Australia’s healthcare system is one of the most advanced and respected in the world, but it faces a major shortage of skilled healthcare workers across hospitals, aged care homes, clinics, disability centers, and community care facilities. These shortages have created thousands of opportunities for international nurses, caregivers, support workers, and allied health professionals seeking stable jobs with visa sponsorship.
As Australia continues to expand its healthcare workforce, employers are increasingly hiring qualified foreign workers to fill essential roles. Whether you are a registered nurse, enrolled nurse, aged care worker, disability support specialist, medical technician, midwife, or allied health professional, 2025 offers strong chances of securing employment in Australia through employer-sponsored pathways.
This in-depth guide explains the most in-demand healthcare jobs offering sponsorship, the requirements, duties, salary expectations, and how to successfully apply.
Why Australia Needs Foreign Healthcare Workers
Australia has one of the largest healthcare labour shortages in the OECD. Several factors contribute to this gap:
- An aging population requiring long-term care
- Increasing pressure on hospitals and medical facilities
- A shortage of graduates in nursing and allied health
- High turnover within the aged care and disability sectors
- Growing demand for home care and community health services
Because of these shortages, Australian employers actively recruit healthcare professionals from abroad and offer sponsorship through temporary and permanent visa programs.
Visa Pathways for Healthcare Workers
Healthcare professionals can access multiple visa pathways depending on their occupation and skill level.
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
Allows employers to sponsor healthcare workers for 2–4 years.
Suitable for nurses, caregivers, and allied health professionals.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
A permanent residency visa for highly skilled workers nominated by employers.
Common for experienced nurses and senior healthcare professionals.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – Subclass 494
Designed for regional healthcare employers seeking long-term workers.
Allows transition to permanent residency after several years.
Aged Care Industry Labour Agreements
Special arrangements that enable aged care employers to sponsor foreign workers for care roles.
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas
Workers with occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) may qualify independently.
Understanding these pathways helps applicants choose roles that match their goals and qualifications.
High-Demand Healthcare Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
Below are the healthcare roles experiencing the highest demand across Australia in 2025. These positions frequently appear with sponsorship opportunities from hospitals, aged care homes, disability organizations, and medical facilities.
1. Registered Nurses (RNs)
Registered Nurses are the most in-demand healthcare workers in Australia. Hospitals, aged care homes, clinics, and community health centers desperately need qualified RNs across all specialties.
High-Demand Nursing Areas
- Aged Care Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- ICU & Critical Care Nursing
- Emergency Nursing
- Theatre & Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Medical & Surgical Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
Duties
- Assessing patients
- Administering medication
- Monitoring vital signs
- Coordinating patient care
- Supporting doctors and specialists
- Maintaining patient records
Requirements
- Nursing degree
- AHPRA registration
- Clinical experience
Salary Range
AUD 75,000 – 120,000 per year
(Depending on experience and specialization)
2. Enrolled Nurses (ENs)
Enrolled Nurses work under the supervision of Registered Nurses and are in high demand across aged care, hospitals, and community care facilities.
Duties
- Basic patient monitoring
- Supporting RN-led care tasks
- Wound care
- Administering medication (with approval)
- Recording observations
Requirements
- Diploma of nursing
- AHPRA registration
Salary Range
AUD 60,000 – 85,000 per year
3. Aged Care Workers
Aged care is one of Australia’s fastest-growing sectors. Thousands of aged care homes and assisted living centers rely heavily on foreign workers.
Duties
- Assisting seniors with daily activities
- Personal hygiene and mobility assistance
- Providing emotional support
- Meal preparation
- Monitoring health changes
- Maintaining clean living environments
Requirements
- Experience in caregiving
- Certificate III in Aged Care (may be completed after arrival)
Salary Range
AUD 55,000 – 75,000 per year
4. Disability Support Workers
The disability sector continues to expand due to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), making support workers essential.
Duties
- Supporting clients with disabilities
- Behavioral assistance
- Transport support
- Daily living support
- Community participation
Requirements
- Experience in care roles
- First aid certification
- NDIS worker screening (after arrival)
Salary Range
AUD 55,000 – 80,000 per year
5. Personal Care Assistants (PCAs)
These workers support nurses in delivering day-to-day personal care, especially in aged care homes.
