Did you know that pig farmers and senior piggery stockpersons may be eligible for a skilled visa in Australia? What’s more, some of these options provide a pathway to a permanent residency visa after two to three years, provided that specified requirements are met.
In this article, the latest in our series which examines the Australian visa options which are available for selected occupations, we take a look at pig farmers and senior piggery stockpersons. We examine how each one is classified and defined in Australia for migration purposes and the potential options for a skilled visa for pig farmers and senior piggery stockpersons in Australia, including permanent residency pathways for these occupations. This includes employer sponsored options which require you to be sponsored for a senior piggery stockperson or a pig farmer job in Australia for foreigners.
But before we discuss the potential visa options that are available for a senior piggery stockperson and pig farmer immigration to Australia, let us first introduce you to some of the key elements that must be considered when assessing your eligibility for a skilled visa.
Important Factors To Consider When Applying For A Skilled Visa
Skilled Occupation List
A key component in determining your eligibility for a skilled visa to Australia is based on whether your occupation is included on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for the relevant skilled visa being considered. It is important to be aware that each skilled visa subclass is subject to a specified SOL, which is designed to respond to skill shortages in various industries and regions across Australia. As labour markets change, so too do the relevant SOLs to reflect pertaining market conditions. It is therefore vital if you are seeking to apply for a skilled visa, that you apply the correct and most up-to-date SOL in assessing your eligibility for a skilled visa.
Nominating A Pig Farmer On The Skilled Occupation List
There are different SOLs which apply to each skilled visa subclass. For example, the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, which is a temporary employer sponsored visa, is subject to a Short‑term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), a Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and a Regional Occupation List (ROL). Certain occupations that may be nominated for a TSS visa are also subject to a caveat. This means if specified circumstances are present in regards to the position that the employer is seeking to fill, then the occupation is not eligible for nomination. To illustrate, the occupation of pig farmer is included on the ROL for the subclass 482 visa, and so may be nominated for a TSS visa (under the medium term stream) provided that the position does not predominantly involve responsibility for low‑skilled tasks. The nominated position must also be located in a designated regional area of Australia.
The occupation of pig farmer is also included on the ROL for the following visa subclasses:
- Subclass 407 Training visa (occupational training to enhance skills nomination stream)
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (state sponsored); and
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (Provisional) visa (employer sponsored stream).
Permanent Residency Pathways For A Pig Farmer To Migrate To Australia On The Skilled Occupation List
If you apply for a subclass 407 based on the ROL as outlined above, there is no direct pathway to a permanent residence visa.
The Subclass 482 does provide a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after two years.
The Subclass 491 and 494 visa also provide a permanent residency pathway after three years for a pig farmer to migrate to Australia via the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
Nominating A Senior Piggery Stockperson Under The Pork Industry Labour Agreement
Although the occupation of senior piggery stockperson is not included on any of the SOLs that apply to the skilled visas subclasses, it is included as an occupation that may be nominated by an employer in regional Australia under the Pork Industry Labour Agreement for the following skilled visa subclasses:
- Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa; and
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (Provisional) visa.
Permanent Residency Pathways For A Senior Piggery Stockperson On The Skilled Occupation List
If you apply for a subclass 482 visa under the Pork Industry Labour Agreement, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Australia via the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa after three years.
If you apply for a subclass 494 visa under the Pork Industry Labour Agreement, you will be eligible to apply for the permanent residency via the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after three years.
Nominating a Pig Farmer Or A Senior Piggery Stockperson Under A Designated Area Migration Agreement in South Australia
You may also be nominated by an employer in South Australia as a pig farmer or a senior piggery stockperson under a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). This is another type of labour agreement. Each DAMA covers a specified region and is subject to a skilled ocupation list that is based on the needs of that particular region.
The benefit of a labour agreement is that it provides greater flexibility to employers compared with the standard skilled visa programs (such as the TSS visa) as it enables employers to negotiate terms for sponsoring workers that take into account their individual circumstances. They may also be able to secure certain concessions, such as work experience, English language and age requirements.
As the SOLs are subject to change at any time, this means that an occupation that may be eligible for nomination today may not be so in the future. If you are eligible for a skilled visa today, the best advice is to apply as early as possible, to avoid the chance that you may no longer qualify for the visa should your selected skilled occupation be removed from the SOL at a future date.
Skills Assessment
In order to be deemed as ‘suitably qualified’ for a nominated occupation under the skilled visa program, you need to demonstrate that you possess the minimum level of skills, qualifications and/or employment experience as prescribed by the migration provisions for the relevant skilled visa class for which you are applying.
This may require you to obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation (to be completed by a prescribed body). Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS) is the prescribed skill assessing authority for the occupation of pig farmer. The role of VETASSESS is to assess whether prospective visa applicants have the requisite skills to competently perform their nominated occupation. Each skill assessing body sets its own minimum standards for the purposes of assessment and the process involved in conducting a skills assessment.
The skills assessment must be within the accepted validity date (which is normally either three years from the date of issue, or on a date earlier if specified in the skills assessment).
You must also obtain the correct type of skills assessment. It is vital that you have a skills assessment that meets the requirements for the visa for which you are applying. For example, some assessing authorities offer a provisional skills assessment for recent graduates of Australian educational institutions who are applying for a Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. A provisional skills assessment issued for this purpose is not a suitable skills assessment for a permanent residence skilled visa application, for example.
Each occupation that can be nominated for a skilled visa has a specially prescribed skill assessing body which is tasked with conducting skill assessments for migration purposes. Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS) is the prescribed skill assessing authority for the occupation of pig farmer. The role of VETASSESS is to assess whether prospective visa applicants have the requisite skills to competently perform their nominated occupation. Each skill assessing body sets its own minimum standards for the purposes of assessment and the process involved in conducting a skills assessment. Later in this article, we provide further information about the VETASSESS requirements for conducting a migration skills assessment for the occupation of pig farmer.
In certain instances, such as is the case if you are applying for a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa or a Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa under a DAMA in South Australia as a senior piggery stockperson, you need to obtain a skills assessment from Skilled & Business Migration South Australia (SA) (as this occupation sits outside of the standard classification system for migration purposes). This is called a DAR Skills Assessment by South Australia.
English Language
When applying for a skilled visa, you may also be required to complete a prescribed English language test and achieve a specified minimum test score (exemptions apply in certain cases). Be aware that English test results are valid for a limited period (depending on the class of visa being applied for and the level of English competency required).
Concessions
In some instances, such as in the case of a labour agreement, concessions to the standard requirements may apply. Concessions may be applied to work experience, English language and age requirements. Under the Pork Industry Labour Agreement, for example, work experience requirements for visa eligibility purposes will vary depending on the location of the sponsoring business (this is discussed further below in this article).
Concessions may also be available to the nominating employer. This applies to employers who are seeking to nominate a foreign worker as a pig farmer or a senior piggery stockperson under a DAMA in South Australia. In this case, the sponsoring employer is able to access a concession to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). When this concession applies, the employer must provide the overseas worker with an amount of annual earnings which is equal to or greater than the annual market salary rate and the reduced TSMIT. Reduced TSMIT mean 90% of TSMIT.
