Gonnago

Hi guys - just wondering if you could advise me - Dh's friend is a farmer (born into it) and we are trying to fathom out the best way for him to get to Oz - cant see anything on list - under farmer or agricultural driver - any advice anyone please.

alipally

if he can afford to buy agricultural land and start a farming business, there might be a way in for him on a business visa.

I'm not sure, but I think that you have to employ a small number Australian Citizens and have a minimum turnover by the end 2 years to make it permanent VISA. We've just come back from QLD and in Cairns a farmer in the market said to me that you'd have to be a REALLY bad farmer to not make money there.... Although I will add a note on the crops....
Sugar cane, pineapples, mangoes, limes, papayas and bananas!! Bit different from barley, corn, wheat and rapeseed!!!
Have a look on www.immi.gov.au to read more about the VISA options available.

If he is young free and single then he might want to consider training for a new career in Australia on a student visa.... you can work a few hours a week, but you have to pay for your course and it has to be 'full time' (I think that equates to 20hours study per week). It could be a pathway to gaining skills in demand, and extra points from obtaining an Australian qualification. Again there are rules surrounding this option and you can look those up on the same site.
Good luck!

Ali and Jon

Dorothy

To come on a business visa he would have to show he has run a sucessful business in his home country with an annual turnover of a certain amount. He would also need considerable assets and start a business that helps the Australian economy which means employing Australians. Unfortunately a farm probably doesn't cut it.
Your friend should make an appointment with a reputable agent to see what his options are. It may mean retraining for a skill that can get him in.

JAJ

It's unclear why you should make the remark: "Unfortunately a farm probably doesn't cut it." Maybe it depends on the size of the farm.

Gonnago

Thanks guys will pass these messages on, not to sure if he has the pennies to invest, he helps run his fathers farm. But hey - ive done my bit.;-P

Dorothy

It's unclear why you come along and critisize without offering any other suggestions. Perhaps it depends on the size of the ego.

woodring

There are areas in oz that are crying out for experienced farm workers.
If he is aged under 30 I suggest he goes on a working holiday visa ,he will find it easy to find work . When he finds a farm who are looking for permanent
staff ask if they will sponsor him for a longer visa and take it from there.
(You can stay for up to 2 years on a working holiday visa if you are working in agriculture.)l

Conrad242

there was an agricultural engineer on SOL list in the past, also agricultural scientist and agricultural advisor, but no idea if there are now, please check;
among sponsored agricultural occupations I saw few times for cotton, almond, citrus farm managers and once broiler farm manager; unfortunately, not many;