Specified work is paid work in a listed industry, done in an eligible postcode. Common examples are fruit picking and packing, pruning, livestock and dairy work, construction labouring and mining in regional Australia, and hospitality in northern or remote Australia.
Last checked: 25 October 2026
Jobs that usually count (417)
| Industry | Examples | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Plant and animal cultivation | Picking, packing, pruning, thinning, planting, weeding, tractor work, livestock, shearing, dairy, horse breeding | Regional Australia |
| Fishing and pearling | Deckhand on a fishing boat, pearl farm work | Regional Australia |
| Tree farming and felling | Planting or felling trees for timber, log transport from the plantation | Regional Australia |
| Mining | Mine site and quarry work, including support roles | Regional Australia |
| Construction | Labouring, building, painting, scaffolding, demolition | Regional Australia |
| Tourism and hospitality | Bar, restaurant, hostel, hotel, tour guide, dive instructor | Northern Australia, remote and very remote Australia, and postcodes 4406, 4416, 4498, 7215 |
| Disaster recovery | Clean-up and rebuilding, paid or volunteer | Declared bushfire or severe weather areas |
On a 462 visa, fishing, pearling and tree farming only count in northern Australia, and mining does not count. See the 462 guide.
Jobs that usually do not count
- Hospitality and retail in cities and most coastal towns outside the north
- Work in a shop or café that sells farm produce but is not part of the farm
- Unpaid work for accommodation (except approved disaster recovery volunteering)
Not sure? Ask the employer for their postcode and check it against the Home Affairs list before you start. See how to count your days.
Frequently asked questions
Does working in a packing shed count?
Yes, packing produce on or near the farm is part of plant cultivation, as long as it is in an eligible regional postcode and you are paid properly.
Does WWOOFing count for a second year visa?
No. Unpaid work for food and accommodation does not count. Only approved volunteer recovery work in declared disaster areas is accepted unpaid.
Official sources: Home Affairs: 417 specified work · Home Affairs: 462 specified work. Rules change, so always check the official source before you apply or sign anything.