So, to summarise our discussion so far, there are two occupations in the pork industry that can currently be nominated for a skilled visa, namely, a pig farmer and a senior piggery stockperson. Read on to find out more about how these two occupations may be nominated for a skilled visa in Australia, including the options that are available for a senior piggery stockperson and a pig farmer to migrate to Australia.
To start, let us define these two occupations for the purposes of applying for a visa to Australia.
What Is A Pig Farmer?
First up, what is a pig farmer for migration law purposes?
In Australia, occupations are classified under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
Under this system, each nominated occupation is assigned a unique ANZSCO code plus a general description of the occupation, skill level, registration and/or licensing requirements and the tasks and duties that may be required to be performed in that occupation.
Now let us take a look at how the ANZSCO applies to pig farmers.
Pig Farmers
Minor Group 121 – Farmers And Farm Managers
As a starting point, we begin with an overview of the general Farmers and Farm Managers ANZSCO category (referred to as minor group 121). This encapsulates all occupations contained in this grouping.
ANZSCO General Description: Farmers and farm managers plan, organise, control, coordinate and perform farming operations in agricultural establishments to grow crops, and breed and raise livestock, and fish and other aquatic life.
ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).
Tasks include:
- planning and coordinating the operation of hatcheries and crop production
- breeding and raising livestock and aquatic stock
- monitoring and maintaining the health of stock
- identifying and controlling environmental toxins, weeds, pests and diseases
- organising and conducting farming operations such as maintaining buildings, water supply systems and equipment
- managing business capital, monitoring market activity and planning production to meet contract requirements and market demand
The ANZSCO minor group 121 is next broken down into the following unit groups:
- Unit Group 1211 Aquaculture Farmers
- Unit Group 1212 Crop Farmers
- Unit Group 1213 Livestock Farmers
- Unit Group 1214 Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmers
Set out below are the specific occupations that are contained within the ANZSCO minor group 121 which may be nominated for an Australian skilled visa:
Unit Group – 1213 Livestock Farmers
There is one occupation included in the Livestock Farmers ANZSCO group (which may be nominated), with the following elements:
ANZSCO General Description: Livestock Farmers plan, organise, control, coordinate and perform farming operations to breed and raise livestock.
ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).
ANZSCO tasks include:
- breeding and raising livestock for the production of honey, meat, milk, skins, eggs and wool
- monitoring and maintaining the health and condition of livestock
- providing pastures and fodder to maintain appropriate nutritional levels
- moving livestock to optimise feeding opportunities
- organising and conducting farming operations such as catching, drenching and milking livestock, sterilising machines, and collecting, grading and packaging produce
- directing and overseeing general farming activities such as maintaining pens, sheds and cages, fertilising, controlling pests and weeds, and growing fodder
- maintaining fences, equipment and water supply systems
- organising the sale, purchase and transportation of livestock and produce
- maintaining and evaluating records of farming activities, monitoring market activity and planning production accordingly
- managing business capital including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management
- may select, train and supervise staff and contractors
A description of the occupation in the Livestock Farmers ANZSCO group which can be nominated for a skilled visa is listed below.
| ANZSCO Occupation | ANZSCO code | ANZSCO Description |
| Pig Farmer
Alternative Title: Pig Farm Manager Specialisation: Pig Breeder |
121318 | Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise pigs for meat and breeding stock.
Skill Level: 1 |
Skill assessing authority: VETASSESS
Skilled Occupation List: Regional Occupation List (ROL)
Skilled Visa options:
- Subclass 407 Training visa (Occupational Training To Enhance Skills stream)
- Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Medium Term Stream)
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (provisional) (State or Territory nominated)
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (Employer sponsored stream)
As mentioned earlier in this article, a pig farmer ANZSCO 121318 can also be nominated by an employer in regional Australia for a subclass 482, 494 or 186 visa under a DAMA (labour agreement stream).
What Is A Senior Piggery Stockperson?
Pork Industry Labour Agreement
In certain instances, non-ANZSCO occupations can also be nominated for a skilled visa. The Pork Industry Labour Agreement is an example of where a non-ANZSCO occupation may be nominated. In this case, the Pork Industry Labour Agreement specifies that a senior piggery stockperson may be nominated for a skilled visa under the occupation code 070499 . The Pork Industry Labour Agreement sets out the occupation tasks as well as the minimum English language, skills, qualifications and experience requirements that must be met by the applicant to be nominated as a senior stockperson in a piggery under the labour agreement.
Under the Pork Industry Labour Agreement, the tasks that may be performed by a senior piggery stockperson are as follows:
- supervise the site and facilities in terms of the required human resources, physical resources, safety requirements, consumables, documentation and measurement devices
- provide overall maintenance and compliance of the Company Quality Assurance program for the site ensuring that all relevant documentation is kept current
- supervise data collection and recording so information is accurate to aid stock and inventory control
- undertake specific tasks assigned by management to ensure that environmental, quality and safety goals are met
- implement preventable maintenance programs to reduce planned and unplanned down time
- supervise trial sheds, collect and record data in accordance with trial protocols
- select breeding stock and/or pigs for sale
- supervise and participate in daily inspection of livestock, such that the animals are appropriately fed, watered, environmental parameters are fulfilled. The senior stockperson (piggery) in this case would work with and supervise a less experienced stockperson
- supervise and participate in daily inspection of livestock, ensuring compromised animals are individually assessed, identified, treated and record in accordance with the Company Herd Health Plan and the industry’s Model Code of Practice
- euthanise sick or injured stock in a humane manner and in accordance with the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Pigs
- conduct post mortem examinations of deceased stock and report findings
- collect boar semen at an artificial insemination laboratory
- undertake processing duties within the artificial insemination laboratory
- supervise and manage the mating of animals via individually supervised mating or through artificial insemination
- supervise the birthing process, including the ability to physically conduct unsupervised internal assessments of females during parturition to minimise this incidence of still births
- participate in company/industry training sessions and workshops as required
- perform any other duty as required by the unit manager
South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement (DAMA)
The DAMA in South Australia is another example of where a non-ANZSCO occupation may be nominated for a skilled visa. In this case, the DAMA specifies that a senior piggery stockperson can be nominated for a skilled visa under the occupation code 070499.
The SA DAMA also sets out the occupation tasks as well as the minimum English language, skills, qualifications and experience requirements that must be met by the applicant to be nominated as a senior piggery stockperson under the DAMA.
Under the SA DAMA, the role description for a senior piggery stockperson is as follows:
A senior piggery stockperson coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise pigs for pork production, including managing nutritionally balanced feeding operations, monitoring growth, performing artificial insemination, monitoring animal health and animal behaviour.
