Want to work in Australia but unsure how to make it happen? You’re not alone. Many people want to move to Australia for its high quality of life, strong economy, and beautiful landscapes. The good news is, it’s possible to come to Australia on a work visa with employer sponsorship. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to achieve this by finding a job and connecting with the right employers.
In this article, you’ll learn:
-
What visa sponsorship means and which visas to target.
-
Five top websites to find visa sponsorship jobs in Australia.
-
How to identify and approach accredited employers who can sponsor your visa.
-
Tips to avoid scams and ensure your job search is safe and successful.
By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to follow. Let’s get started.
Understanding Visa Sponsorship in Australia
First things first: what is visa sponsorship? In simple terms, visa sponsorship means an Australian employer agrees to hire you and support your visa application. This allows you to live and work in Australia legally. There are different types of visas, but the two main ones we’ll focus on are:
-
Visa 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa): This is a temporary visa that lets you work for your sponsor for up to four years. After two years, you may be eligible for permanent residency.
-
Visa 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa): This is a permanent residency visa for highly skilled workers. Your employer nominates you, and you can live and work in Australia indefinitely.
Both visas require you to have a job offer from an accredited Australian employer. That’s why finding the right employer is key.
Why Australia Needs You: The Job Market in 2025
Australia has a strong demand for skilled workers in various industries, including healthcare, IT, engineering, and hospitality. In 2025, the country continues to face labor shortages, making it an ideal time to apply for visa sponsorship jobs. Employers are actively looking for international talent to fill these gaps, especially in roles like:
-
Nurses and healthcare professionals
-
Software developers and IT specialists
-
Chefs and hospitality workers
-
Accountants and finance experts
-
Teachers and educators
If you have skills in these areas, your chances of securing a visa sponsorship job are even higher.
Step 1: Know Your Visa Options
Before you start job hunting, it’s important to understand which visa is right for you.
Visa 482: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
-
Best For: Workers with skills in demand who want to live in Australia temporarily.
-
Duration: Up to 4 years.
-
Family: You can bring your family.
-
Path to Permanent Residency: After 2 years, you may qualify for a permanent visa.
-
Employer Role: Your employer covers most costs, including visa fees.
Visa 186: Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
-
Best For: Highly skilled workers seeking permanent residency.
-
Duration: Permanent.
-
Family: You can bring your family.
-
Employer Role: Your employer sponsors you, but you may need to cover the visa fees yourself.
If you’re not sure which one to choose, Visa 482 is a great starting point, especially if you’re new to Australia. It’s easier to get and can lead to permanent residency later.
Step 2: Find Visa Sponsorship Jobs on These 5 Websites
Now, let’s talk about where to find jobs that offer visa sponsorship. Here are five top websites to start your search:
1. CareerOne (careerone.com.au)
CareerOne is a popular job site in Australia. You can search for jobs by typing “visa sponsorship” along with your job title, like “nurse with visa sponsorship” or “chef with visa sponsorship.” This helps you find employers willing to sponsor international workers.
Pro Tip: If you don’t see “visa sponsorship” mentioned, you can still apply to local jobs and ask the employer if they’re open to sponsoring you.
2. Indeed Australia (au.indeed.com)
Indeed is a global job platform with a dedicated Australian section. Search for “visa sponsorship jobs” or your specific role. If you find a local job that interests you, send a short, professional email to the employer explaining your skills and asking about sponsorship.
Pro Tip: Keep your email concise. Focus on what you can offer the company, not why you want to leave your country.
3. Seek Australia (seek.com.au)
Seek is one of Australia’s largest job sites. You can search for visa sponsorship jobs or filter by job classification (e.g., healthcare, IT). If you’re not sure, just type your job title and see what comes up.
Pro Tip: Sign up for job alerts to get notified when new roles are posted.
4. Jora Australia (au.jora.com)
Jora is another excellent site for finding Australian jobs. Search for visa sponsorship roles or browse local listings. It’s simple to use and lists jobs from multiple sources.
Pro Tip: Check back regularly—new jobs are added daily.
5. Workforce Australia
Workforce Australia is a government-backed platform with a wide range of job listings. You can search by location or leave it broad to see opportunities across the country.
