Not all jobs are equally accessible to new arrivals in Australia. These sectors have the highest hiring rates for immigrants — and in many cases, the job can also lead to visa sponsorship.
Which Jobs Are New Immigrants Most Likely to Get?
Finding your first Australian job is often the hardest part of settling in. These sectors have the most open doors for internationally trained and experienced workers.
1. Registered Nursing
Australia's healthcare sector is the most welcoming to internationally trained professionals. Registered nurses from South Africa, the Philippines, India, and the UK are hired regularly — many directly from their home country via employer-initiated recruitment.
Why easy to get: Critical, ongoing shortage; AHPRA registration is internationally recognised
Starting salary: AUD $75,000–$95,000
Sponsorship available: Yes — many hospitals actively sponsor from overseas
2. IT and Software Development
Australian tech companies actively recruit internationally and are accustomed to sponsoring visas. Entry to mid-level developer roles are accessible with 3–5 years of experience.
Why easy to get: Skills shortage is severe; remote hiring is common
Starting salary: AUD $90,000–$130,000
Sponsorship available: Yes — common practice in the sector
3. Trades — Electricians and Plumbers
Tradesperson shortages in Australia are acute. Qualified electricians and plumbers from overseas who have their TRA assessment and relevant state licence find work quickly.
Why easy to get: Not enough Australian apprentices entering the trades
Starting salary: AUD $80,000–$110,000
Sponsorship available: Yes, or strong enough demand to attract independent applications
4. Engineering
Civil, mechanical, structural, and mining engineers are in consistent demand, particularly in WA, QLD, and SA.
Why easy to get: Major infrastructure and resources pipelines
Starting salary: AUD $90,000–$130,000
5. Teaching
Primary and secondary teachers — especially for maths, science, and special education — are hired across all states. South African teachers are particularly valued for their discipline and curriculum adaptability.
Why easy to get: Structural shortage across all states
Starting salary: AUD $75,000–$100,000 depending on state and experience level
6. Aged Care and Disability Support
Entry-level aged care and disability support work is among the most accessible jobs in Australia. A Certificate III (short TAFE course) is often sufficient.
Why easy to get: Rapidly growing sector, high turnover
Starting salary: AUD $55,000–$70,000; overtime and weekend loadings push this higher
7. Hospitality — Chefs and Cooks
Regional Australia is particularly short of chefs. Qualified chefs with TRA assessments find sponsoring employers relatively quickly.
Why easy to get: Post-COVID hospitality shortage has not recovered
Starting salary: AUD $65,000–$90,000
How to Get Your First Job in Australia
Tailor your CV to Australian format — no photo, no date of birth, 2 pages maximum
Use Seek.com.au — Australia's dominant job board
LinkedIn — very actively used by Australian recruiters
Register with sector-specific recruiters — healthcare, IT, and engineering all have specialist agencies
Get any required registrations in place — AHPRA for healthcare, ECSA for engineers — before applying, not after
NWI's team has direct employer relationships in several shortage sectors. Ask about our employer connection service when you book a consultation.