The position of a senior piggery stockperson involves some or all of the following tasks:
- supervise the site and facilities in terms of the required human resources, physical resources, safety requirements, consumables, documentation and measurement devices
- provide overall maintenance and compliance of the Company Quality Assurance program for the site ensuring that all relevant documentation is kept current
- supervise data collection and recording so information is accurate to aid stock and inventory control
- undertake specific tasks assigned by management to ensure that environmental, quality and safety goals are met
- implement preventable maintenance programs to reduce planned and unplanned down time
- supervise trial sheds, collect and record data in accordance with trial protocols
- select breeding stock and/or pigs for sale
- supervise and participate in daily inspection of livestock, such that the animals are appropriately fed, watered, environmental parameters are fulfilled. The senior stockperson (piggery) in this case would work with and supervise a less experienced stockperson
- supervise and participate in daily inspection of livestock, ensuring compromised animals are individually assessed, identified, treated and record in accordance with the Company Herd Health Plan and the industry’s Model Code of Practice
- euthanise sick or injured stock in a humane manner and in accordance with the Model Code of Practice for Animal Welfare – Pigs 3rd edition
- conduct post-mortem examinations of deceased stock and report findings
- collect boar semen at an artificial insemination laboratory
- undertake processing duties within the artificial insemination laboratory
- supervise and manage the mating of animals via individually supervised mating or through artificial insemination
- supervise the birthing process, including the ability to physically conduct unsupervised internal assessments of females during parturition to minimise this incidence of still births
- participate in company/industry training sessions and workshops as required
So now that we have examined how a pig farmer and a senior piggery stockperson are defined for migration purposes, next we take a look at how these occupations may qualify for a skilled visa to Australia.
How Can A Pig Farmer ANZSCO 121318 Qualify For A Skilled Visa In Australia?
One way to nominate a pig farmer ANZSCO 121318 for a skilled visa is based on the Skilled Occupation List and more specifically, the Regional Occupation List.
Training Visa
The Subclass 407 training visa is a sponsored visa which is designed to help you to improve your skills in your current occupation, area of tertiary study, or to participate in a professional development training program in Australia. The subclass 407 visa is not suitable for applicants whose sole purpose is to perform work in Australia but rather, to engage in workplace-based training.
One of the subclass 407 visa requirements is that you need to be sponsored by an Australian organisation or government agency (including a foreign government). You must also be nominated for the subclass 407 visa (unless your sponsor is a Commonwealth Government agency, in which case you will need to be invited in writing). You need to select from one of three nomination types, depending on the purpose or type of training which you seek to undertake. Each nomination type has specified requirements, one of which requires your occupation to be included on a subclass 407 training visa skilled occupation list.
The subclass 407 visa can be granted for a period of up to two years and permits unrestricted travel to and from Australia for the duration of the visa. You can also include certain members of your family unit as dependent visa applicants, allowing them to accompany you to Australia.
Nomination Type 2: Occupational Training To Enhance Skills
Nomination type 2 requires the occupational training to be a structured workplace-based training program which is designed to meet your training needs, as the nominee.
The occupation of pig farmer is included on the skilled occupation list for the subclass 407 training visa, which means that it may be nominated, provided that you have at least 12 months full-time employment experience as a pig farmer (in the two years immediately before lodgement of the application) to qualify under nomination type 2.
Please note that the subclass 407 visa is a temporary visa only with no direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
To learn more about the subclass 407 training visa program, please see our article on the subclass 407 Training Visa Requirements And Occupations.
Employer Sponsored Visa
As a pig farmer, you may be eligible for a Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa under the medium term stream, provided that the nominated position does not predominantly involve responsibility for low-skilled tasks. The TSS visa is an employer sponsored visa which requires you to be sponsored for a pig farmer job in Australia for foreigners.
Examples of low skilled tasks include:
- rostering, maintaining records, reception duties and allocating duties to housekeepers, porters or doorpersons;
- fruit picking or packing or feeding of livestock or animals; and
- truck driving.
The nominated position must also be located in regional Australia.
The term of the TSS visa is four years. With this visa, you can travel to and from Australia on an unrestricted basis for the visa period. Eligible family members may also accompany you to Australia as dependent visa holders, provided that they meet specified requirements including health and character criteria.
As a TSS visa holder, you must work only in your nominated occupation. If you are being nominated by an Australian business for a pig farmer job in Australia for foreigners, you may only work for your nominating employer (or for their associated entity). If your nominating employer is an Overseas Business Sponsor, you may only work for the nominating business.
How Can You Apply For A Subclass 482 TSS Visa As A Pig Farmer?
To apply for a TSS visa, three applications must be lodged, namely:
- your sponsoring employer must apply for, and be approved as, a standard business sponsor;
- your sponsoring employer must apply to nominate you for the position; and
- you must separately apply for the visa.
All three applications can be submitted at the same time. If your sponsoring employer already has an approved sponsorship in place, only a nomination and visa application is required (sponsorships generally last for a period of five years).
Sponsorship
To be approved as a sponsor, your prospective sponsoring employer must be lawfully operating a business, and have a strong record of, or a demonstrated commitment to, employing local labour, and declare that it will not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices. There must also be no adverse information known to the Department about the business, or a person associated with the business (or it is reasonable to disregard this information).
Please refer to our article on How To Become A Sponsor for further information.
Nomination
Your sponsoring employer must satisfy a number of prescribed requirements for nomination approval, which include the following:
- the entity must be an approved sponsor;
- the entity must nominate an occupation from a list of eligible skilled occupations (the occupation of pig farmer is on the ROL);
- there must be no adverse information known to the Department about the business or any person associated with the business;
- the position must be genuine and generally full-time employment;
- the entity must provide a written contract of employment for you as the proposed sponsored worker;
- you must be employed as a direct employee, or as an employee of an associated entity if the entity is an Australian business sponsor;
- meet requirements relating to your nominated salary and employment conditions;
- provide evidence of labour market testing where required (this relates to advertising in the local labour market); and
- not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices.
Visa
Medium-term Stream
The key requirements that you must meet for grant of the visa include that you must:
- demonstrate that you have at least two years of employment experience as a pig farmer or in a related field (this should generally be full-time employment completed in the last five years, although the Department may consider part-time employment); and
- meet an English language requirement (unless you qualify for an exemption).
The nomination application must also be approved.
Please note that if you apply for a subclass 482 TSS visa as a pig farmer under the medium-term stream, you will be eligible for permanent residency in Australia after two years via a Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa under the TRT stream.
A permanent residency pathway for a pig farmer to migrate to Australia is also available under the DAMA in South Australia after three years (this is discussed further below).
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
A pig farmer ANZSCO 121318 may be nominated by a State or Territory government agency for a Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. The SESR visa is a points-tested visa.
The term of the subclass 491 visa is five years. As a subclass 491 visa holder (including any accompanying visa dependents), you must live, work and study only in a designated regional area of Australia.
Subclass 491 visa holders have unrestricted rights to travel to and from Australia during the visa term and are also entitled to enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public health system.
After you have held a subclass 491 visa for three years, you will be eligible for permanent residency as a pig farmer to migrate to Australia via a Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, provided you meet specified requirements.
