How to Get a Job in Australia as a Foreigner (2025 Guide)

What if your next chapter came with a sunset surf after work, or weekends spent exploring national parks and coral reefs?

In Australia, it can.

Known as one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world — with golden deserts, buzzing cities, and famously laid-back locals — Australia has long welcomed travellers to its endless blue shorelines. Coming here to live and work could be the life-changing escape you didn't know you needed.

Australia draws in like-minded adventurers from around the globe. And whether you find yourself in a big city or a small coastal town, there's a good chance you'll pick up lifelong friends along the way. The work culture is flexible, with numerous casual opportunities and higher wages than in many other countries, allowing you the freedom to take a road trip or head to the beach when you need a reset.

No matter where you're starting from, your Aussie adventure begins with one decision — to go. From there, we've got you. At Global Work & Travel, we make the process simple: helping you secure your visa, connect with job opportunities before you arrive, and sort out the essentials like flights, accommodation, and insurance.

Whether you're chasing sun-drenched coastlines, outback escapes, or just a change of pace, you'll be supported every step of the way. From your first call to your first shift, your personal Trip Coordinator will be in your corner, making sure your time in Australia is as smooth and unforgettable as it should be.

Australia won't ask you to change — it just gives you a bit more breathing room.

You'll trade peak-hour traffic for beach walks, office blocks for open space, and rigid routines for the freedom to say yes to a last-minute plan.

You'll get used to BBQs in the park, casual chats that turn into friendships, and learning the lay of the land faster than you expected.

You won't feel like you're just passing through.

You'll feel like you've landed somewhere that makes perfect sense! 

Can Foreigners Legally Work In Australia? 

Absolutely! Australia is highly flexible and has a high demand for opportunities for foreigners looking to live and work. You'll just need to make sure you get the correct visa to be eligible to legally work, but we've got a breakdown for you below: 

What Type of Visa Do You Need to Work In Australia?

The main working holiday visa options for Australia are the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417). This visa is best suited for young people between 18 and 30 who have an extended holiday planned in Australia and wish to work at the same time to fund their travel or holiday. 

• You must have a passport from an eligible country 
• You can work while travelling on this visa 
• You can apply for a second Work and Holiday visa if you meet certain criteria 
• The stay is 12 months 

Popular Jobs for Foreigners in Australia?

The Australian work culture offers a lot of flexibility and freedom, especially as a foreign traveller. You could make world-famous lattes in Melbourne, handling cattle in the outback or signing off emails from Bondi Beach - it depends where you want to have your adventure.

Farm and Regional Work: This is a common option among travellers, as it helps fulfil the visa requirement to stay in Australia for an additional 1-2 years. You could go fruit picking in the tropics, be an outback farmhand, make wine on a vineyard in the valley or plant some native species. It's a great way to connect with other travellers and save money for the rest of your Australian adventures.

Hospitality and Café Work: If you know how to make a proper flat white, this could get you instantly hired in cities like Sydney or Melbourne. The café and coffee culture in Australia is huge, and there are always bars, restaurants and cafés looking for staff. This is a great way to connect with locals, create a social life and even get some extra tips. 

Hotel, Hostel and Tourism Jobs: Perfect for travellers who want the extra taste of freedom and want to stay in dreamy locations like the Whitsundays, Byron Bay or Uluru. Depending on your skill set, you could be a tour guide, surf instructor or even help at the front desk or housekeeping. You might even snag some extra perks, such as free accommodation, meals, or activities.

Remote and Digital Work: Australia attracts many digital nomads and has co-working spaces in major cities to support them. If you arrive with some digital skills or are looking to freelance, you can likely find work in the digital sphere, such as social media management or copywriting. 

Retail Work: If you're visiting a city, working in retail can be a reliable option. Planning to arrive in the Summer will also offer many opportunities for casual workers, with often options to stay on after the season has ended. 

How to Find a Job in Australia as a Foreigner?

Unlike most countries, Australia can be a little easier to find work, although you may need to start in a role such as fruit picking or being a kitchen hand. It is advisable to begin the job search early, especially during periods of high demand. Word of mouth is powerful in Australia, and once you start forming connections and gaining experience, it can likely lead to more interesting or higher-paying jobs.

