Want to work in Australia but worried about getting a visa? Here’s some good news: there are 1,689 visa sponsorship jobs in companies available right now, and the Australian government just increased work visa allocations from 36,825 to 44,000 for 2024-2025. That’s a massive jump, and it means companies are more eager than ever to hire international talent. The average salary for visa sponsorship jobs is $207K per year, with entry-level starting at $65K and top earners making $304K. Plus, over 3,000 companies are officially registered as Standard Business Sponsors, so your options are way better than you think. The hardest part isn’t finding companies willing to sponsor – it’s knowing which ones are actually worth your time.
Table of contents
5 Australian Companies That Sponsor Work Visas
1. Telstra
Telstra isn’t just Australia’s biggest telecom company – they’re one of the most reliable visa sponsors in the country. They currently have 72 visa sponsorship positions open, and here’s why they’re amazing for international workers: they actually invest in you long-term.
What makes Telstra special: They’re not just hiring people to fill seats. Telstra is building Australia’s 5G network, expanding into cybersecurity, and developing smart city technology. They need people who can think big and aren’t afraid of complex technical challenges.
The roles they sponsor: Software engineers, network engineers, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, project managers, and business analysts. They’re particularly hungry for people with cloud computing experience and AI/machine learning skills.
Salary expectations: Entry-level tech roles start around $85K-$95K, mid-level positions hit $110K-$140K, and senior roles can reach $160K-$200K+. Plus they’ve got solid benefits including health insurance, superannuation (retirement savings), and professional development budgets.
Why they sponsor visas: Simple – Australia doesn’t have enough tech talent. Telstra competes with global companies for the best people, so they’re willing to sponsor visas to get quality candidates. They’ve been doing it for years and have their process down to a science.
Real talk: Telstra moves slowly because they’re a big corporation, but once you’re in, you’re set. They offer clear career progression, excellent training programs, and the kind of job security that lets you plan for permanent residency. If you want stability and growth, Telstra delivers.
You should read: How to Write a Visa Invitation Letter For a UK Visa (With Sample)
2. Westpac Banking Corporation
Westpac is one of Australia’s “Big Four” banks, and they’re absolutely crushing it when it comes to visa sponsorship. They have over 1,500 visa sponsorship positions available right now, which tells you everything about how serious they are about hiring international talent.
Why Westpac is a visa sponsorship goldmine: Australian banks are going through a massive digital transformation. They’re competing with fintech startups and need world-class talent to stay relevant. Westpac realized years ago that the local talent pool isn’t deep enough, so they actively recruit globally.
The roles that get sponsored: Software developers, cybersecurity experts, data engineers, business analysts, risk analysts, compliance specialists, and digital product managers. They’re especially interested in people with experience in cloud platforms, API development, and regulatory technology.
What you’ll actually earn: Junior roles start at $75K-$90K, experienced professionals make $120K-$160K, and senior specialists can hit $180K-$250K. Banking pays well in Australia, and Westpac is competitive even by banking standards.
The visa sponsorship process: Westpac has dedicated teams handling visa applications. They know the system inside and out, which means less stress for you. They typically sponsor 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visas first, then help with permanent residency applications.
Career growth reality: Banking might sound boring, but Westpac is basically a tech company that happens to handle money. You’ll work on projects affecting millions of customers, get exposure to cutting-edge financial technology, and build skills that transfer anywhere in the world.
Insider tip: Westpac values cultural fit as much as technical skills. They want people who can collaborate across teams and communicate complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders. If you can do that, you’re golden.
You should read: Netherlands Work Visa Requirements | 2025 Complete Guide
3. CSL Limited
CSL Limited is Australia’s biggest biotech company and one of the world’s top 5 pharmaceutical companies. If you’re in life sciences, biotech, or related fields, CSL is your ticket to Australia – and they sponsor visas like it’s their job.
What makes CSL different: This isn’t some startup burning through venture capital. CSL has been around for over 100 years and generates billions in revenue. They develop life-saving medicines and vaccines, which means stable funding and meaningful work. Plus, Australia is becoming a biotech hub, and CSL is leading the charge.
The sponsored roles: Research scientists, biomedical engineers, regulatory affairs specialists, clinical trial managers, quality assurance professionals, data scientists, and manufacturing specialists. They’re particularly interested in people with experience in immunology, plasma science, and vaccine development.
Compensation package: This is where CSL shines. Entry-level scientists start around $90K-$110K, experienced researchers make $130K-$180K, and senior scientists/managers can earn $200K-$300K+. Plus stock options, comprehensive health benefits, and research funding for your projects.
The sponsorship advantage: CSL sponsors visas for roles that genuinely require specialized expertise. Immigration authorities approve these applications because CSL can prove they need international talent. It’s not just about filling positions – it’s about accessing global knowledge.