How Can You Apply For A Subclass 491 Visa For Pig Farmer Immigration To Australia?
To apply for a subclass 491 visa as a pig farmer ANZSCO 121318, you must first submit an Expression Of Interest (EOI) with the Department, and apply separately to your selected State or Territory for nomination approval. Only upon receipt of an invitation can you then proceed to apply for the subclass 491 visa.
To lodge an EOI, you must achieve a minimum score of 65 points. Note this is a baseline only; each State and Territory has its own specified requirements for granting nomination approval such as, for example, work experience and English language criteria which may be different to Immigration requirements.
You can use our Points Test Calculator to work out your points score.
The other key requirements to be satisfied are that you must:
- be aged under 45 years at time of invitation;
- have a positive skills assessment as a pig farmer at time of invitation;
- have a minimum level of Competent English at time of invitation; and
- declare a genuine intention to live, work and study in a designated regional area (this requirement also applies to visa dependents).
South Australian Nomination For A Subclass 491 Visa
You can apply for nomination in South Australia as a pig farmer under one of several streams, as follows:
- as a long-term resident of South Australia;
- if you currently live and work in outer regional South Australia; or
- if you qualify as a highly skilled and talented applicant (you may reside in South Australia, interstate or overseas to be eligible).
To apply under the highly skilled and talented applicant stream, you first need to submit a Registration Of Interest (ROI) with Skilled & Business Migration SA.
Offshore applicants are also eligible to apply for SA nomination in the occupation of pig farmer. In this case, you need to lodge an EOI first. If you are selected by South Australia, you will be invited to apply for state nomination.
For further information about the subclass 491 visa, please refer to the following articles:
Skilled Regional Visa Australia
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
A pig farmer ANZSCO 121318 may be nominated by an employer in a designated regional area of Australia for a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. Being an employer sponsored visa, you will need to be sponsored for a pig farmer job in Australia for foreigners to qualify.
The term of the subclass 494 visa is five years. As a subclass 494 visa holder (including any accompanying visa dependents), you must live, work and study only in a designated regional area of Australia.
Subclass 494 visa holders have unrestricted rights to travel to and from Australia during the visa term and are also entitled to enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public health system.
After you have held a subclass 494 visa for three years, you will be eligible for permanent residency as a pig farmer immigration to Australia via a Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, provided you meet specified requirements.
How Can You Apply For A Subclass 494 Visa As A Pig Farmer?
The subclass 494 visa application process is similar to that which applies to the TSS visa. To apply for a SESR visa, three applications must be lodged, namely:
- your sponsoring employer must apply for, and be approved as, a standard business sponsor;
- your sponsoring employer must apply to nominate you for the position; and
- you must separately apply for the visa.
All three applications can be submitted at the same time. If your sponsoring employer already has an approved sponsorship in place, only a nomination and visa application is required (sponsorships generally last for a period of five years).
Sponsorship
To be approved as a sponsor, your prospective sponsoring employer must be lawfully operating a business, and have a strong record of, or a demonstrated commitment to, employing local labour, and declare that it will not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices. There must also be no adverse information known to the Department about the business, or a person associated with the business (or it is reasonable to disregard this information).
Please refer to our article on How To Become A Sponsor for further information.
Nomination
The key requirements to be satisfied for nomination approval under the subclass 494 regional employer sponsored visa program are set out below:
- there must be no adverse information known to the Department about the sponsor, or a person associated with the sponsor (or is it reasonable to disregard this information);
- the nominated position is located in a designated regional area;
- the position associated with the nominated occupation is genuine, full-time and likely to exist for at least five years;
- as the proposed sponsored worker, you must be engaged only as an employee of the sponsor (or an associated entity of the sponsor) under a written contract of employment that does not include an express exclusion of the possibility of extending the period of employment. A copy of the signed contract must be provided;
- all salary related requirements must be met;
- there must be no information known to the Department indicating that your proposed employment conditions will be less favourable than those that apply, or would apply, to an Australian worker performing equivalent work at the same location (or it is reasonable to disregard this information);
- the sponsor must not have engaged in discriminatory recruitment practices; and
- a Regional Certifying Body (RCB) must have advised that you will be paid at least the annual market salary rate for the occupation.
Additionally, in certain circumstances, standard business sponsors are required to undertake labour market testing in relation to the nominated occupation, unless this is inconsistent with Australia’s international trade obligations. This means advertising the position in Australia in accordance with specified requirements to demonstrate that no suitably qualified and experienced Australian worker or eligible temporary visa holder is readily available to fill the nominated position.
For further information about labour market testing requirements and when they apply, please refer to our article on the Labour Market Testing Requirements.
Visa
The third and final step is the visa application. This part of the process requires you to meet visa grant criteria relating to such things as your qualifications, skills, experience, English language proficiency and age.
Some of the key criteria that you must meet in order to qualify for a subclass 494 visa include the following:
- your intention to perform the nominated occupation must be genuine;
- the position associated with the nominated occupation must be genuine;
- there must be no adverse information known to Immigration about your sponsoring employer, or a person associated with the employer (unless it is reasonable to disregard this information);
- you must be employed to work as a pig farmer within your sponsoring employer’s business or an associated entity of that business;
- at the time of application, you must be under 45 years of age;
- at the time of application, you must have had your skills assessed as suitable for the nominated occupation by VETASSESS;
- at the time of application, you must have been employed as a pig farmer for at least three years, on a full-time basis, and at the level of skill required for the occupation; and
- at the time of application, you must have Competent English (unless you are exempt).
For further information about the subclass 494 visa, please refer to our article on the Requirements For Regional Employer Sponsored Skilled Visas.
How Can A Senior Piggery Stockperson Qualify For A Skilled Visa In Australia?
One way to nominate a senior piggery stockperson for a skilled visa is under a labour agreement and more specifically, the Pork Industry Labour Agreement.
Before we discuss how a senior stockperson (piggery) may qualify for a skilled visa, let us first explain what a labour agreement is and how it works.
What Is A Labour Agreement?
A labour agreement is negotiated between the Australian Government (represented by the Department of Home Affairs) and employers who seek to sponsor overseas workers for their business.
Labour agreements enable approved businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers when there is a demonstrated need that cannot be met in the Australian labour market and the standard temporary or permanent visa programs are not available (for example, the TSS, SESR or ENS visa programs).
One of the main benefits of entering into a labour agreement is its flexibility as it enables an employer to negotiate terms that meet the needs of the business (different types of agreements allow for varying levels of flexibility). This means that an employer may be able to negotiate certain concessions to the skilled visa criteria that would normally apply under the standard regional employer sponsored visa grant requirements. This can include requirements relating to English language competency, salary and age thresholds.
A labour agreement can also be used to employ overseas workers in new or emerging occupations that are not defined in the ANZSCO. For example, the occupation of a senior piggery stockperson is not included in the ANZSCO. In this case, the occupation is defined in the Pork Industry Labour Agreement.
