Visa delays threaten Victorian farming season

7News Just In · Sep 18, 2026 · 2m

The Federal Government's immigration overhaul has extended working holiday visa processing times from 30 minutes to three months, leaving Victorian farmers facing severe labour shortages during what could be a record cropping season. Twenty Irish and British drivers who applied in July remain in limbo, while changes to the working holiday visa lottery system for second and third season farm workers have reduced incentives for international workers. Agriculture contractors and visa lawyers warn the shortage could lead to food shortages and increased supermarket prices, with the impact rippling…