Career development: CSL invests heavily in employee development. They’ll fund your PhD, send you to international conferences, and give you opportunities to publish research. Many employees use CSL as a stepping stone to even bigger roles in global pharma companies.
Work-life balance: Unlike some biotech companies that expect 80-hour weeks, CSL promotes sustainable work practices. You’ll work hard, but you won’t burn out. This is crucial for visa holders who need job stability.
You should read: How Long Does It Take To Get A Canadian Visa
4. Qantas Airways
Qantas is Australia’s flag carrier airline and a surprisingly good visa sponsor. They’re known for offering visa sponsorship opportunities across multiple departments, not just pilots and cabin crew.
Why Qantas sponsors visas: Airlines are complex operations requiring specialized skills that aren’t always available locally. Qantas competes globally and needs international expertise in areas like aircraft maintenance, logistics, digital systems, and customer experience.
The roles they’re filling: Aircraft engineers, IT specialists, data analysts, operations managers, logistics coordinators, digital marketing professionals, and customer experience designers. They’re also hiring for their loyalty program, freight division, and engineering services.
Salary ranges: Aviation pays well in Australia. Engineers start around $85K-$100K, IT professionals make $95K-$130K, and senior managers earn $140K-$200K+. Plus travel benefits that actually matter – free or heavily discounted flights worldwide.
Visa sponsorship process: Qantas has experience with visa applications because they’ve been hiring internationally for decades. They understand aviation-specific requirements and work with immigration lawyers to smooth the process.
Career prospects: The aviation industry in Australia is growing, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Qantas is expanding routes, upgrading technology, and investing in sustainable aviation. Getting in now positions you for long-term growth.
Unique perks: Beyond salary, Qantas offers incredible travel benefits, flexible work arrangements, and the chance to work on projects that literally connect Australia to the world. If you love aviation or travel, this is your dream job.
You should read: Netherlands Work Visa Requirements | 2025 Complete Guide
5. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)
CBA is Australia’s largest bank and one of the most aggressive visa sponsors in the financial sector. They’re not just competing with other Australian banks – they’re competing with Silicon Valley tech companies for talent.
CBA’s visa sponsorship philosophy: They treat visa sponsorship as a strategic advantage. While smaller companies hesitate because of costs and complexity, CBA sees it as necessary to access global talent. They have dedicated immigration specialists and streamlined processes.
High-demand roles: Software engineers, cloud architects, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, machine learning engineers, DevOps engineers, and digital product managers. They’re building a “digital bank of the future” and need people who’ve done this before.
The money: CBA pays Silicon Valley-level salaries for Australian living costs. Software engineers start at $100K-$120K, senior engineers make $140K-$180K, and principal engineers/architects earn $200K-$280K+. Plus stock options and performance bonuses.
Tech stack and projects: You’ll work with modern technologies – cloud platforms, microservices, AI/ML, and mobile applications. CBA processes millions of transactions daily, so you’re solving problems at massive scale. It’s like working at a fintech with the resources of a major bank.
Career acceleration: CBA has clear technical career paths that don’t force you into management. You can stay technical and still reach senior levels with corresponding pay increases. They also encourage internal mobility – move between teams to broaden your experience.
Innovation culture: CBA has innovation labs, hackathons, and partnerships with universities. They’re not just maintaining legacy systems – they’re building next-generation banking technology. If you want to work on cutting-edge projects while having job security, CBA delivers.
Permanent residency pathway: CBA actively supports employees through the permanent residency process. They have relationships with migration agents and understand which roles qualify for skilled migration visas.
You should read: H-1B Visa Transfer Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting Your Application Right
These companies receive thousands of applications, so you need to stand out. Focus on specific achievements, quantify your impact, and research the company’s current projects. Australian employers value cultural fit, so show you understand their business challenges and how you’d contribute.
Don’t just apply online and hope for the best. Use LinkedIn to connect with employees, attend virtual career fairs, and engage with company content. Australians appreciate direct communication, so if you have questions, ask them.
You should read: Family-Based Immigration in the U.S- Sponsorship & Visa
Frequently Asked Questions
Most sponsor entry-level roles, especially in tech and healthcare where skill shortages are severe.
Usually 3-6 months from job offer to work visa approval, depending on application complexity.
Yes, most work visas allow spouses and dependent children to accompany the primary applicant.
Most large companies assist with permanent residency pathways, especially for valued long-term employees.
Legitimate employers cover visa sponsorship costs; be wary of companies asking for upfront payments.
Conclusion
Visa sponsorship isn’t charity – these companies sponsor visas because they need skills they can’t find locally. You need to bring something valuable to the table. But if you do, Australia offers an incredible quality of life, strong worker protections, and pathways to permanent residency.
The process takes time – usually 3-6 months from application to visa approval. Start early, be patient, and don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to multiple companies and be prepared to negotiate start dates around visa processing times.
Before you go, read: Best UK Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