Under a labour agreement, an employer can sponsor or nominate suitably skilled overseas workers for an employer sponsored skilled visa in accordance with the terms which have been negotiated with the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) in the executed labour agreement (different types of agreements allow for varying levels of flexibility).
There are five types of Labour Agreements, as listed below:
- Company specific labour agreements
- Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
- Project agreements
- Global Talent Employer Sponsored (GTES) agreements
- Industry labour agreements
An Industry Labour Agreement is one which is designed for a specific industry with fixed terms and conditions. To enter into such a labour agreement, the relevant industry must show ongoing labour shortages and that it has conducted extensive consultation within the industry.
The following industry agreements are currently in place:
- Dairy
- Fishing
- Meat
- Minister of Religion
- On-hire
- Pork
- Restaurant (premium dining)
- Advertising
- Horticulture
The Pork Industry Labour Agreement enables an employer in a designated regional area of Australia to nominate suitably skilled overseas worker to perform the occupation of senior stockperson (piggery) in their business.
You can access a copy of the Pork Industry Labour Agreement template on the Department’s website.
How Can An Employer Apply For A Labour Agreement?
An employer can apply to become a sponsor under a labour agreement online on the Department’s website (ImmiAccount) using the Labour Agreement Request form and must be accompanied by supporting documentary evidence. There is no cost to apply.
The application must address each requirement as set out in the Pork Industry Labour Agreement (as outlined below). During processing, the employer may be contacted by the Department requesting further information or clarification.
Labour agreement requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Processing times depend on whether a complete application has been lodged with all required supporting documentation as well as how quickly the employer responds to requests for further information from the Department.
If the application is approved, the employer will receive a copy of the proposed Labour Agreement for review and signature. Upon receipt of the signed Agreement, the Department will confirm once the Agreement is in effect.
Once the labour agreement is executed, the employer is bound by its terms, as well as the general sponsorship obligations that apply to standard business sponsors.
It is very important that sponsoring employers fully understand and comply with their sponsorship obligations as failing to comply with the labour agreement or legislative requirements can result in suspension or termination of the agreement. Sanctions, penalties or other enforcement measures may also be imposed.
The Australian Border Force and the Department may conduct audits and site visits to sponsoring employers to monitor their compliance with the labour agreement.
How Can An Employer Sponsor A Foreign Worker As A Senior Piggery Stockperson?
Once the labour agreement has been executed, it will remain in effect for five years. The agreement will specify the maximum number of foreign workers that may be sponsored as senior piggery stockpersons for each year under the agreement (this is referred to as a nomination ceiling). It will also specify the visa subclassess that they may be nominated for under the agreement.
To sponsor a foreign worker as a senior piggery stockperson, the sponsor must lodge a nomination application online. The nomination application relates to the position which the sponsor is seeking to fill and may include criteria regarding the terms and conditions of employment, demonstrating that the position is genuine and salary requirements (in line with the labour agreement).
And lastly, the visa application must be lodged by the foreign worker. The visa application relates to the proposed sponsored employee having the necessary qualifications, skills, experience and English language competency to perform the nominated occupation (in accordance with the labour agreement).
Let us now take a look at the Pork Industry Labour Agreement in more detail.
How Can A Senior Piggery Stockperson Qualify For A Skilled Visa In Australia?
Under the Pork Industry labour agreement, you may be sponsored by an employer for the following visas:
- Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (medium term stream) (this is a temporary residence visa)
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (temporary residence transition stream) (this is a permanent residence visa)
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (Provisional) visa (employer sponsored stream) (this is a temporary visa)
The terms and conditions of the Pork Industry Labour Agreement are set and non-negotiable. Concessions are available, as specified in the agreement, depending on the visa subclass being applied for as well as the designated regional area where the sponsoring business is located.
Designated Regional Areas
The Pork Industry Labour Agreement refers to category 1, 2 and 3 locations, which are defined as follows:
Category 1 Location
This means a location within Australia with a postcode that is not designated as a regional area of Australia for skilled migration purposes.
Category 2 Location
This means a location within Australia with a postcode that is designated as a regional area of Australia and under the category ‘Cities and major regional centres’ for skilled migration purposes.
Category 3 Location
This means a location within Australia with a postcode that is designated as a regional area of Australia and under the category ‘Regional centres and other regional areas’ for skilled migration purposes.
Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for designated regional area postcodes.
Pork Industry Labour Agreement Requirements
To be eligible to be sponsored by an employer under the Pork Industry labour agreement, the following criteria must be satisfied.
Nomination Requirements
A sponsoring employer may nominate an overseas worker for a subclass 482 TSS visa, a subclass 186 ENS visa or a subclass 494 SESR visa in the occupation of a senior stockperson (piggery) up to the nomination ceiling/s as specified in the executed labour agreement, with the occupation to be performed in a designated regional area (being either a category 1, 2 or 3 area).
Nomination Ceilings
A nomination ceiling means the number of nominations for a senior stockperson (piggery) that an approved sponsor can have approved in any one year under the labour agreement that they have negotiated with the Government.
If the sponsor wishes to increase the number of nomination ceilings in any year during the period of the labour agreement, they must provide the Department with the following information:
- updated workforce plans (this is a report that outlines the current, and where requested, projected future composition of an approved sponsor’s workforce. It should include details of the total number of Australian workers (including permanent residents) and temporary visa holders engaged by the sponsor);
- evidence of labour market testing that has been undertaken during the last 12 months;
- evidence that the sponsor has a strong record of, or a demonstrated commitment to, employing local labour and non-discriminatory employment practices;
- evidence of salary arrangements for, and amounts paid to, primary sponsored workers under the labour agreement;
- details of any breaches of immigration or other Commonwealth or State laws;
- the dates and numbers and occupations of any and all Australian workers who have been retrenched or made redundant in the past 12 month period; and
- any additional information requested by the Department.
A departmental decision-maker will then assess whether the Department will agree to the proposed variations to the existing agreement.
Before they nominate an overseas worker under the labour agreement, the sponsor must take all reasonable steps to ensure that:
- the sponsor recruits suitably skilled Australians who are available; and
- the overseas worker will be able to meet any requirements as outlined in the labour agreement (in relation to qualifications and experience, English language competency and an age threshold).
The Sponsor must also aim to ensure that:
- in any one year period, overseas workers do not comprise more than a third of their total workforce (workforce means the total number of Australian workers and temporary visa holders engaged by the approved sponsor (including as contractors));
- their reliance on overseas workers decreases during the life of the labour agreement; and
- their reliance on temporary visas decreases where existing temporary visa holders have successfully transitioned to permanent residence under the labour agreement.
In addition to TSS, SESR or ENS nomination requirements as outlined in the Migration Regulations, the sponsor must demonstrate in the nomination application, through written evidence, standard skilled visa program requirements as outlined in the Migration Regulations in relation to the TSMIT, Earnings and/or working hours (unless varied under the labour agreement) are met.
The sponsoring employer must comply with the following additional nomination requirements:
Labour Market Testing Requirements
The following labour market testing criteria apply to nominations made under the TSS and SESR visa programs (they do not apply to nominations made under the subclass 186 ENS visa program).
