The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement: Sponsoring Senior Dairy Farm Workers and Operators
Skilled dairy staff are hard to find. So the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement gives farmers a sponsorship route with fixed concessions.
Agreement terms checked on 15 October 2026 on the Home Affairs ILA page and in the template agreement. Home Affairs can change them at any time. So confirm the current terms on the Home Affairs ILA page and in the template agreement before you act.
What the dairy ILA is
An industry labour agreement is a template deal between Home Affairs and a sector. As a result, the terms are set and non-negotiable. The dairy agreement runs for five years. However, the concessions depend on the visa and on the regional category of the farm.
For the wider picture, read our pillar guide to labour agreements in Australia. Our aged care, restaurant, meat and horticulture ILA guides cover four siblings. Meanwhile, our guide to what a DAMA is explains the regional alternative. Warrnambool farms can also compare the Great South Coast DAMA, which lists both roles.
The dairy ILA at a glance
| Item | Published position, checked 15 October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Visas available | 482, 494 and 186 after a three year transition |
| Occupations | Two stated, two counted; no ANZSCO code, use 070499 |
| Salary rule | Market rate; Category 3 may use 90 per cent of CSIT or TSMIT |
| English, 482 | IELTS 5.0 with 4.0 per component (Category 1); no minimum (Category 2 and 3) |
| English, 186 | IELTS 5.0 with 4.5 per component, all categories |
| Age limit, 494 and 186 | Standard in Category 1; under 55 in Category 2 and 3 |
| Experience rule | Senior worker Cert III plus two years, or three; operator Cert II or III, or one year |
| PR transition | 186 after three years with the sponsor on a 457 or 482 |
| Endorsing body and fee | None named by Home Affairs; no request fee |
Two occupations, neither with an ANZSCO code
Home Affairs lists two occupations: Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker and Dairy Cattle Farm Operator. We counted two on 15 October 2026. Neither has an ANZSCO code. Instead, the sponsor enters 070499 in ImmiAccount.
The agreement defines each role by its tasks. For example, the senior worker plans milking routines, runs calving and breeding programs and supervises staff across 25 listed tasks. By contrast, the operator’s 13 tasks are hands on: running the milking plant and maintaining machinery.
Skills, qualifications and experience
A Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker needs an AQF Certificate III, or an equivalent assessed by a registered training organisation. In addition, they need two years of recent and relevant experience. Alternatively, three years of experience will do.
A Dairy Cattle Farm Operator needs an AQF Certificate II or III, or equivalent. Otherwise, one year of recent and relevant experience can stand in for a 482. The template, though, asks for two years where the operator applies for a 494.
The visa rules add their own floors. A 494 applicant needs two years of recent and relevant experience. A 186 applicant needs three years of full time work in Australia in the occupation. Helpfully, the same experience counts toward both rules. Home Affairs names no skills assessing authority.
The English concession by location
The English rule changes with the regional category of the farm. For a 482 in Category 1, the worker needs IELTS 5.0 overall with at least 4.0 in each component. In Category 2 and 3, the score stays at 5.0 with no component minimum. The 494 uses the same rule.
For the 186, however, the bar is higher everywhere. The worker needs IELTS 5.0 with at least 4.5 in each component, or equivalent.
Salary: 90 per cent in Category 3 only
In Category 1 and 2 locations, the template says “nil concessions”. So the worker must earn the market rate, and at least the CSIT or the TSMIT. In Category 3, by contrast, guaranteed earnings may sit at 90 per cent of those thresholds. Both are AUD79,423 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. Hence the Category 3 floor is about AUD71,480.
Even so, every position must be full time. Moreover, an annualised salary needs a top-up if an equivalent Australian at the same farm earns more over a year.
Age and labour market testing
Home Affairs sets no age limit for the 482. For the 494 and the 186 in Category 1, the standard rule applies, which is under 45. In Category 2 and 3, however, the worker must be under 55 at lodgement.
Labour market testing applies to every 482 and 494 nomination. In Category 1, the evidence must match the standard program. In Category 2, the sponsor needs two attempts with national reach in the past 12 months. In Category 3, one of the two may be local. Home Affairs defines each category on its regional postcodes page. Our labour market testing guide covers the general rules.
The pathway to permanent residence
The agreement approves a 186 nomination only after a transition period. First, the worker needs three years of full time employment directly with the sponsor. That time must be as a primary 457 or 482 holder in the nominated occupation. On the 494 route, Home Affairs says permanent residence may follow three years after grant.
Extra obligations under the agreement
The template adds obligations. First, the sponsor must pay the worker directly, including tax and super. Second, it must give workplace rights information within seven days. Third, deductions need written authorisation and must mainly benefit the worker. Finally, any labour hire firm used must hold a licence.
What it costs
Home Affairs names no endorsing body, so no industry fee applies. Commonwealth figures, re-verified on Home Affairs on 15 October 2026:
- There is no cost to request a labour agreement.
- Sponsorship approval costs AUD420. A 482 nomination costs AUD330 and a 186 nomination AUD540.
- The SAF levy for the 482 is AUD1,200 per year under AUD10 million turnover, otherwise AUD1,800. For the 186 and 494, it is AUD3,000 or AUD5,000 one-off.
- The 482 Labour Agreement stream visa starts from AUD4,015. The 186 and 494 streams each start from AUD6,140.
See our guides to 482 sponsorship costs and the Skills in Demand visa.
Frequently asked questions
Which visas does the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement cover?
It covers the 482, the 494 and the 186. However, the 186 follows a three year transition as a 457 or 482 holder with the same sponsor.
Which occupations can a dairy farm sponsor under the ILA?
Only two: Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker and Dairy Cattle Farm Operator. Neither has an ANZSCO code, so the sponsor uses 070499 in ImmiAccount.
What English scores apply under the dairy ILA?
For the 482, IELTS 5.0 with 4.0 in each component in Category 1. In Category 2 and 3, IELTS 5.0 with no component minimum. For the 186, IELTS 5.0 with 4.5 in each component everywhere.
Is there a salary concession under the dairy ILA?
Only in Category 3 locations. There, earnings can be 90 per cent of the CSIT (482 and 186) or the TSMIT (494). Elsewhere, the standard thresholds and the market rate apply.
What is the age limit under the dairy ILA?
There is no age limit for the 482. For the 494 and 186, the standard rule applies in Category 1. In Category 2 and 3, the worker must be under 55 at lodgement.
Sam Kanjo, Migration Lawyer, Skyline Migration Lawyers, Melbourne.
Talk to us about the dairy ILA
We help dairy farms with labour agreement requests and nominations. Call Skyline Migration Lawyers on 03 8108 8748. Or email info@skylinemigrationlawyers.com.au.
This article is general information only. It is not legal advice and it does not guarantee any outcome. Labour agreement terms change, so please seek advice tailored to your business before you act.
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