Pro Tip: Use the filters to narrow down your search to jobs that match your skills.
Bonus: LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and job hunting. Search for jobs in Australia, and use the “Easy Apply” feature for quick applications. You can also connect with Australian employers and recruiters directly.
Pro Tip: Update your LinkedIn profile to highlight your skills and experience. Mention that you’re open to relocation.
Step 3: Identify Accredited Employers Who Can Sponsor You
Not every employer in Australia can sponsor your visa. Only accredited employers are allowed to bring in overseas workers. These are companies approved by the Australian government to hire internationally.
Here’s how to find them:
1. Check the List of Accredited Employers
The Australian government provides a list of accredited employers for Visa 482 and Visa 186. Some examples include:
-
Flying Bark Productions Pty
-
Employer Motion Management Pty
-
A. Crawford and Company Australia Pty
-
Essential BMV
-
MEA Little Company of Mary Health Care Limited
You can find the full list on the government’s immigration website or through the link provided in this article’s description.
2. Visit Their Websites
Once you have the list, copy the company names and search for them online. Go to their official websites and look for the “Careers” or “Jobs” section. Check if they have any openings that match your skills.
Pro Tip: If there are no current openings, you can still send a polite email to their HR department. Introduce yourself, mention your skills, and ask if they’re open to sponsoring international workers in the future.
3. Subscribe to Their Mailing Lists
Many companies have newsletters or job alert systems. Sign up so you’re notified when new positions become available.
Step 4: How to Approach Employers for Visa Sponsorship
Finding a job is one thing; convincing an employer to sponsor your visa is another. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Tailor Your Application
When applying, make sure your resume and cover letter are customized to the job. Highlight your skills and experience that match the role.
2. Be Professional in Your Communication
If you’re emailing an employer directly, keep it short and to the point. Here’s a sample email:
“Dear Hiring Manager,
I am a skilled [Your Profession] with [X years] of experience in [Your Industry]. I am interested in opportunities at [Company Name] and would like to know if you offer visa sponsorship for international candidates. I believe my skills in [Specific Skill] would be a great fit for your team.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
3. Don’t Beg or Overshare
Avoid talking about why you want to leave your country or how desperate you are to move. Focus on what you can bring to the company.
4. Follow Up Politely
If you don’t hear back after a week or two, send a polite follow-up email. Persistence can pay off, but don’t be pushy.
Step 5: Avoid Scams and Stay Safe
Unfortunately, job scams are common, especially for international applicants. Here’s how to protect yourself:
1. Never Pay for a Job
No legitimate Australian employer will ask you to pay for a job or visa sponsorship. If someone asks for money, it’s a scam.
2. Verify the Employer
Before accepting any job offer, check if the company is on the accredited employers list. You can also visit the government’s immigration website to confirm their details.
3. Use Official Channels
Always communicate through the company’s official email or phone number. Be wary of anyone contacting you through personal emails or social media.
4. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to walk away from an offer that seems too good to be true.
Why Patience Is Key in Your Job Search
Finding a visa sponsorship job isn’t easy, and it won’t happen overnight. It’s a process that requires time, effort, and persistence. Here’s why:
-
Competition: You’re competing with both local and international candidates.
-
Employer Hesitation: Some employers are hesitant to sponsor visas due to the paperwork involved.
-
Timing: The right job might not be available immediately, so you need to keep applying.
But don’t get discouraged. Many people have successfully secured visa sponsorship jobs in Australia—you can too. Keep applying, stay positive, and trust the process.
Final Thoughts: Your Dream Job Awaits
Moving to Australia is a life-changing opportunity, and with the right approach, it’s within your reach. By targeting the right visas, using the best job websites, and connecting with accredited employers, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Remember:
-
Start with Visa 482 if you’re new to Australia—it’s easier to get and can lead to permanent residency.
-
Use websites like CareerOne, Indeed, and Seek to find visa sponsorship jobs.
-
Focus on accredited employers who are approved to sponsor international workers.
-
Be patient, professional, and persistent in your job search.
Your dream job in Australia is out there. Why not start your search today?