Category 1 Locations
Evidence of labour market testing must be provided as part of the nomination application, in accordance with the Pork Industry labour agreement. The evidence provided should be equivalent to that required under Standard Employer Sponsored visa program requirements.
The labour market testing requirement is met if:
- the approved sponsor has undertaken labour market testing for the nominated position within the required period;
- the labour market testing was undertaken in the required manner;
- the nomination is accompanied by evidence of labour market testing; and
- having regard to the evidence and any other information provided, the Department is satisfied that there is no suitably qualified and experienced Australian worker or eligible temporary visa holder who is readily available to fill the nominated position.
For a detailed discussion about the labour market testing criteria, including what is required to meet each of the above components, please refer to our article on the Labour Market Testing Requirements.
Category 2 And 3 Locations
Evidence of labour market testing must be provided with subclass 482 TSS and subclass 494 SESR nominations lodged in accordance with the Pork Industry labour agreement. These attempts must have been conducted in the 12 months before lodging the nomination application.
Set out below are the labour market testing requirements that apply to sponsoring businesses that are located in category 2 and 3 locations under the Pig Industry labour agreement.
Category 2 Labour Market Testing Requirements
The sponsor must be able to demonstrate at least three separate attempts to test the Australian labour market for the nominated occupation, including one advertised on the Government’s Workforce Australia website.
Category 3 Labour Market Testing Requirements
The sponsor must be able to demonstrate at least two separate attempts to test the Australian labour market for the nominated occupation, as follows:
- one advertisement must have national reach (this may include recruitment platforms like Indeed, Seek or Workforce Australia -but may also include: a relevant industry website; national print media; or national radio); and
- one advertisement may be local or regional (this may include a business’ own website or local/regional print media or radio).
Time Period Required To Hold A Specified Temporary Skilled Visa
The following applies if the sponsoring business is in a category 1, 2 or 3 location.
A sponsor may only nominate an overseas worker for a subclass 186 ENS visa if they have been employed:
- directly by the sponsor as a primary Subclass 457* or TSS visa holder in the nominated occupation on a full-time basis, for at least three years before the nomination is made; or
- if they held a Subclass 457 visa before 18 March 2018, as a primary Subclass 457 or TSS visa holder in the nominated occupation on a full-time basis, for at least three years before the nomination is made.
*The subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa is the predecessor to the subclass 482 TSS visa. The subclass 457 visa program was replaced by the TSS visa on 18 March 2018.
Visa Requirements
The overseas worker must meet the criteria for grant of a visa, as outlined in the Migration Regulations. This may include:
- requirements that the overseas worker has the sufficient skills, experience and English proficiency to
perform the nominated occupation, and has demonstrated this where requested by the
Department; and - if applying for a SESR or ENS visa, any age requirements.
In most cases, these requirements mirror the standard skilled visa program requirements that must be met under the TSS visa program (medium-term stream), the SESR visa program (employer sponsored stream) and the ENS visa program (temporary residence transition stream).
Where variations to regulatory or policy requirements apply for visa applicants who are being
sponsored under the Pork Industry Labour Agreement because the Department has agreed to certain concessions, these are outlined below.
Skills, Qualifications And Experience
For nominations made under the TSS visa program in category 1, 2 and 3 locations, the nominated overseas worker must provide evidence and/or a written certification from the sponsor demonstrating that they have:
- at least an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate III in Agriculture (Pig Production), or equivalent qualifications as assessed by a registered training organisation and have at least three years of recent and relevant work experience in a medium-to-large size commercial piggery;
- an AQF certificate III in Agriculture (Pig Production) and at least 18 months relevant work experience in Australia; or
- at least five years of recent and relevant work experience.
The same requirements apply to nominations made under the SESR visa program in category 2 and 3 locations, with the exception that they must have a minimum of three years full-time work experience (this may be Australian or offshore work experience) in the nominated occupation of senior stockperson (piggery).
The same requirements apply to nominations made under the ENS visa program in category 1, 2 and 3 locations, with the exception that they must have a minimum of three years full-time work experience (this may be Australian or offshore work experience) in the nominated occupation of senior stockperson (piggery).
English Language
For nominations made under the TSS, SESR and ENS visa programs in category 1, 2 and 3 locations, must demonstrate that they meet one of the following requirements:
| Test | Required results |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 4.5 in each of the test components |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | Score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four components |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | iBT total score of at least 35 with a score of at least 3 for each of the test components of listening and reading, and a score of at least 12 for each of the test components of speaking and writing |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | Academic overall test score of at least 36 with a score of at least 30 in each of the test components |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | Overall test score of at least 154 with a score of at least 147 in each of the test components |
The above test results must be achieved in a single attempt, and the test must have been completed within three years of applying for the visa.
Age
For nominations made under the ENS and SESR visa programs in category 1 locations, the standard skilled visa program age requirements apply. This means that that overseas worker must be under 45 years of age at time of lodgement of the visa application.
For nominations made under the ENS and SESR visa programs in category 2 and 3 locations, the sponsor may only nominate an overseas worker who is under 55 years of age at the time of lodgement of the visa application.
Note that there is no age limit for nominations made under the TSS visa program.
Visa Period
A visa may be granted for the following periods under the Pork Industry Labour Agreement:
- the sponsoring employer must select an employment period of up to four years for the overseas worker. A TSS visa will be granted for the requested period; and
- a SESR visa will be granted for a period of five years; and
Note that the ENS visa is a permanent residency visa, and therefore the visa period does not apply.
Sponsorship Obligations
A sponsor must satisfy its sponsorship obligations in accordance with the Migration Regulations and any additional obligations under the Migration Act, as set out in the Pork Industry Labour Agreement. These are outlined below.
Under the Pork Industry Labour Agreement, the sponsor must abide by the following obligations:
- cooperate with inspectors;
- ensure equivalent terms and conditions of employment;
- pay travel costs to enable sponsored persons to leave Australia;
- ay costs incurred by the Commonwealth to locate and remove unlawful
non-citizens; - keep records;
- provide records and information to the Minister;
- provide information to Immigration when certain events occur;
- ensure the sponsored employee works or participates in nominated
occupation, program or activity; - not to recover, transfer or take actions that would result in another person
paying for certain costs (the sponsor must not charge employees for services); and - not to engage in discriminatory work practices.
Additional Sponsorship Obligations
The following additional sponsorship obligations apply specifically to the Pork Industry Labour Agreement. These obligations commence when the sponsored overseas worker starts their employment with the approved sponsor, and ends at the earlier of when the sponsored worker:
- is granted a further substantive visa that is not a TSS or SESR visa and is in effect; or
- ceases employment with the approved sponsor.
