How to Get PR in Australia as a Pig Farmer
Updated: 12 October 2026
Pig Farmer (ANZSCO 121318) is on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List. That means an approved employer can sponsor you on the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa and later nominate you for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
A second route runs through the Pork Industry Labour Agreement, which covers the occupation of Senior Stockperson (Piggery). A third runs through the regional subclass 494 to the subclass 191.
This page covers every PR pathway open to pig farmers and pork industry workers.
Key takeaways
Pig Farmer is eligible for the 482, 186, 494 and 491 visas.
The Pork Industry Labour Agreement adds the Senior Stockperson (Piggery) role, with PR through the 186 after a three-year transition period.
Agriculture occupations sit in Priority 1 for visa processing under Ministerial Directions 121 and 122.
Skills assessment is through VETASSESS.
What visas can a Pig Farmer apply for?
On the Home Affairs skilled occupation list, Pig Farmer (ANZSCO 121318) is eligible for:
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) — Core Skills stream, up to 4 years
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) — permanent, Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition stream
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) — provisional, leads to 191
Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) — provisional, leads to 191
The 482 and 494 are temporary. The 186 is permanent. The 491 and 494 are provisional and lead to the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after three years.
PR pathway 1: 482 to 186 (Temporary Residence Transition)
This is the most direct employer-sponsored route.
Your employer sponsors you on a 482 visa as a Pig Farmer.
You work at least 2 years full time in that sponsored role.
Your employer nominates you for the 186 (TRT stream).
Home Affairs grants the 186. You are a permanent resident.
Requirements for the 186 TRT stream:
Hold a 482 (or 457 or eligible bridging visa)
At least 2 years full-time sponsored employment
Nomination from an Australian employer, approved in the 6 months before you apply
Read the full route: 482 visa to permanent residency.
PR pathway 2: Pork Industry Labour Agreement
The Pork Industry Labour Agreement covers the occupation of Senior Stockperson (Piggery). There is no ANZSCO code for this role — use code 070499.
Visas available under this agreement:
482 (temporary, up to 4 years)
186 (permanent, after a three-year transition period)
494 (provisional regional)
Your employer must hold the agreement before it can nominate you. Search the labour agreement company list to check.
What does a Senior Stockperson (Piggery) do?
The agreement defines the role's tasks. They include:
Supervising the site, facilities and staff
Maintaining the company quality assurance program
Selecting breeding stock and pigs for sale
Inspecting livestock daily and treating compromised animals
Supervising and managing mating (natural or artificial insemination)
Supervising the birthing process, including internal assessments during parturition
Collecting boar semen and performing artificial insemination laboratory duties
Euthanising sick or injured stock in accordance with the Model Code of Practice
Conducting post-mortem examinations and reporting findings
English language
For the 482: meet the Core Skills stream English requirements.
For the 186 and 494: IELTS overall 5.0 with at least 4.5 in each component, or equivalent.
Qualifications and experience
You need one of the following:
AQF Certificate III in Agriculture (Pig Production), or equivalent, plus at least 3 years of recent and relevant experience in a medium-to-large commercial piggery
AQF Certificate III in Agriculture (Pig Production) plus at least 18 months relevant Australian experience
5 years of recent and relevant experience (no formal qualification)
Salary
Your employer must pay at least the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) of AUD $79,423, or the Australian market salary rate, whichever is higher.
In Category 3 regional locations, the minimum can be 90% of the TSMIT for 494 visas, or 90% of the CSIT for 482 and 186 visas.
Age
482: no age limit
186 and 494 in Category 1 regional areas: standard age limit (under 45)
186 and 494 in Category 2 and 3 regional areas: under 55
PR pathway 3: 494 to 191 (regional route)
If your employer is in a designated regional area, this route may work even without a labour agreement.
Your employer sponsors you on a 494 visa as a Pig Farmer (ANZSCO 121318).
You live and work in the regional area for at least 3 years.
