Finding employers hiring in Australia with visa sponsorship can feel overwhelming, but with over 600,000 businesses registered to sponsor skilled workers, your Australian dream is closer than you think. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about securing Australia jobs with visa sponsorship in 2026, from understanding the visa process to landing your ideal role.
Australia’s Employer-Sponsored Visa Types
Before you start your job search, it’s crucial to understand which visa pathway suits your situation. Australia’s employer-sponsored visa system is designed to fill skill shortages with qualified international workers.
The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
Introduced to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, the Skills in Demand Visa offers a clearer pathway for skilled workers. There are three targeted pathways:
- Specialist Skills Pathway: For high-earning specialists (typically earning above AUD $135,000)
- Core Skills Pathway: For occupations on the updated Core Skills Occupation List
- Essential Skills Pathway: For lower-paid workers in essential sectors
This temporary sponsored visa Australia program allows you to work for an approved employer for up to four years.
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Your Pathway to PR
The Subclass 186 visa offers permanent residency for those who want to make Australia their permanent home. To qualify, you typically need:
- At least three years of relevant work experience
- To be under 45 years of age (with some exemptions)
- Competent English language skills
- A positive skills assessment
- An employer willing to nominate you for a permanent position
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) Visa
If you’re open to living outside major cities, the Subclass 494 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years while addressing skill shortages in regional Australia.
Top Industries and Companies Hiring with Visa Sponsorship
Knowing which sectors are actively sponsoring workers can significantly streamline your job search. The Australian government regularly updates occupation lists based on current skill shortages.
Sectors with the Highest Demand for Sponsored Workers
| Sector | Examples of In-Demand Roles |
|---|---|
| Healthcare & Social Assistance | Registered Nurses, Disability Support Workers, GPs, Aged Care Nurses, Psychologists |
| Technology & IT | Software Developers, Cybersecurity Analysts, Data Scientists, DevOps Engineers |
| Construction & Trades | Electricians, Plumbers, Civil Engineers, Construction Managers, Carpenters |
| Education & Training | Secondary School Teachers (especially STEM), Early Childhood Teachers, University Lecturers |
| Hospitality & Tourism | Chefs, Café or Restaurant Managers, Hotel Service Managers |
Recognised Australian Employers Offering Sponsorship
Many well-known Australian companies actively sponsor skilled international workers. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these employers have a history of Australian visa sponsorship:
- Healthcare: Ramsay Health Care, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Healius
- Mining & Resources: BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals Group
- Banking & Finance: Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, National Australia Bank
- Technology: Atlassian, Canva, Telstra, Optus
- Retail & Hospitality: Woolworths Group, Coles Group, McDonald’s Australia
Australia Visa Sponsorship Requirements
Meeting the Australia visa sponsorship requirements is essential for a successful application. The criteria vary by visa type but generally include these key elements.
Occupation Lists and Skills Assessment
Your occupation must be on a relevant skilled occupation list. The most important for employer sponsorship is the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). You’ll also need a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for your profession, such as:
- ACS (Australian Computer Society) for IT professionals
- TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) for trade occupations
- AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) for teachers
- ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) for nurses
English Language and Age Requirements
Most employer-sponsored visas require demonstrated English proficiency through tests like:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- OET (Occupational English Test) for health professionals
For permanent visas like the Subclass 186, you must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of application, though exemptions exist for certain occupations, high-income earners, and regional applicants.
Health and Character Checks
All Australian visa applicants must meet health and character requirements, which typically include:
- Completing a medical examination with an approved panel doctor
- Providing police clearance certificates from countries you’ve lived in
- Declaring your complete character history honestly
How to Find an Employer Sponsor in Australia: A Simple 3-Method Guide
You don’t need to struggle to find companies that can sponsor visas. We have done the hard work for you. We compiled the official list of approved companies from the Australian government into a PDF. Now, you have a clear path to follow.
Here are three easy methods to find and apply for these jobs. You can use one method or combine them for the best results.
Method 1: Use the Official Sponsor List (The Direct Way)
This is the most straightforward method. You use our PDF list to go directly to the source.
- Get the PDF List: First, make sure you have the PDF list of accredited employers. This list comes from the Australian Department of Home Affairs, so you know the companies on it are real and approved to sponsor visas.
- Find Your Target Companies: Look through the list and pick out companies that are in your field of work. For example, if you are a nurse, look for hospitals or healthcare groups.
- Contact Them Directly:
- Visit their website: Type the company’s name into Google and go to their official website.
- Find the “Careers” page: Almost every company has a “Careers,” “Jobs,” or “Work with Us” section on their website. This is usually at the top or bottom of the main page.
- Look for open jobs: On the Careers page, you can search for open positions. You can often filter jobs by location or type of work. Look for jobs that match your skills.
- Apply Online: When you find a job you like, there will be an “Apply Now” button. This will usually take you to an online form where you can upload your CV and cover letter.
Method 2: Combine the List with Job Websites (The Smart Way)
This method uses both the PDF list and big job websites together. It helps you see more details about the company and the job.
- Pick a Company from the PDF: Choose a company you are interested in from the PDF list.
- Search on Job Websites: Now, go to one of the job websites we listed earlier (like SEEK or LinkedIn). In the search bar, type the company’s name. Also, use the website’s filter to select “Visa Sponsorship” offered.
- Analyse the Results: You will now see all the jobs that company is advertising with visa sponsorship. The job advertisement will give you important details like:
- The exact job duties.
- The skills and experience they want.
- The person to contact.
- Instructions on how to apply.
- Follow the Instructions: Apply for the job by following the steps in the advertisement. This often leads you back to the company’s own career website (like in Method 1) to complete the application.
Method 3: Use Job Websites Alone (The Broad Search Way)
If you want to explore all possibilities, you can use the job websites by themselves.
- Go to a Job Website: Choose a platform like SEEK, Indeed, or LinkedIn.
- Use the Right Search Words: Type the job you are looking for, like “Electrician” or “Software Developer.”
- Activate the Sponsorship Filter: This is the most important step! Look for a filter option called “Visa Sponsorship,” “Relocation Assistance,” or “Supports Visa.” Make sure you turn this filter ON. This will hide all the jobs that do not offer sponsorship and show you only the relevant ones.
- Apply with Confidence: Now you can browse through the filtered list and apply directly for any job that fits your skills.
How do I know an Australian employer is an accredited sponsor? When you use our PDF list, you can be sure the companies are accredited. If you find a company on a job website, you can double-check their status on the Australian Government’s Register of Approved Sponsors.
The Application Process for Australia’s Sponsored Visas
Once you have a job offer, understanding the application process for Australia’s with visa sponsorship jobs is crucial.
- Secure a Formal Job Offer Obtain a formal written contract from your Australian employer specifying terms, conditions, and salary meeting the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which is currently AUD $73,150.
- Your Employer Becomes an Accredited Sponsor If not already accredited, your employer must apply for sponsorship accreditation through the Department of Home Affairs, demonstrating their lawful operation and commitment to training Australians.
- The Employer Submits a Nomination Application Your employer submits a nomination application specifying the position details and explaining why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.
- You Lodge Your Visa Application Once the nomination is approved, you can submit your visa application, including all required documents, health examinations, and character checks.
Get a Job in Australia with Visa Sponsorship through These Top 8 Websites
These specialised platforms can connect you with opportunities for jobs in Australian visa sponsorship:
- SEEK – Australia’s largest job portal with dedicated sponsorship filters
- Indeed – Global platform with many Australian listings offering visa support
- LinkedIn – Professional network where you can connect directly with recruiters
- APS Jobs – For roles in the Australian Public Service (some offer sponsorship)
- CareerJet Australia – Aggregates listings from multiple sources
- Jora Local – Features local Australian job opportunities
- Adzuna Australia – Includes salary estimates and sponsorship information
- Australian Government JobActive – Official government employment service
Life in Australia: What to Expect
Understanding practical aspects of Australian life will help you prepare for your move.
Cost of Living in Major Cities
While salaries in Australia are generally competitive, living costs vary significantly by location:
- Sydney and Melbourne rank among the world’s more expensive cities
- Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth offer more affordable alternatives
- Regional areas typically have the lowest costs but fewer job opportunities
Work Culture and Professional Etiquette
Australian workplaces typically feature:
- A relatively flat hierarchy with informal communication
- Emphasis on work-life balance
- Minimum of 4 weeks annual leave plus public holidays
- Superannuation (retirement) contributions of 11.5% from employers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I find an employer sponsor in Australia?
Use the three methods in this guide. You can start directly with our PDF company list (Method 1), combine it with job sites for more information (Method 2), or search broadly on job platforms with sponsorship filters (Method 3).
Can I get multiple sponsorship invitations from Australian employers?
Yes, you can receive multiple offers, but you can only proceed with one sponsorship application at a time for most visa subclasses. You should carefully evaluate which offer best aligns with your long-term career and migration goals.
Does the Australian visa sponsorship cover for my family or just me?
Most employer-sponsored visas allow you to include family members (partner and dependent children) in your application. They will have study and work rights, though there may be additional costs and health requirements.
Does the Australian visa sponsorship jobs make me eligible for permanent resident permit in Australia?
Many employer-sponsored pathways can lead to permanent residency, particularly the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) and the temporary-to-permanent pathways available through certain sponsored visa Australia programs. Check specific visa requirements for the most current pathways.
What are the difference between having a qualification in something and being skilled?
In Australian migration terms, a qualification refers to formal education (degrees, diplomas), while being skilled demonstrates practical application and experience in your field. Skills assessments evaluate both elements to ensure you meet Australian standards.
Conclusion
Securing one of the many opportunities with employers hiring in Australia with visa sponsorship requires preparation, persistence, and the right information. By following this guide and using either our PDF list of approved companies, job websites, or a combination of both, you’re well on your way to starting your Australian adventure. The process may seem complex, but thousands of skilled workers successfully navigate it each year—and you can too.
Start your Australian job search today using the three simple methods we’ve outlined and take the first step toward building your career with Australia jobs with visa sponsorship!