Under these additional obligations, the approved sponsor:
- has an obligation not to recruit where money is owed (i.e. the sponsor must not nominate primary or secondary sponsored persons who it has assessed, reasonably suspects or ought to reasonably suspect, of owing money as a result of being recruited;
- ensure that all primary sponsored workers engaged under the Pork Industry Labour Agreement are
supplied with workplace rights information within seven days of commencing employment in the
nominated occupation of senior stockperson (piggery) with the approved sponsor; - has an obligation to pay salary directly (i.e. the approved sponsor must pay the sponsored overseas worker directly, including taxes and superannuation);
- cannot deduct an amount from an amount payable to a primary sponsored worker, unless the deduction is authorised:
(a) in writing by the employee and is principally for the employee’s benefit;
(b) authorised by the employee in accordance with an enterprise agreement;
(c) authorised by or under a modern award or a Fair Work Act order; or
(d) authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory, or an order of a court; - must not charge sponsored overseas workers fees for services provided, including for their
nomination and securing employment.
How Can A Pig Farmer Or A Senior Piggery Stockperson Qualify For A Skilled Visa Under A DAMA In South Australia?
Another way that both a pig farmer and a senior piggery stockperson may be eligible for a skilled visa to Australia is under a DAMA in South Australia.
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is one type of labour agreement which allows an employer to sponsor a foreign worker in a designated region of Australia.
To be eligible, your proposed sponsoring employer must enter into a labour agreement with the Government. One of the main benefits of a labour agreement is that it provides more flexible terms to the standard visa programs (for example, your sponsoring employer may be able to negotiate certain concessions to the skilled visa criteria that would normally apply under the standard visa grant requirements. This can include requirements relating to English language competency, salary and age thresholds).
To learn more about labour agreements, including the different types of labour agreements and the process for applying for one, please refer to our Labour Agreement Visa article.
South Australian DAMA
In South Australia, there are currently two DAMAs in place, one of which is The South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement (SARWA). This covers the entire state of South Australia, with occupations in the regional high growth industries in agribusiness, forestry, health and social services, aged care, hospitality, tourism, mining and the construction sectors.
Under the SARWA, an employer in South Australia may nominate an overseas worker in the occupations of a pig farmer and a senior piggery stockperson. To be eligible, you need to be sponsored for a senior piggery stockperson or pig farmer job in Australia for foreigners.
What Are The Requirements To Qualify For A Subclass 482 TSS Visa As A Pig Farmer In South Australia Under A DAMA Labour Agreement?
Some of the key criteria to qualify for a Subclass 482 TSS visa include:
- Qualifications: At least a relevant AQF Bachelor degree or equivalent is required. Alternatively, five years of relevant work experience within the last eight years may substitute for the qualification;
- Work Experience: One year of work experience within the last five years if the qualification was gained in Australia; and
- English Language: An IELTS score of 5.0 overall (or equivalent), as well as a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 (or equivalent) for each individual band is required.
Also be aware that to later qualify for permanent residence as a pig farmer immigration to Australia via a subclass 186 visa in South Australia, you will be subject to an English language concession, with a requirement to achieve an IELTS score of 5.0 overall (or equivalent), and a minimum IELTS score of 4.5 (or equivalent) for individual bands. An age-based concession applies, whereby you may be nominated provided you have not turned 55 years of age at the time of the ENS nomination.
What Are The Requirements To Qualify For A Subclass 494 SESR Visa As A Pig Farmer In South Australia Under A DAMA Labour Agreement?
Some of the key criteria to qualify for a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa include:
- Qualifications: At least a relevant AQF Bachelor degree or equivalent is required. Alternatively, five years of relevant work experience within the last eight years may substitute for the qualification;
- Work Experience: One year of work experience within the last five years if the qualification was gained in Australia. Two years of relevant work experience within the last five years if the qualification was gained overseas.
- English Language: An IELTS score of 5.0 overall (or equivalent), as well as a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 (or equivalent) for each individual band is required.
- Age: Applicants must be under the age of 55 at the time the nomination application is lodged.
Note that the above requirements are specific to the South Australian DAMA. This includes certain concessions. For example, you must generally be under 45 years of age when you apply for the SESR visa.
However, if you are applying for a SESR visa under the South Australian DAMA, an age-based concession applies, whereby you may be nominated provided you have not turned 55 years of age at the time of the SESR nomination.
What Are The Requirements To Qualify For A Subclass 482 TSS Visa As A Senior Piggery Stockperson In South Australia Under A DAMA Labour Agreement?
Some of the key criteria to qualify for a Subclass 482 TSS visa include:
- Qualifications: at least a relevant AQF Cert III qualification or equivalent, or three years of relevant work experience within the last five years to substitute for the qualification;
- Work Experience: Work experience must be at least 20 hours per week, with one year of work experience required within the last three years;
- Skills Assessment: A DAR skills assessment by the Skilled And Business Migration SA is required. Your sponsoring employer must submit a skills assessment application on your behalf. Skilled & Business Migration SA will then assess your skills and qualifications and if successful, a positive skills assessment will be issued to your proposed sponsoring employer;
- English Language: An IELTS score of 5.0 overall (or equivalent), as well as a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 (or equivalent) for each individual band is required.
Also be aware that to later qualify for a permanent residence subclass 186 visa in South Australia, you will need to demonstrate at least three years of work experience within the last five years. You will also be subject to an English language concession, with a requirement to achieve an IELTS score of 5.0 overall (or equivalent), and a minimum IELTS score of 4.5 (or equivalent) for individual bands. An age-based concession applies, whereby you may be nominated provided you have not turned 55 years of age at the time of the ENS nomination.
What Are The Requirements To Qualify For A Subclass 494 SESR TSS Visa As A Senior Piggery Stockperson In South Australia Under A DAMA Labour Agreement?
Some of the key criteria to qualify for a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa include:
- Qualifications: at least a relevant AQF Cert III qualification or equivalent, or three years of relevant work experience within the last five years to substitute for the qualification;
- Work Experience: Work experience must be at least 20 hours per week, with one year of work experience required within the last three years;
- Skills Assessment: A DAR skills assessment by the Skilled And Business Migration SA is required. Your sponsoring employer must submit a skills assessment application on your behalf. Skilled & Business Migration SA will then assess your skills and qualifications and if successful, a positive skills assessment will be issued to your proposed sponsoring employer;
- English Language: An IELTS score of 5.0 overall (or equivalent), as well as a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 (or equivalent) for each individual band is required.
Note that the above requirements are specific to the South Australian DAMA. This includes certain concessions. For example, you must generally be under 45 years of age when you apply for the SESR visa.
However, if you are applying for a SESR visa under the South Australian DAMA, an age-based concession applies, whereby you may be nominated provided you have not turned 55 years of age at the time of the SESR nomination.
Skill Assessments For Pig Farmers
As noted in our introduction, the prescribed skills assessing body for the occupation of pig farmer is Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS).
A skills assessment is required if you are being nominated as a pig farmer for the following visa subclasses:
- Subclass 491 (state sponsored);
- Subclass 494 (employer sponsored stream).
Occupations Considered Under ANZSCO Code 121318
- Pig Breeder
- Pig Farm Manager
Occupations in ANSZCO Unit Group 1213 Livestock Farmers are closely related.
