Are you dreaming of starting a new life in Australia? With its strong economy, high quality of life, and multicultural society, Australia continues to attract skilled workers from around the world. One of the most sought-after pathways for working in Australia is through visa-sponsored jobs. These positions not only provide employment opportunities but also offer support from Australian employers to help you secure a valid work visa.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 10 visa-sponsored jobs in Australia for immigrants, the skills required, how to apply, and everything you need to get started on your journey to working and living Down Under.
Why Choose Australia for Employment?
Australia ranks among the top countries in the world for immigration, and for good reason. Here’s why immigrants prefer to work in Australia:
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High salaries and good working conditions
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Comprehensive healthcare and social security
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Multicultural and inclusive workplaces
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Opportunities for permanent residency
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A strong demand for skilled foreign workers
The Australian government also actively supports immigration through skilled migration programs, including the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).
1. Healthcare Professionals (Nurses & Doctors)
Visa Sponsorship Availability: ✅ High
Average Salary: AUD 80,000 – AUD 160,000/year
Required Visa: TSS 482, 186 Employer Nomination Scheme
Australia is facing a shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, especially in regional areas. Nurses, general practitioners, and medical specialists are highly in demand. Most public and private hospitals offer sponsorship to overseas-trained medical staff.
Top Skills Required:
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Nursing or medical degree (recognized in Australia)
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AHPRA registration (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
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IELTS/OET English proficiency
Popular Employers:
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Ramsay Health Care
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Healthscope
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NSW Health
2. Software Engineers and IT Specialists
Visa Sponsorship Availability: ✅ High
Average Salary: AUD 90,000 – AUD 130,000/year
Required Visa: TSS 482, 186 ENS, 189 Skilled Independent
The Australian tech sector is booming, with a massive demand for IT professionals. Roles such as software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, and network engineers are frequently listed in the Skilled Occupation List.
Top Skills Required:
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Bachelor’s degree in IT or Computer Science
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Experience with coding languages (Python, Java, C#, etc.)
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Cloud computing and cybersecurity certifications
Popular Employers:
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Atlassian
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Accenture
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IBM Australia
3. Engineers (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
Visa Sponsorship Availability: ✅ High
Average Salary: AUD 80,000 – AUD 120,000/year
Required Visa: TSS 482, 186 ENS
Australia’s infrastructure and construction industry is expanding rapidly, creating a high demand for skilled engineers. Civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural engineers are often offered visa sponsorships by engineering firms and public infrastructure agencies.
Top Skills Required:
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Engineering degree
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Chartered Engineer (CEng) status is a plus
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Registration with Engineers Australia
Popular Employers:
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GHD
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AECOM
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BHP
4. Aged Care Workers and Support Staff
Visa Sponsorship Availability: ✅ Moderate to High
Average Salary: AUD 50,000 – AUD 75,000/year
Required Visa: TSS 482, DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement)
With Australia’s aging population, aged care workers are in great demand. Many regional aged care facilities actively recruit overseas workers and provide sponsorship, especially in remote areas.
Top Skills Required:
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Certificate III in Aged Care (can be done online)
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Patience, compassion, and communication skills
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Police clearance and First Aid certification
Popular Employers:
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Regis Aged Care
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Southern Cross Care
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BlueCross
5. Teachers (Secondary & Early Childhood)
Visa Sponsorship Availability: ✅ Moderate to High
Average Salary: AUD 70,000 – AUD 100,000/year
Required Visa: TSS 482, 186 ENS, 494 Regional Sponsored
Teachers—especially those in math, science, and special education—are in short supply across Australia. Early childhood teachers are also needed in regional areas. Many public and private schools offer visa sponsorships to qualified foreign teachers.
Top Skills Required:
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Bachelor’s degree in Education
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Australian teaching license
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English proficiency test (IELTS/PTE)
Popular Employers:
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Goodstart Early Learning
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Department of Education (various states)
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Catholic Education Offices
6. Chefs and Cooks
Visa Sponsorship Availability: ✅ High
Average Salary: AUD 55,000 – AUD 75,000/year
Required Visa: TSS 482, DAMA
Australia’s hospitality industry heavily relies on immigrant workers. Talented chefs and cooks, particularly those with experience in ethnic cuisine, are often sponsored by restaurants, hotels, and catering companies.
