High Paying Visa-Sponsored Jobs in Australia for International Workers 2024/2025 (Immediate Employment)

Types of Australian Visa-Sponsored Jobs

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa Jobs

One of the most popular pathways to securing a job in Australia with visa sponsorship is through the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, also known as the subclass 482 visa. This visa allows businesses to sponsor workers in occupations with skill shortages. Jobs under this visa category range from healthcare and IT to education and trades. The TSS visa is designed to address immediate skill gaps, allowing workers to stay for two to four years, with the possibility of transitioning to permanent residency.

2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa Jobs

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa or subclass 186 visa, is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are sponsored by their Australian employer. This visa is highly appealing for those who aim to settle in Australia long-term. Sectors such as healthcare, engineering and education frequently sponsor employees under the ENS visa, making it ideal for skilled professionals seeking stability.

3. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa Jobs

Australia’s Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa is specifically designed to bring skilled workers to regional areas of the country. This visa aims to support businesses outside major cities and is perfect for workers who don’t mind working in smaller communities. Agriculture, hospitality and trades are key industries where this visa is often sponsored, offering excellent salary packages and additional perks for those willing to work in regional Australia.

4. Working Holiday Visa Jobs

For those under 35 looking for short-term employment, the Working Holiday Visa is an option. Although not a direct pathway to permanent residency, this visa offers a great entry point for young professionals to gain work experience in Australia. Seasonal roles in agriculture, hospitality and tourism frequently offer jobs under this visa, providing an excellent foundation for later transitioning to other visa types.

Job Sectors Offering Visa Sponsorship in Australia

Healthcare

The Australian healthcare sector is one of the largest providers of visa-sponsored jobs. Demand is high for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and mental health experts. With the country’s aging population, healthcare roles are consistently on the priority list, especially in regional areas.

• Roles: General Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Mental Health Specialists, Physiotherapists
• Average Salary Range: AUD 80,000 to AUD 250,000 per year, depending on the role and location

Information Technology (IT)

As digital infrastructure continues to expand, so does the need for skilled IT professionals. Australia’s IT sector sponsors visas for roles in cybersecurity, software development, data analysis and project management, among others. Companies are eager to bring in global talent to meet their technology needs.

• Roles: Software Engineers, Data Scientists, IT Project Managers, Cybersecurity Analysts
• Average Salary Range: AUD 90,000 to AUD 150,000 per year, depending on specialization and experience

Engineering

The engineering field is another major sponsor of international workers. Australia is currently undergoing significant infrastructure development, requiring civil, mechanical and electrical engineers. Job opportunities for engineers often come with competitive salaries and the option to settle in Australia permanently.

• Roles: Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Structural Engineers
• Average Salary Range: AUD 70,000 to AUD 150,000 per year, based on expertise and location

Education

Australia’s education sector sponsors qualified teachers, particularly for regional schools where there is a shortage of educators. Early childhood education and special education teachers are especially in demand and institutions often provide support for visa sponsorship to qualified candidates.

• Roles: Early Childhood Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Special Education Teachers
• Average Salary Range: AUD 65,000 to AUD 120,000 annually, with regional schools often paying higher rates

Hospitality and Tourism

Australia’s thriving tourism industry provides numerous visa-sponsored jobs, especially in popular tourist destinations. Roles in hospitality are often readily available for those with skills in culinary arts, event planning and hotel management.

• Roles: Chefs, Hotel Managers, Tour Guides, Event Coordinators
• Average Salary Range: AUD 50,000 to AUD 90,000 annually, with potential for tips and bonuses in certain roles

Construction

Construction is a high-demand sector that frequently seeks skilled labor. With various major infrastructure projects, there is an increased need for project managers, architects, electricians and skilled tradespeople. The construction industry also offers visa sponsorship for entry-level roles, making it accessible for workers of varying experience levels.

• Roles: Construction Project Managers, Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers
• Average Salary Range: AUD 60,000 to AUD 120,000 annually, with roles in larger cities or specialized projects paying higher

Easiest Australian Visa-Sponsored Jobs to Get

Agricultural Jobs

Agriculture is an easy-entry industry for visa-sponsored jobs, especially in rural areas where there is a shortage of workers. Seasonal roles are abundant, from fruit picking to livestock handling, often requiring minimal qualifications. The sector also provides steady work and an opportunity to experience life in Australia’s scenic rural landscapes.

• Roles: Farm Workers, Fruit Pickers, Cattle Handlers
• Average Salary Range: AUD 40,000 to AUD 65,000 annually, with seasonal work often paying hourly rates

Hospitality and Tourism Entry-Level Jobs

For individuals with limited experience, the hospitality sector offers entry-level roles like waitstaff, kitchen hands and baristas, especially in tourist-heavy areas. With Australia’s vibrant tourism industry, securing these positions can be easier than in more competitive sectors and many establishments provide visa sponsorship for foreign workers.

• Roles: Waitstaff, Bartenders, Baristas, Kitchen Assistants
• Average Salary Range: AUD 45,000 to AUD 70,000 annually, with some roles offering additional benefits like meals and accommodation

Retail and Customer Service

With strong demand for customer-facing roles, the retail sector frequently offers visa sponsorship for positions in sales and customer support. While often entry-level, these jobs provide solid income and a friendly environment, ideal for those new to the Australian workforce.

