Discover which agribusiness jobs qualify for Australian skilled migration in 2025. Latest Skilled Occupation List updates, regional visa options, state nominations, and high-demand roles for PR pathways.
Introduction
Australia faces a critical labour shortage in agriculture. Over 20,000 agribusiness positions remain unfilled in 2025, pushing the sector onto the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Skilled workers in farming, horticulture, AgTech, and food production now access multiple visa pathways to permanent residency. This guide reveals the exact occupations in demand, the visas that sponsor them, and the 2025 trends shaping Australian skilled migration for agribusiness professionals.
Australia’s 2025 Skilled Occupation Lists: Where Agribusiness Stands
The Australian Government replaced the old Short-term Skilled Occupation List with the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) in December 2024. Agriculture secured more than 30 dedicated occupations — the strongest representation the sector has ever had.
Key inclusions for 2025:
– Agricultural Scientist (ANZSCO 234112)
– Agricultural Consultant (ANZSCO 234111)
– Agronomist (ANZSCO 234113)
– Farm Manager roles via DAMA agreements
– Agricultural Engineer (ANZSCO 233912)
– Soil Scientist, Horticulturist, and Aquaculture Manager (all added or retained)
Regional areas dominate demand. States such as Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia actively nominate agribusiness workers through the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) and state-specific 190 streams.
Top Visa Pathways for Agribusiness Professionals in 2025
1. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – subclass 491
The fastest-growing pathway. Offers 15 points for regional nomination and leads to PR after three years. Tasmania and South Australia list almost every agricultural scientist and consultant role.
2. Employer Sponsored – subclass 494
Dairy farms, large horticulture enterprises, and viticulture regions use the 494 visa with visa sponsorship. Labour agreements and Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) lower English and salary thresholds for farm managers and senior agricultural technicians.
3. Skilled Nominated visa – subclass 190
Western Australia and Queensland opened new agriculture streams in 2025. An approved state nomination adds 5 points and fast-tracks processing.
4. Global Talent Visa (Agriculture stream)
Targets PhD-level agricultural scientists, precision agriculture specialists, and AgTech innovators. Processing times average 2–4 months.
High-Demand Agribusiness Roles and State Priorities for 2025
– Agronomist & Agricultural Scientist – Every state and territory nominates these roles. Minimum 65 points + state nomination almost guarantees an invitation.
– Dairy Cattle Farmer & Livestock Farmer – Available through Northern Territory DAMA and South Australian regional agreements with concessional requirements.
– Horticulturist & Viticulturist** – Tasmania offers priority processing and lower points thresholds.
– Agricultural Engineer & Precision Agriculture Specialist – Strong demand under AgTech initiatives and Global Talent Visa.
– Aquaculture Manager & Irrigation Specialist – New additions to CSOL with growing regional sponsorship.
Regional Hotspots and State Nomination Updates
Tasmania leads with the broadest agriculture occupation list and fastest 491 processing (often under 3 months). South Australia added multiple DAMA regions in 2025, including the Riverland and Limestone Coast. Western Australia reopened its Graduate stream for agriculture degrees completed in WA. Queensland prioritises cotton, sugar cane, and tropical fruit specialists.
How to Position Yourself for Success in 2025
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) as soon as you have a positive skills assessment from VETASSESS or Engineers Australia. Claim every available point — age, English, Australian study, regional work, and state nomination. Many agribusiness applicants receive invitations at 70–80 points because of sector priority. Monitor monthly invitation rounds; agriculture consistently ranks in the highest-processed occupations.
Conclusion
Agribusiness has never been stronger for Australian skilled migration. With dozens of roles on the 2025 Core Skills Occupation List, multiple regional visa options, and active state sponsorship, qualified professionals can secure permanent residency faster than in most other sectors. Start your skills assessment and EOI today — the next invitation round could include your occupation.