How Global Work & Travel Can Help

If you've got the visa, a bit of initiative, and a good work ethic, finding a job in Australia is more than doable. In fact, for travellers who know where to look, there's no shortage of opportunity. From surf-coast cafés and rooftop bars to office temp gigs and seasonal farm work, the variety is huge — the real question is what you want to get out of your time here.

The job hunt doesn't have to feel like a hustle. With Global Work & Travel, you don't just land in Australia and start from scratch — you arrive with options.

As a GW&T traveller, you get exclusive access to the SuperLite app, which delivers a job feed that's tailored to your visa type, availability, and interests. These aren't the same listings cluttering up public sites — they're posted directly by trusted employers within our network, looking specifically for working holidaymakers like you.

It's smart, streamlined, and only shows you what's relevant — no digging, no dead ends, no dodgy offers.

The app also opens up direct access to other travellers already in Australia, so you can trade tips, get advice on where to work and live, or even line up an opportunity before your plane touches down. Depending on your trip type, we can also support you with follow-up job placements, allowing you to transition between locations, industries, or regions without having to start from scratch.

Whether you're pulling beers in Byron, working retail in Melbourne, or picking fruit in Queensland, having the right tools — and people — behind you makes all the difference. We make it easier to do more than just work. We help you build a lifestyle worth landing for.

Packages You Can Find on Global Work & Travel: 

• Working Holiday in Australia (Plus)
• Au Pair in Australia

When Is The Best Time to Apply?

Australia has a super smooth process for applying for a visa. Still, it can experience high demand at certain times of the year, such as the summer season. Once you know you are eligible and have your plans roughly set, it's better to submit an early application, and from there, you'll have 12 months to enter the country. 

Best time to apply: Because of high demand during peak seasons, it's better to apply 3-6 months in advance. If you are looking for regional or farm work, you'll want to check out the specific work windows and apply accordingly. 

Visa Processing Times: It typically takes between 1 and 3 weeks to process, but during peak periods, processing may take longer. Apply early to avoid any last-minute stress. 

Pro Tip to Know: Be mindful of age quotas when applying, for most countries, you must apply before 31 (or 36 for some countries). However, early applications can aid in this process. 

What Are Employers Looking For?

Short answer? It depends on the job, but some clear patterns span multiple industries. Whether you're going for a quick-start hospitality gig or a skilled role in something like tech or construction, knowing what matters most can help you stand out.

Casual & Seasonal Roles (e.g. cafés, farms, hostels, bars)

In fast-paced environments, personality often trumps experience. Employers want to know you'll show up, jump in, and get the job done with a smile. They're typically looking for:

• Reliability – turning up on time, ready to work
• Flexibility – able to cover shifts or adapt to different roles
• A good attitude – friendly, upbeat, and willing to learn
• Quick thinking – things move fast, so being adaptable is a huge plus

Top Tip: You don't need years of experience. Show that you're keen, capable, and open to learning — that's often enough to get your foot in the door.

Skilled & Professional Roles (e.g. healthcare, construction, tech)

These positions are more competitive, but also more rewarding. Here's what counts:

• Relevant qualifications or certifications
• Demonstrated experience in the field
• A solid resume that balances technical skills with soft skills like communication, teamwork, and initiative
• Tailored applications – one size doesn't fit all here. Adjust your cover letter and resume to reflect the specific role you're applying for

Top Tip: Use keywords from the job ad in your application — it shows attention to detail and helps you get past automated systems some companies use to screen candidates.

Whether you're pulling beers or running backend systems, employers in Australia value effort, honesty, and a bit of initiative. Do your homework, be genuine, and back yourself — you might be surprised how far that gets you.

Top Tip: Tailor Your CV to the Job Type

Your resume is often your first impression, so tailor it to suit the job you're after. If you're looking for casual or seasonal work, keep your job description concise and to the point. Emphasise your availability and any hands-on experience you may have that is relevant to the work you are looking for (even if it's from your home country).

For more skilled roles, include industry certifications, detailed employment history, and key achievements. It's also great to mention any international experience, especially if it demonstrates your adaptability and comfort in a new country. 

Key Qualities Aussie Employers Love

• Punctual and reliable – Turning up on time matters
• Friendly and easy to work with – Good energy goes a long way
• Clear communicator – Especially in team or customer-facing roles
• Flexible with tasks and shifts – Being adaptable gives you an edge
• Legally ready to work – Make sure your visa and TFN are sorted

How Much Can You Earn?