• Roles: Retail Assistants, Cashiers, Customer Service Representatives
• Average Salary Range: AUD 45,000 to AUD 65,000 per year, with potential for commissions

Cleaning and Maintenance Roles

Cleaning and maintenance work is accessible and often in demand across Australia. With various roles in hotels, offices and residential buildings, employers regularly offer visa sponsorship to those willing to work in these essential but sometimes overlooked jobs.

• Roles: Cleaners, Maintenance Workers, Housekeepers
• Average Salary Range: AUD 40,000 to AUD 60,000 annually, with flexibility for part-time work

Skilled Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Australia

Australia’s skilled occupation lists outline professions in high demand, making it easier to secure sponsorship if your qualifications match these roles. Skilled jobs typically require specific education, training and/or professional certifications. Here are some key sectors and roles within the skilled category:

1. Healthcare and Medical Roles

• Roles: Doctors, Registered Nurses, Allied Health Professionals (e.g., Physiotherapists, Pharmacists), Dentists, Aged Care Workers
• Annual Salary Range: AUD 80,000 – AUD 250,000
• Insights: With Australia’s aging population and rural health needs, healthcare professionals are in high demand, especially in regional areas where skilled workers are scarce.

2. Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunications

• Roles: Software Developers, Data Scientists, Cybersecurity Analysts, IT Project Managers, Network Engineers
• Annual Salary Range: AUD 90,000 – AUD 160,000
• Insights: As businesses embrace digital transformation, IT professionals are among the most sought-after workers, especially in fields like cybersecurity and data analysis.

3. Engineering

• Roles: Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Mining Engineers, Environmental Engineers
• Annual Salary Range: AUD 75,000 – AUD 150,000
• Insights: Australia’s infrastructure projects, mining industry and renewable energy initiatives create a steady demand for engineers, with rural and regional projects often offering attractive packages to sponsored employees.

4. Education and Teaching

• Roles: Primary and Secondary School Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, Special Education Teachers, Academic Researchers
• Annual Salary Range: AUD 65,000 – AUD 120,000
• Insights: Education roles, particularly in early childhood and special education, are high-priority jobs with sponsorship available, especially in regional schools and underserved areas.

5. Trade and Technical Professions

• Roles: Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, HVAC Technicians, Mechanics
• Annual Salary Range: AUD 60,000 – AUD 100,000
• Insights: Trade professionals are critical to Australia’s booming construction sector. The government encourages skilled tradespeople to work in regional areas, where visa sponsorship is readily available.

6. Accounting and Finance

• Roles: Accountants, Financial Analysts, Auditors, Investment Advisors
• Annual Salary Range: AUD 70,000 – AUD 130,000
• Insights: Accountants and finance professionals are in demand, especially those with specializations in compliance, auditing and financial planning, as businesses seek to streamline operations and meet regulatory standards.

Unskilled Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Australia

Australia also offers visa-sponsored opportunities for unskilled or semi-skilled workers, especially in sectors that face chronic labor shortages, such as agriculture and hospitality. These roles generally require minimal qualifications or specialized skills, making them accessible for a wider range of job seekers.

1. Agriculture and Farming

• Roles: Fruit Pickers, Farm Hands, Livestock Attendants, Dairy Workers
• Annual Salary Range: AUD 40,000 – AUD 65,000
• Insights: Seasonal work on farms, especially in rural and regional areas, has a high demand for international workers willing to take on unskilled roles. Some employers offer accommodation and meals in addition to salaries.

2. Hospitality and Tourism

• Roles: Waitstaff, Kitchen Hands, Baristas, Housekeepers, Hotel Front Desk Attendants
• Annual Salary Range: AUD 45,000 – AUD 70,000 (with potential for tips)
• Insights: Australia’s vibrant tourism industry constantly seeks entry-level workers in restaurants, cafes and hotels, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland.

3. Construction Labor

• Roles: General Laborers, Construction Site Helpers, Cleaners, Maintenance Workers
• Annual Salary Range: AUD 50,000 – AUD 80,000
• Insights: Construction jobs provide steady work and are in high demand across Australia’s urban and regional areas. These roles offer attractive wages for unskilled labor and sometimes include on-the-job training.

4. Retail and Customer Service

• Roles: Retail Assistants, Cashiers, Customer Service Representatives
• Annual Salary Range: AUD 45,000 – AUD 65,000
• Insights: Retail and customer service positions in major cities and shopping centers frequently need workers, especially during peak seasons. These jobs often provide visa sponsorship to keep up with demand in this sector.

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

• Roles: Cleaners, Janitors, Maintenance Workers, Groundskeepers
• Annual Salary Range: AUD 40,000 – AUD 60,000
• Insights: Cleaning and maintenance work is essential and visa sponsorship is often available as employers face a shortage of workers willing to take up these roles.

6. Logistics and Warehouse Roles

• Roles: Packers, Warehouse Assistants, Forklift Operators, Delivery Drivers
• Annual Salary Range: AUD 45,000 – AUD 70,000
• Insights: The logistics sector has seen significant growth, with companies regularly seeking visa-sponsored workers to support supply chain and distribution needs across the country.