Pig Farmer is a VETASSESS Group B occupation. This occupation requires a qualification assessed
as comparable to the educational level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher.
Criteria For A Positive Skills Assessment
Applicants must have fulfilled at least one of the following four criteria (1–4):
Criteria 1:
- Minimum comparable Bachelor or higher degree AQF level;
- With a highly relevant major field of study; and
- A minimum of one year of highly relevant employment (to the nominated occupation). Must be at least 20 hours per week and completed at an appropriate skill level in the five years before the date of application for the Skills Assessment.
A Bachelor degree or higher degree includes:
- AQF Master Degree; or
- AQF Doctoral Degree.
Criteria 2:
- Minimum comparable Bachelor or higher degree AQF level;
- Minimum AQF Diploma level with highly relevant major (additional highly relevant qualification); and
- A minimum of two years of highly relevant employment (to the nominated occupation). Must be at least 20 hours per week and completed at an appropriate skill level in the five years before the date of application for the Skills Assessment.
A Bachelor degree or higher degree includes:
- AQF Master Degree; or
- AQF Doctoral Degree
Additional qualifications in a highly relevant field of study include those comparable to the following levels:
- AQF Diploma
- AQF Advanced Diploma
- AQF Associate Degree; or
- AQF Graduate Diploma
Criteria 3:
- Minimum comparable Bachelor or higher degree AQF level; and
- A minimum of three years of highly relevant employment (to the nominated occupation). Must be at least 20 hours per week and completed at an appropriate skill level in the five years before the date of application for the Skills Assessment.
A Bachelor degree or higher degree includes:
- AQF Master Degree; or
- AQF Doctoral Degree
Criteria 4 (applies if employment is prior to the completion of the qualification at the required level):
- A minimum of five years of relevant employment (within the last ten years) plus at least one year of highly relevant employment completed in the last five years (a total of six years) before the date of application for the Skills Assessment; and
- A Minimum comparable Bachelor degree AQF level.
To Achieve A Positive Skills Assessment Result
A positive assessment of both qualification level and employment duration is required for a positive
Skills Assessment Outcome.
Qualification
An AQF Bachelor degree or higher degree includes qualifications assessed at AQF Bachelor,
Master and Doctoral level.
Highly relevant fields of study include, Agriculture, Animal Science & Husbandry, Biology, Pig Breeding,
Pork Production, Veterinary Science.
Employment
Highly relevant tasks include:
- Breeding and raising livestock to produce meat
- Monitoring and maintaining the health and condition of livestock
- Providing pastures, feed and fodder to maintain appropriate nutritional levels
- Moving livestock to optimise feeding opportunities
- Organising and conducting farming operations such as catching, drenching and milking livestock,
sterilising machines, and collecting, grading and packaging produce - Directing and overseeing general farming activities such as maintaining pens, sheds and cages, fertilising, controlling pests and weeds, and growing fodder
- Maintaining fences, equipment and water supply systems
- Organising the sale, purchase and transportation of livestock and produce
- Maintaining and evaluating records of farming activities, monitoring market activity and planning
production accordingly - Managing business capital including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management
- May select, train and supervise staff and contractors
Employment Information
A Pig Farmer is involved in all on-farm operations for the business. This includes animal health, facilities,
maintenance, staffing, supply chain, processing and administration.
Although an applicant may not be fully responsible for the financial and capital workings of a producer, they should be involved and knowledgeable in this area.
Positions which predominately involve tasks such as feeding livestock or animals will not be considered
under this occupation. These are covered elsewhere under ANZSCO Unit Groups 8412, 8415 and 8416
which include Crop Farm Workers, Livestock Farm Workers and Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Workers
Get More Information
Skilled Visa Options For Selected Occupations
Please refer to our series of articles on the skilled visa options that are available for selected occupations below:
Visa Options For Professionals
Skilled Trade Visa Options In Australia
Australian Immigration And Visa Options For Doctors
Australian Immigration And Visa Options For Nurses
Australian Visa Options For Engineers
Migrate To Australia As A Plastics Moulder Machine Operator, Fabricator, Welder Or Technician
Designated Area Migration Agreement
For further information on the DAMA in South Australia, please see the following articles:
South Australia DAMA Occupation List
DAMA South Australia Occupation List
DAMA Visa South Australia Requirements
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
For further information on the subclass 491 visa, please see the following articles:
Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
For further information on the subclass 494 visa, please see the following articles:
Skilled Regional Visa Australia
Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme
Regional Sponsored Visa Requirements
Requirements For Regional Employer Sponsored Skilled Visas
Employer Sponsored Visa
Please refer to the following articles to learn about the Subclass 482 TSS visa and Subclass 186 ENS visa programs, including how do you become a sponsor and the sponsorship obligations:
Employer Nomination Migration Scheme
Employer Sponsor Visa Requirements
Changes To 457 Temporary Work Skilled Visa
Business Requirements For Accredited Sponsorship
Does 482 Visa Require Skills Assessment
Subclass 482 – A Guide to Temporary Skill Shortage
Permanent Residence Eligibility Extended For Certain Subclass 457 And 482 Visa Holders
How To Sponsor An Employee For A Work Visa Or Permanent Residency
Overview Of Australian Work Visas And Employer Sponsorship
Guide To Australian Sponsorship Visa Costs
Labour Market Testing Requirements
Skilled Visa
To learn more about applying for a skilled visa, please see the following articles:
Australian Skilled Migration Visa List
General Skilled Migration Visa Options
SAF Skilling Australians Fund Levy
General Skilled Migration Visa Points
Subclass 190 State Sponsorship Visa
Australian Skilled Occupations List
Australian Permanent Resident Visa Case Study
State Sponsorship Visas In Australia
South Australia State Sponsorship Opportunities
Skilled Regional Visa Australia
Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme
Regional Sponsored Visa Requirements
Visa Options For Professionals
Skilled Trade Visa Options In Australia
English Requirements For Skilled Visas
Australian Visa Options For IT Occupations
Australian Immigration And Visa Options For Doctors
Australian Immigration And Visa Options For Nurses
Australian Visa Options For Engineers
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Contact us to book a no-obligation consultation to find out more about applying for a skilled visa as a pig farmer or a senior piggery stockperson, including to assess your eligibility for a skilled visa for a senior piggery stockperson and pig farmer immigration to Australia.
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In conclusion, we note that the above discussion provides an overview about how to migrate to Australia as a pig farmer or a senior piggery stockperson. We also provide links to further information so that you can learn more about the skilled visa options for a senior piggery stockperson and a pig farmer to migrate to Australia
Australia’s migration laws are complex, and each case is different. We recommend that you seek professional advice if you are seeking to migrate to Australia as a pig farmer or a senior piggery stockperson, as being fully informed will give you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome on your case. A migration professional can help you to do this.
For up to date advice on senior piggery stockperson and pig farmer immigration to Australia, book your confidential consultation with a migration agent in Adelaide. PAX Migration Australia is a leading immigration advice service based in Adelaide.