Your earnings will depend on what kind of lifestyle, job and location you are seeking. The minimum wage in Australia is $24.10 per hour, and casual workers are entitled to an extra 25%, which will be a significant portion of the work foreign travellers will find, making it around $30.13 per hour. Here's a quick breakdown of what you could expect:

Low-End jobs (farm, hostel, retail): $1,000 - $2,000 AUD/month

Mid-Range jobs (café, labouring, au pair): $2,500 - $4,000 AUD/month

High-End jobs (digital, healthcare, hospitality): $4,000 - $7,000+ AUD/month

Life in Australia as a Foreign Worker?

As always, there are challenges to be faced when moving to a new country, but Australia is known to be laid-back and full of opportunities for foreigners. There's a great work-life balance in Australia. In big cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, there's always something to do on your off days, whether it's seeing a show or finding a beach to relax on. The smaller towns also offer a slower, more grounded pace of life that allows you to sink into the landscape and explore the more peaceful side of life over an afternoon barbeque or a walk through a national park. 

Finding work or accommodation during peak seasons and in big cities can be competitive. Sometimes, it's part of the adventure, but Global Work & Travel can help you through this process, taking all the stress away so you can just enjoy yourself. You'll find a great network of new friends, as cities and regional towns attract travellers from everywhere, you'll likely be able to find someone to take a road trip with or just share a pint at the pub after work. 

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Arriving Without the Correct Visa: You won't be able to switch visas while in the country, so ensure you have the correct visa upon arrival, as this will affect your ability to live and work legally. 

Not Setting Up a TFN or Bank Account: To be able to work and be paid legally, you will need to get yourself an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) and open a bank account. If you delay this process, it may result in payment issues or higher tax rates. 

Only Relying on Big Cities to Find Work: It can be extremely competitive in big cities during peak season to find work. However, you'll be able to secure work faster and enjoy better savings if you head to a smaller town or tourist hotspot, such as Byron Bay, Cairns, or the Northern Territory. 

Not Planning Regional Work in Time: If you want to take the option to complete 88 days of regional work to stay another year or two, don't leave it to the last minute. Spaces can fill up quickly, so plan your time carefully to avoid any disappointments. 

Not Having a Realistic Budget: The cost of living in Australia can be quite high, especially in the major cities. Rent and groceries can add up quickly if you're not prepared or don't have enough savings. Allow for a budget of 4-6 weeks to have a safety net. 

FAQ's

1. Can foreigners legally work in Australia in 2025?

Yes! They are encouraged to come and experience Australia. You'll just have to make sure you are prepared early to get your visa sorted. There are even extended visa pathways via regional work if you would like to stay a bit longer.

2. What types of jobs are available for foreigners in Australia?

There are numerous opportunities for a diverse range of work in Australia, whether you are looking for something seasonal and casual in cafés, bars, farms, or hostels or something more high-skilled, such as healthcare, tech or labouring. 

3. How can I find a job in Australia before I arrive?

Finding a job before arriving is highly recommended. Global Work & Travel helps travellers secure roles before they arrive, reducing stress and ensuring they arrive ready to work. Job matching is often done virtually and may include access to multiple placements during your stay.

4. When is the best time to apply for an Australian working visa?

There is a higher demand for visas during peak times, so to avoid any last-minute hassle, make sure to apply 3-6 months before your intended arrival. The earlier the better, once you get approved, you'll have 12 months to enter the country. 

5. What are the biggest mistakes to avoid when moving to Australia for work?

It's essential to be prepared, and Global Work & Travel can assist you every step of the way. As Australia is a top destination for many foreigners, it's recommended to have work and accommodation lined up, as the competition can be intense. 

Final Thoughts

No matter where you start in Australia, you won't end up the same. Starting a new chapter of your life in this big island home might start with a plane ticket, but it will quickly and surely change your perspective on life and give you something to stay with you forever. From sunset hikes, sunshine surfing, and road trips with strangers that turned into friends, the magic will be real.

Say yes to the Aussie adventure, and Global Work & Travel can handle the rest. From getting your visa sorted and securing a job to helping you land on your feet with a place to stay and a built-in travel community, we've got your back every step of the way.

Slow down, say yes, and start dreaming about your new life in Australia.