Australia’s thriving tourism and service industry makes it one of the most attractive destinations for hospitality jobs with visa sponsorship. From luxury hotels in Sydney and Melbourne to beach resorts in Queensland and bustling restaurants in Perth, the demand for foreign workers continues to grow.
Due to labor shortages in the hospitality sector, many Australian employers are now offering visa sponsorship jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers in 2025. Whether you’re a chef, waiter, barista, or hotel staff, this could be your pathway to working and living in Australia.
Why Work in Australia’s Hospitality Sector?
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High Demand – Australia faces a shortage of hospitality staff post-pandemic.
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Visa Sponsorship Available – Employers can sponsor workers under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482).
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Attractive Salaries – Competitive wages with weekend and holiday pay bonuses.
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Cultural Diversity – Work in multicultural teams and environments.
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Pathway to PR – Many sponsored hospitality roles can lead to Permanent Residency (PR).
Popular Hospitality Jobs in Australia with Sponsorship
🔹 Skilled Hospitality Jobs
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Chefs & Cooks (high demand across Australia)
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Restaurant Managers
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Hotel Managers & Supervisors
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Pastry Chefs & Bakers
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Catering Managers
🔹 Unskilled & Entry-Level Hospitality Jobs
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Waiters/Waitresses
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Bartenders & Baristas
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Housekeeping Staff
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Kitchen Hands
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Front Desk/Receptionists
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Event & Banquet Assistants
👉 Note: While unskilled jobs may be harder to get sponsorship, many employers in regional areas are willing to sponsor workers if local staff are not available.
Average Salaries for Hospitality Jobs in Australia
| Role | Hourly Wage (AUD) | Annual Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Housekeeping / Kitchen Hand | 22 – 27 | 45,000 – 55,000 |
| Waiter / Barista | 23 – 29 | 48,000 – 58,000 |
| Bartender | 24 – 30 | 50,000 – 60,000 |
| Chef / Cook | 25 – 35 | 55,000 – 70,000 |
| Hotel Manager | 60,000 – 90,000 | 80,000 – 110,000 |
| Restaurant Manager | 65,000 – 95,000 | 85,000 – 120,000 |
Visa & Sponsorship Pathways
1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
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Employers can sponsor skilled workers (e.g., chefs, restaurant managers).
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Can lead to Permanent Residency after a certain period.
2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
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For regional areas of Australia.
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Offers a pathway to PR after 3 years of work.
3. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462)
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Allows temporary work in hospitality, especially in regional areas.
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Can be a stepping stone to sponsorship.
4. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
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For long-term positions where the employer nominates you for PR.
Requirements for Hospitality Jobs in Australia with Sponsorship
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Basic Requirements (Unskilled Jobs):
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English proficiency (IELTS may be required for visa).
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Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and holidays.
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Physical fitness for active roles.
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Skilled Jobs (Chefs, Managers, etc.):
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Relevant qualifications or training in hospitality.
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2+ years of work experience.
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Skills assessment (for certain visas).
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General Sponsorship Criteria:
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Valid job offer from an approved sponsor.
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Employer must demonstrate labor shortage (via Labour Market Testing).
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Health and character requirements.
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Best Cities & Regions for Hospitality Jobs
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Sydney & Melbourne – Luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, international events.
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Queensland (Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns) – Resorts, cafes, tourist hotspots.
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Western Australia (Perth, Margaret River) – Growing hospitality market.
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Tasmania – Regional sponsorship opportunities.
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Northern Territory – High demand for chefs and hospitality workers.
Top Employers Hiring Hospitality Workers
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Accor Hotels (Sofitel, Novotel, Ibis)
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Hilton Hotels & Resorts
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Marriott International
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Quest Apartments
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Local restaurants and catering companies
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Recruitment agencies: Hays Hospitality, Global Work & Travel, Jora Australia
How to Apply for Hospitality Jobs in Australia
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Search job opportunities on Seek.com.au, Indeed Australia, Jora, Adzuna.
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Apply directly with a tailored Australian-style CV.
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Secure a job offer from a sponsoring employer.
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Employer applies for sponsorship (TSS or regional visa).
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Apply for a work visa and relocate to Australia.
Challenges in the Australian Hospitality Sector
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Long working hours and shift work.
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Seasonal demand in tourist-heavy regions.
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Regional relocation requirements for sponsorship.
Benefits of Working in Hospitality in Australia
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Competitive wages with extra pay for holidays and weekends.
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Opportunities for international career growth.
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Visa sponsorship and clear pathway to permanent residency.
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Multicultural environment and exposure to global tourism.
Conclusion
Hospitality jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2025 present excellent opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers. With demand growing in restaurants, hotels, and resorts, foreign workers can secure stable employment, attractive salaries, and even a pathway to permanent residency.
If you are passionate about hospitality, Australia is one of the best countries to build a career while experiencing a vibrant lifestyle and culture.