in Australia, the visa starts the day we grant it. If you apply outside Australia, you won’t meet the requirements for this visa and will be refused.
For the COVID-19 Pandemic event, you may be granted a visa for:
- a further stay of up to 12 months if you are employed in the critical sectors of agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care or child care
- a further stay of up to 3 months if your departure from Australia is currently delayed by COVID-19 travel restrictions
Your visa grant letter will tell you how long you can stay.
If you currently hold a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa that is about to expire you can apply for a new COVID-19 Pandemic event visa to remain in Australia if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.