Top Skills Required:
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Commercial cookery certificate or relevant experience
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HACCP knowledge (food safety)
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Creativity and stamina
Popular Employers:
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Accor Hotels
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Merivale Group
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Crown Resorts
7. Tradespeople (Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters)
Visa Sponsorship Availability: ✅ Moderate to High
Average Salary: AUD 60,000 – AUD 100,000/year
Required Visa: TSS 482, 186 ENS
Skilled tradespeople are consistently in high demand, particularly in construction and mining regions. Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters with Australian-recognized licenses are frequently sponsored by employers.
Top Skills Required:
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Apprenticeship or trade qualification
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Licensing (state-specific)
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Good physical condition
Popular Employers:
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Programmed Skilled Workforce
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BGC Group
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Multiplex
8. Agricultural Workers & Farm Hands
Visa Sponsorship Availability: ✅ Moderate (Often through DAMA)
Average Salary: AUD 48,000 – AUD 70,000/year
Required Visa: DAMA, TSS 482
Australia’s agriculture industry faces a persistent shortage of workers. Jobs such as fruit pickers, farmhands, and livestock handlers are available with visa sponsorship, especially through the DAMA stream in rural areas.
Top Skills Required:
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Physical fitness
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Ability to work in outdoor conditions
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Willingness to relocate regionally
Popular Employers:
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Costa Group
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AgriLabour Australia
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Harvest Trail Jobs
9. Accountants and Auditors
Visa Sponsorship Availability: ✅ Moderate
Average Salary: AUD 70,000 – AUD 110,000/year
Required Visa: TSS 482, 189 Skilled Independent
Accounting professionals, especially those with experience in tax, audit, and compliance, are in demand across various industries in Australia. Sponsorship is available through mid to large-sized firms.
Top Skills Required:
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Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
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CPA Australia/CA ANZ membership preferred
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Knowledge of Australian tax law
Popular Employers:
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Deloitte
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KPMG
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PwC
10. Truck Drivers and Heavy Vehicle Operators
Visa Sponsorship Availability: ✅ High (Especially through DAMA)
Average Salary: AUD 60,000 – AUD 90,000/year
Required Visa: TSS 482, DAMA
The Australian logistics and transport industry needs qualified truck drivers, especially for long-haul routes in regional Australia. Many transport companies offer sponsorships under the DAMA agreements.
Top Skills Required:
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Heavy Vehicle License (HR, HC, MC)
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Experience with long-distance driving
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Knowledge of road safety and logistics software
Popular Employers:
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Toll Group
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Linfox
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Lindsay Transport
How to Find Visa-Sponsored Jobs in Australia
Looking for visa-sponsored job opportunities? Here are some trusted job portals and recruitment agencies that can help:
Top Job Portals:
Popular Recruitment Agencies:
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Hays Recruitment
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Michael Page Australia
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Randstad Australia
When applying, ensure your resume and cover letter are aligned with Australian standards and clearly indicate that you are seeking visa sponsorship.
Tips for Getting Sponsored by an Australian Employer
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Target Regional Areas: Many regional areas are more open to sponsoring foreign workers under DAMA agreements.
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Tailor Your Resume: Use Australian-style formatting and terminology.
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Gain Local Certifications: Some jobs require Australian-recognized qualifications or licenses.
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Highlight Your Willingness to Relocate: Employers often prioritize candidates willing to work in remote locations.
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Use LinkedIn and Network: Build connections with professionals and recruiters in your field.
Final Thoughts
Australia offers a wealth of opportunities for skilled immigrants through visa-sponsored employment. Whether you’re a healthcare worker, IT expert, teacher, or tradesperson, there are clear pathways to not only work but eventually secure permanent residency in the country.
With the right qualifications, a proactive job search, and professional presentation, you can start a fulfilling life and career in Australia. If you’re ready to make the move, begin by exploring roles on trusted job portals and applying to employers offering sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓Can I get a job in Australia from abroad with visa sponsorship?
Yes. Many employers actively recruit overseas workers and offer sponsorship for skilled positions listed in Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
❓Do I need to be in Australia to get sponsored?
No. You can apply from your home country. Many companies conduct remote interviews and hire international candidates.
❓What are the most popular visas for sponsored workers?
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TSS 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
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Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme
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DAMA regional migration agreements
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Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
❓Is visa sponsorship the same as permanent residency?
No. Sponsored visas can lead to permanent residency (PR), but they are not PR themselves. Some, like the 186 visa, are permanent from the start.
❓How long does a sponsorship visa last?
TSS visas can be valid for up to 4 years, depending on the occupation and employer.
Start your Australian dream today! Explore visa-sponsored job opportunities and take the first step toward a brighter future in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.