Comparing Skilled vs. Unskilled Visa-Sponsored Jobs in Australia

Pathways and Considerations for Unskilled Workers

Unskilled roles often present a viable path to obtaining visa sponsorship, especially through Australia’s Working Holiday and Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas for certain occupations. Some of these roles can be stepping stones, allowing workers to gain experience, build networks and, in some cases, move into more skilled positions through training programs or on-the-job experience.

Securing a visa-sponsored job in Australia can be both achievable and rewarding, regardless of whether the position is skilled or unskilled. Skilled roles offer higher salaries and a faster route to permanent residency, while unskilled positions provide accessibility and are often easier to secure in high-demand sectors like agriculture and hospitality.

Eligibility Criteria for Australian Visa-Sponsored Jobs

Securing a visa-sponsored job in Australia requires meeting both the eligibility criteria for the job and the visa itself. Each visa category, like the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa, has specific requirements for applicants. Here’s a breakdown of the general eligibility criteria:

1. Relevant Qualifications and Work Experience

• Most Australian visa-sponsored jobs require applicants to possess qualifications and work experience relevant to their field. This can range from a university degree to vocational certifications, depending on the role.
• For highly skilled professions like healthcare, engineering and IT, employers look for candidates with advanced qualifications or certifications.
• For entry-level and less technical roles, like those in hospitality, agriculture or retail, employers often require only minimal qualifications or prior work experience.

2. Proficiency in English

• English proficiency is crucial for most visa categories. You will typically need to take an English language test, such as IELTS, PTE or TOEFL, to prove your competency.
• Scores required vary by visa type, but generally, you’ll need to achieve at least a “Competent” level, with a minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS or equivalent.

3. Skills Assessment (for Specific Occupations)

• Certain professions require a formal skills assessment, which involves evaluating your qualifications and experience to ensure they meet Australian standards.
• The relevant assessing authority depends on your profession; for instance, Engineers Australia assesses engineers and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) assesses nurses.

4. Health and Character Requirements

• All visa applicants must undergo a health check-up to confirm they meet Australian health standards. This is especially important for those in healthcare-related jobs.
• You’ll also need to pass a character assessment, usually requiring a police clearance certificate from your home country to confirm that you have no criminal record.

5. Age Requirements

• The age requirement varies based on visa type, but generally, you must be under 45 for most skilled visa categories. However, some exceptions apply for certain roles or if you already have significant experience in the industry.

Application Process for Australian Visa-Sponsored Jobs

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can start the application process, which involves finding a sponsoring employer and completing visa formalities. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify Job Opportunities with Visa Sponsorship

• Begin by searching for jobs on Australian job portals like Seek, Indeed Australia and LinkedIn. Look for positions that specifically mention visa sponsorship as part of their offer.
• Alternatively, connect with recruitment agencies specializing in visa-sponsored roles to streamline your job search.

2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter for Australian Standards

• Customize your resume to highlight relevant qualifications, skills and experience that align with Australian standards.
• A cover letter is often required, so write one that emphasizes your adaptability and eagerness to contribute to the Australian workplace.

3. Apply Directly to Employers and Attend Interviews

• Submit your application online or through recruitment agencies. If your skills are a good match, you may be invited for an interview.
• Many Australian employers conduct initial interviews online. Prepare for questions related to your skills, experience and reasons for wanting to work in Australia.

4. Obtain a Job Offer and Secure Sponsorship

• If you pass the interview, the employer will offer you a job and sponsor your visa application. Sponsorship is crucial as it shows the Australian government that your skills are in demand.
• The employer will submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.

5. Complete Your Visa Application

• Once your employer’s nomination is approved, you can proceed with your visa application. Apply for the relevant visa subclass through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
• Fill in personal details, attach required documents (like your passport, qualifications and skills assessments) and submit your application along with the required fee.

6. Attend Health Checks and Submit Biometrics (if required)

• Some visa applications require a health examination to ensure you meet the health standards. You may also need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at an authorized center.

7. Wait for Visa Approval and Prepare for Relocation

• After submitting your visa application, processing times can vary from a few weeks to several months. You’ll receive your visa grant notification once approved, allowing you to make relocation arrangements.
• Prepare necessary travel documents and familiarize yourself with Australian work culture and laws.

Additional Tips for a Successful Application

• Build Professional Connections: Networking can increase your chances of finding sponsorship. Attend virtual job fairs, connect with Australian employers on LinkedIn and reach out to industry-specific recruiters.
• Stay Updated on Occupation Lists: Australia regularly updates its skilled occupation lists, which specify in-demand roles eligible for visa sponsorship. Checking this list frequently can help target professions with higher chances of sponsorship.
• Understand Regional Opportunities: Regional Australia has a strong demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers, with several visa pathways favoring applicants willing to work outside major cities.

Securing an Australian visa-sponsored job can be a rigorous process, but by understanding the eligibility criteria and following a structured application process, you can enhance your chances of success and start a rewarding career journey in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions