Working in Australia as an International Applicant: Sectors, Visas and How to Apply Safely

Last updated: 2 November 2026. Visa rules, wage rates and occupation lists change. Confirm everything on the Department of Home Affairs and Fair Work Ombudsman websites before you apply or pay anyone. This guide is general information, not migration advice; in Australia, migration advice should come from a registered migration agent.

This guide does not list job vacancies and MHNTips does not recruit or place workers. It explains where Australian employers report shortages, which visa pathways involve employer sponsorship, and how to run a safe job search from overseas.

Where Australia reports skills shortages

The Australian Government publishes an annual Occupation Shortage List through Jobs and Skills Australia. It is the best starting point for checking whether your occupation is in demand. Sectors that have regularly featured include:

• Healthcare and aged care — nurses, allied health and care workers. Registration with AHPRA (or the relevant body) is usually required before you can work.
• Construction and trades — electricians, plumbers, carpenters. Most trades need a skills assessment and state licensing.
• Engineering and IT — skills assessment through bodies such as Engineers Australia or the ACS is commonly needed for skilled visas.
• Education — teachers need registration with the relevant state teaching authority.
• Agriculture and hospitality — often seasonal, and frequently filled through working holiday or specific labour programs.

A shortage listing does not mean an employer will sponsor you. Most sponsored roles still require recognised qualifications, relevant experience and English test results.

Visa pathways that involve work

The main categories are listed below. Conditions, occupation lists and fees change, so read the official page for each visa on Home Affairs’ visa list before deciding anything.

• Employer-sponsored temporary visas — an Australian employer nominates you for a role.
• Employer-sponsored regional visas — for roles in designated regional areas.
• Employer nomination (permanent) — permanent residence through an employer, usually with experience and skills requirements.
• Points-tested skilled visas — no employer needed, but you must be invited after submitting an expression of interest.
• Working holiday visas — only for passport holders of eligible countries and within age limits.

How to search and apply

1. Check your occupation against the Occupation Shortage List and the occupation lists for the visa you are considering.
2. Get your qualifications assessed by the assessing authority for your occupation, if your visa requires it.
3. Prepare an Australian-style resume: usually 2–3 pages, reverse chronological, achievements with numbers, and no photo, age or marital status. See our guide to writing a resume that passes applicant tracking systems.
4. Search established job boards such as Seek, Indeed Australia, LinkedIn and the government’s Workforce Australia, and apply on employers’ own career pages where possible.
5. Check pay rates for your role on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay and wages pages. Sponsored roles must meet minimum salary requirements set by Home Affairs.

Red flags: avoiding job and visa scams

• Anyone asking you to pay for a job offer, a “guaranteed” visa or a sponsorship.
• Offers made without an interview, or communication only through WhatsApp or personal email.
• A company you cannot find on the Australian Business Register or ASIC.
• A “migration agent” who is not on the official register.

For more warning signs, read our guide to remote job scam warning signs.

Official sources

• Department of Home Affairs — Immigration and citizenship
• Jobs and Skills Australia
• Fair Work Ombudsman
• Register of migration agents