Australia’s cafe culture is renowned all over the world. There are bustling coffee shops and cozy family eateries in every city and town. For foreigners dreaming of working in this vibrant industry, 2025 brings amazing opportunities to become a cafe assistant with visa sponsorship.
Why Work as a Cafe Assistant in Australia?
The love for cafes in Australia means that there is a constant need for skilled and enthusiastic workers. There is no shortage of trendy urban coffee shops and regional cafes to work for. There is a great chance for you to find work in this rest of the world.
These jobs are perfect for people who like working in fast paced environments, interacting with clients, and collaborating with people as a team. With visa sponsorship, you can legally work in Australia, gain valuable work experience, and immerse yourself in the country’s lifestyle.
Understanding Visa Sponsorship for Cafe Assistants
Visa sponsorship is when a company agrees to support a foreigner’s application for a work permit. The most relevant visa for cafe assistants is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482).
This visa allows employers to fill positions with overseas talent when there is a local talent deficit. Although the cafe worker role (ANZSCO code 431211) is not usually included in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), employers are able to sponsor via:
- Special Labor Agreements: These allow employers to sponsor foreign workers for occupations that are not on the SOL after demonstrating the need for those workers.
- Regional Sponsorship: Certain regional areas, like parts of South Australia or Queensland, provide sponsorship for hospitality positions to help meet local employment needs.
- Working Holiday Visa: Depending on your nationality, such as being from the UK, Canada, or Ireland, you may be eligible for a Working Holiday visa which enables limited work without employer sponsorship.
To get a TSS visa, most of the time you need relevant work experience, a basic understanding of English, and a job offer from a compliant company. The employer must also show that lack of appropriate local candidates for that position.
Also Apply: Hotel Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship 2025
A Cafe Assistant’s Duties and Responsibilities
Cafe assistants perform important functions in the smooth running of a cafe, they have to perform the following tasks on a daily basis:
- Interacting with Customers, taking orders, serving customers, and providing customer satisfaction.
- Food and Beverage Preparation: Assisting with making coffee, preparing snacks, or serving meals.
- Handling Cash: Payment processing through point-of-sale systems and other associated systems.
- Maintaining Standards: Tidy upkeep and sanitation of the cafe, to include tables, countertops, and the kitchen area.
- Restock Supplies: Inventory assessment and reassessment, provision of stock, and supplies renewal.
These positions require attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure during busy periods, and with others. Several cafes may require for you espresso and basic barista skills. This could improve your appeal as a candidate.
Salary and Benefits for Cafe Assistants
Like most jobs in Australia, cafe assistant jobs come with high pay, especially looking at the competitive wage offer as well as the country’s minimum wage policies. Using the latest info, a summary volume table was compiled listing the average cafe-related salaries per hour for distinct employment types as of 2025:
| Role | Average Hourly Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Cafe Assistant | 30 |
| Barista | 32 |
| Waiter/Waitress | 30 |
Tips for Success as a Foreign Cafe Assistant
Stand out in Australia’s cafe industry by keeping the following tips in mind:
- Enrol in courses to learn to make coffee: Look for a barista training course as it is a must for employment at cafes.
- Knowledge of the Australian work etiquette: Always be on time, be friendly, willing to work as a team, as Australians appreciate those qualities.
- Utilize Social Media: Through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram connect with fellow foreigners in regard to hospitality for recommendations or opportunities.
- Be Open to Different Locations: You might want to consider Queensland or South Australia as they have more sponsorship offers due to a shortage of workers.
- Stay Updated: Make sure to check the Fair Work Ombudsman and BeanScene pages for any changes to visa regulations or industry updates.
Challenges and Considerations
As a cafe assistant with visa sponsorship there is an exciting set of challenges:
Skilled Barista Gaps: The Restaurant and Cafe Industry Association of Australia has noted a lack of qualified baristas, meaning even more competition than previously.
Visa Limitations: Some visas like TSS, require you to work with the employer who sponsored your visa. This hampers the ability to switch jobs.
High Living Expenditure: Australian cities have a high cost of living so you will have to budget, even though there are desirable pay rates.
Final Words
Visa sponsorship for cafe assistant positions in Australia represents a great chance for foreigners in 2025. These positions are perfect for hospitality enthusiasts as they come with good pay, a lively culture, and the opportunity to savor the Australian way of life.