Duties
- Feeding and bathing residents
- Changing linens
- Providing companionship
- Observing and reporting patient changes
Salary Range
AUD 50,000 – 65,000 per year
6. Healthcare Assistants & Community Support Workers
Community care roles are growing as more patients prefer home-based care.
Duties
- Home visits
- Medication reminders
- Cleaning, cooking, and general support
- Emotional and social support
Salary Range
AUD 50,000 – 70,000 per year
7. Medical Laboratory Technicians
Hospitals and pathology labs require foreign technicians for diagnostic services.
Duties
- Collecting and testing samples
- Operating lab equipment
- Recording results
- Assisting medical scientists
Salary Range
AUD 65,000 – 95,000 per year
8. Radiographers & Sonographers
These specialized roles are in extreme shortage.
Duties
- Operating imaging equipment
- Taking diagnostic scans
- Working with doctors and specialists
Salary Range
AUD 80,000 – 130,000+ per year
9. Physiotherapists & Occupational Therapists
Allied health professionals are heavily in demand across rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and private clinics.
Duties
- Patient rehabilitation
- Pain management
- Treatment planning
- Physical therapy
Salary Range
AUD 75,000 – 110,000 per year
10. Midwives
Australia’s maternity wards rely on midwives to support childbirth and postnatal care.
Duties
- Antenatal care
- Birthing support
- Newborn care
- Postnatal education
Salary Range
AUD 80,000 – 120,000 per year
Skills Needed for Healthcare Sponsorship Roles
Essential Skills
- Compassion and empathy
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Medical knowledge
- Patient-centered care
- Documentation and record-keeping
Technical Skills
- Medication administration
- Clinical assessment
- Care planning
- Equipment operation
- Infection control
General Requirements for Healthcare Visa Sponsorship
Educational Requirements
- Nursing degree or healthcare qualification
- Diplomas or certificates for care roles
- AHPRA registration for nurses
Work Experience
Typically 1–3 years of clinical or caregiving experience.
English Language Requirement
Applicants may need to take English tests unless exempt.
Health & Character Checks
Medical exams and police clearance certificates required.
Working Conditions in the Healthcare Sector
Healthcare work can be rewarding but also demanding.
Common Working Conditions
- Shift work (morning, afternoon, night)
- Physical activity and patient handling
- Emotional resilience
- Long-term patient interaction
Benefits
- Stable income
- Career growth
- Sponsored visa
- High job security
- Pathway to permanent residency
Salary Expectations Across the Healthcare Sector
Below are typical salary ranges for sponsored roles:
- Registered Nurses: AUD 75,000 – 120,000
- Enrolled Nurses: AUD 60,000 – 85,000
- Disability Support Workers: AUD 55,000 – 80,000
- Aged Care Workers: AUD 55,000 – 75,000
- Medical Technicians: AUD 65,000 – 95,000
- Radiographers/Sonographers: AUD 80,000 – 130,000
- Physiotherapists/OT: AUD 75,000 – 110,000
Salaries may increase for workers in remote regions due to allowances.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Sponsored
Healthcare employers prefer applicants who can adapt quickly and demonstrate commitment.
Gain Practical Experience
At least one year of experience strengthens your application.
Take Additional Training Courses
Short certifications in aged care, disability support, CPR, and first aid help greatly.
Prepare an Australian-Style Resume
Clear, professional, and focused on achievements.
Apply for Regional Roles
Regional Australia offers more sponsorship opportunities.
Get AHPRA Registration Early
Registered nurses should begin the AHPRA registration process as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Australia’s healthcare sector provides some of the strongest visa sponsorship opportunities for foreign workers in 2025. From nursing and aged care to disability support, laboratory work, medical imaging, and allied health, thousands of positions remain open due to critical labour shortages.
Whether you are a highly trained nurse or an experienced caregiver, Australia offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and clear pathways to long-term residency. With the right qualifications, experience, and preparation, foreign workers can confidently secure a sponsored healthcare job and build a rewarding career in Australia.