Fruit Picker Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship 2025 | Apply Now
Australia is one of the largest exporters of fruits and vegetables in the world, and every year, thousands of seasonal workers are needed across various states to meet agricultural demand. In 2025, fruit picker jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship present a golden opportunity for foreigners seeking employment abroad.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything about working as a fruit picker in Australia in 2025 — including job details, top employers, visa options, salary expectations, benefits, and a step-by-step application process.
Why Choose Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia?
Fruit picking and farm work are in high demand in Australia, especially in rural and regional areas. These roles are suitable for:
- Foreigners seeking entry-level work
- Students and backpackers
- People seeking a visa pathway to permanent residency
- Seasonal workers from Pacific and Southeast Asian countries
Benefits include:
- No formal education required
- On-the-job training
- Competitive wages (hourly or piece rate)
- Visa sponsorship opportunities
- Possibility of permanent work
Key Job Details (Fruit Picker Jobs 2025)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Fruit Picker, Farmhand, Harvest Worker, Fruit Packer |
| Top Companies | Costa Group, Agri Labour Australia, Harvest Trail, Madec, Flavorite |
| Education | No formal education required |
| Experience | No prior experience necessary (but preferred by some employers) |
| Location | Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania, WA |
| Employment Type | Full-time, Part-time, Seasonal, Casual |
| Salary Range | AUD $21.38 – $30/hour or piece rate (as per Fair Work Australia guidelines) |
Types of Fruit Picker Jobs in Australia
1. Apple Picking
Found mainly in Tasmania and Victoria during February–May.
2. Berry Harvesting
Includes strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in QLD, NSW, and VIC.
3. Citrus Picking
Oranges, mandarins, and lemons — typically in SA and NSW.
4. Grapes and Vineyard Work
Common in wine regions like South Australia, Western Australia, and Victoria.
5. Stone Fruits
Plums, cherries, apricots, and peaches — mostly in summer months.
Top Employers and Agencies Offering Visa Sponsorship
Several major agribusiness companies and recruitment agencies in Australia are authorized to sponsor foreign fruit pickers under the Seasonal Worker Programme or the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
| Company/Agency | Location | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Group | QLD, VIC, SA, TAS | Accommodation, transport, training, visa sponsorship |
| Agri Labour Australia | National | Visa processing, relocation assistance, farm work jobs |
| MADEC | VIC, NSW, SA | Part of Harvest Trail Services, helps international workers |
| Flavorite | VIC | Greenhouse farm jobs, relocation help, visa sponsorship |
| Harvest Trail | Government portal | Lists fruit picking jobs with visa support across regions |
Eligibility Requirements for Fruit Picker Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
To work legally in Australia as a fruit picker with visa sponsorship, you must meet the following basic eligibility:
1. Age Limit
- 18 years and above
- No upper limit for most visa types
2. Physical Fitness
- Able to stand for long hours
- Capable of manual labour in all weather conditions
3. Language Requirements
- Basic English for safety and instructions
- No IELTS required for Seasonal Worker visas
4. Character and Health Checks
- Police clearance
- Medical examination (especially for long-term visas)
5. Job Offer from Approved Employer
- Must have an employer willing to sponsor under PALM or another visa program
Visa Options for Fruit Pickers in Australia (2025)
1. Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) Visa (Subclass 403)
For short-term agricultural jobs up to 9 months.
Key Features:
- Must be from eligible countries (e.g., Timor-Leste, Tonga, Fiji, PNG)
- Sponsored by an approved employer
- Provided with accommodation and transport assistance
- Return home after contract completion
2. Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme
Covers both short-term and long-term employment in agriculture.
Eligibility:
- Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens
- Sponsored by PALM-approved employer
- Up to 4 years of work, depending on role
- Visa, travel, and health insurance costs usually covered by employer
3. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462)
Ideal for applicants aged 18–30 (up to 35 for some countries).
Features:
- Allows 12 months stay with renewal options
- Farm work helps extend visa to 2nd or 3rd year
- No sponsorship needed if self-arranged
4. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
For highly experienced workers or long-term regional employment.
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Must meet English, skill, and experience requirements
- Employer sponsorship required
Salary Expectations for Fruit Pickers in Australia
Australia follows Fair Work guidelines ensuring minimum wages for agricultural workers.
| Pay Type | Wage |
|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | AUD $21.38 – $30/hour (depending on employer) |
| Piece Rate | Varies based on quantity picked (e.g., per kg) |
| Weekly | AUD $800 – $1,400 on average |
| Annual (full-time) | AUD $45,000 – $55,000 |
Some farms offer performance bonuses, free meals, or accommodation discounts.
Benefits of Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
✅ Legal Work with Employer Support
- No risk of illegal employment or deportation
- Visa handled by registered sponsors
✅ Health Insurance
- Provided under visa agreements like PALM and SWP
✅ Accommodation and Transport
- Most employers provide low-cost or free housing
- Transport to and from job sites included
✅ Pathways to Residency
- Longer visa options may lead to PR under regional visas
✅ Cultural Exchange
- Work with people from various countries
- Opportunity to explore rural Australia
Step-by-Step Application Process (2025)
Step 1: Search for Jobs
- Use official sources like:
Search using keywords: “fruit picker jobs visa sponsorship”, “PALM jobs Australia”
Step 2: Submit Application
- Prepare a basic resume
- Include contact info, work experience, physical ability, and willingness to relocate
- Attach passport and relevant documents
Step 3: Interview
- Most employers conduct basic phone or online interviews
- Some agencies may conduct physical fitness tests or group training sessions
Step 4: Get Sponsorship & Visa
- Once selected, the employer will:
- Lodge a visa application on your behalf (SWP, PALM, etc.)
- Send you a job offer letter and contract
Step 5: Prepare for Travel
- Attend orientation/training in your home country
- Book flights and pack accordingly
- Travel to designated region in Australia
Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- Resume/CV
- National ID card
- Passport-size photos
- Proof of fitness (if needed)
- Police clearance certificate
- Job offer letter (provided by employer)
- Signed work contract
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply early (Australia’s peak fruit seasons start from December)
- Be flexible with work location and job type
- Take free online farm safety training
- Join Facebook groups or forums for harvest workers
- Stay physically fit and ready for manual tasks
- Ensure your resume is simple and clear
Real-Life Testimony
Name: Maria R., 26
Country: Philippines
Job: Citrus Picker – NSW
Visa: Seasonal Worker Subclass 403
Earnings: AUD $1,200 per week
Experience: “It was hard work, but the pay and experience were worth it. I’ve saved enough and hope to return again in 2025. The employer provided accommodation and was supportive.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Do I need experience for fruit picking jobs in Australia?
No, but some employers prefer candidates who have done farm work before.
❓ Is visa sponsorship guaranteed?
No. You must apply to approved employers offering sponsorship under official visa schemes like PALM or SWP.
❓ Can I apply from Africa or Asia?
Yes, especially if you’re from PALM-eligible countries. Others can apply under Subclass 417/462 or find regional employers offering sponsorship.
❓ How long does the visa process take?
Typically 4–6 weeks, but it varies based on the program and country of origin.
Final Thoughts
Fruit picker jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2025 present one of the easiest and most accessible ways for foreigners to live and work in Australia. With competitive wages, legal employment, and potential for residency, it’s a great opportunity for those ready for hard but rewarding work.
From Queensland’s banana farms to Victoria’s apple orchards, the country needs thousands of seasonal workers. Don’t miss your chance — start your application today and take a step toward working in the land Down Under!