You apply for the 191.
For the 191:
Hold a 494 (or 491) for at least 3 years
Provide ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years out of 5
Comply with visa conditions throughout
No minimum income threshold
See 494 visa to PR and the 494 visa guide.
PR pathway 4: State nomination (190 or 491)
Pig Farmer is on several state skilled occupation lists. If a state or territory nominates you, you can apply for:
Subclass 190 — permanent from the start
Subclass 491 — provisional, then 191 after 3 years
Both are points-tested. You need:
A positive skills assessment from VETASSESS
An Expression of Interest in SkillSelect
An invitation from the state or territory
Check each state's list on state and regional nomination. Estimate your score with the points calculator.
Skills assessment for Pig Farmer
The assessing authority for Pig Farmer (ANZSCO 121318) is VETASSESS.
You typically need:
VETASSESS offers four pathways for Group B:
Pathway 1. Bachelor or higher in a highly relevant field + 1 year post-qualification employment in the last 5 years.
Pathway 2. Bachelor or higher in a non-relevant field + an additional Diploma (or higher) in a highly relevant field + 2 years post-qualification employment in the last 5 years.
Pathway 3. Bachelor or higher in a non-relevant field, no additional relevant qualification + 3 years post-qualification employment in the last 5 years.
Pathway 4 (pre-qualification). Bachelor or higher (any field) + 6 years total employment including at least 1 year highly relevant in the last 5 years.
Highly relevant fields of study:
Agriculture
Animal Science and Husbandry
Biology
Pig Breeding
Pork Production
Veterinary Science
Employment must be at least 20 hours per week and at an appropriate skill level. Roles that mainly involve feeding livestock or animals do not qualify — those fall under ANZSCO Unit Groups 8412, 8415 and 8416 (Farm Workers).
Occupations accepted under this code include Pig Breeder and Pig Farm Manager.
For the Pork Industry Labour Agreement (Senior Stockperson), the assessment pathway is different — see the qualifications section above. Confirm the latest requirements directly on vetassess.com.au.
If you claim experience in lieu of a qualification, VETASSESS sets the benchmark. Confirm the current requirements directly on vetassess.com.au.
For the Pork Industry Labour Agreement (Senior Stockperson), the assessment pathway is different — see the qualifications section above.
Frequently asked questions
Can a pig farm worker get PR in Australia?
Yes, if you hold a skilled occupation. Pig Farmer (ANZSCO 121318) is on the Core Skills Occupation List, so an employer can sponsor you on a 482 visa and later nominate you for a 186. Alternatively, the Pork Industry Labour Agreement covers Senior Stockperson (Piggery) roles.
What ANZSCO code do pig farmers use?
Pig Farmer is ANZSCO 121318. If you are sponsored under the Pork Industry Labour Agreement as a Senior Stockperson (Piggery), use code 070499.
How long does it take to get PR as a pig farmer?
Through the 482 to 186 route, you need at least 2 years of sponsored work. Through the 494 to 191, you need 3 years. The Pork Industry Labour Agreement requires a 3-year transition before the 186.
Is pig farming a priority occupation for visa processing?
Yes. Since 19 September 2026, agriculture occupations are in Priority 1 under Ministerial Directions 121 and 122.
Do I need IELTS for a pig farmer visa?
Yes. The minimum varies by visa and pathway. Under the Pork Industry Labour Agreement, the 482 requires Core Skills stream English. The 186 and 494 require IELTS overall 5.0 with at least 4.5 in each component, or equivalent.
Need help with your pig farmer PR pathway?
RACC's registered migration agents can assess your occupation, employer and location and map out the fastest route.
MARN 1572961
MARN 1172003
For a broader overview of all farm and agriculture routes, see How to Get PR in Australia as a Farm or Agriculture Worker.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute migration or legal advice. Australian immigration rules change frequently. Always confirm current requirements on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and seek advice from a registered migration agent before making any visa decisions.
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