Imagine building a meaningful career where your compassion directly enhances the lives of others, all while securing your own future in one of the world’s most vibrant countries. Australia’s aged care sector is calling for skilled international workers, offering not just a job but a supported pathway to call Australia home.
With salaries starting from $50,000 AUD for personal care assistants and reaching over $100,000 for registered nurses, coupled with dedicated visa sponsorship and a clear route to permanent residency, this is your chance to turn dedication into a rewarding life Down Under.
Why Aged Care Jobs Are a Great Opportunity in Australia
Australia’s population is aging fast, and the aged care sector is under pressure to hire more qualified caregivers, nurses, and support workers. That means strong demand for overseas workers, especially in roles where local candidates are scarce. Sponsorship through approved employers offers a practical path to both work and long-term residency
Visa Options for Aged Care Workers
To work in aged care with sponsorship, most international candidates use one of these employer-sponsored visas:
1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- Most popular route for aged care workers.
- Employers nominate you for a specific role.
- Valid up to 4 years and can lead to permanent residency.
2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
- For regional employers with serious workforce shortages.
- Visa lasts up to 5 years, with pathway to PR through subclass 191.
3. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Permanent residency option.
- Requires nomination by your employer.
- Typically needs at least 2 years of full-time work in Australia in a relevant aged care job.
The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement
A major development in 2025 is the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA). This framework helps approved aged care employers sponsor overseas workers more easily than under standard skilled visas. Benefits include:
- Priority visa processing and streamlined nomination.
- Two-year pathway to PR under the Employer Nomination Scheme.
- Lower English minimums for certain applicants.
- No post-qualification experience requirement for some roles.
Typical salary requirement under this agreement is at least $51,222 AUD per year or the Australian Market Salary Rate, whichever is higher.
In-Demand Aged Care Roles With Visa Sponsorship
Here’s what employers are commonly looking for:
1. Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
- Helps clients with daily living (bathing, dressing, mobility).
- Usually requires Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) or equivalent
2. Nursing Support Worker
- Assists registered and enrolled nurses with resident care.
- Often listed under ACILA-eligible occupations.
3. Registered Nurse (RN)
- Provides clinical care and oversees health plans.
- Requires AHPRA registration.
4. Enrolled Nurse (EN)
- Supports RNs with clinical tasks under supervision.
- Must also be AHPRA registered.
5. Home Care Support Worker
- Delivers care in clients’ homes, including personal care and companionship.
6. Care Manager / Supervisor
- Oversees teams and ensures compliance.
- Usually requires a higher qualification and leadership experience.
Salary Expectations (Indicative)
Salary can vary by location and role, but rough estimates in 2025 are:
| Role | Approx. AUD Per Year |
|---|---|
| Personal Care Assistant | $50,000 – $70,000+ |
| Support Worker | $58,000 – $70,000+ |
| Enrolled Nurse | $70,000 – $85,000+ |
| Registered Nurse | $80,000 – $100,000+ |
Qualification & Skills Requirements
To improve your chance of successful sponsorship, here’s what employers and visa officers expect:
Qualifications
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) or equivalent for many entry aged care roles.
- AHPRA registration (for nurses)
Experience
- Experience in caregiving, nursing, or community care is highly valuable and often required
- Permanent skilled visas like the ENS often require at least 2 years’ work experience.
English Proficiency
- IELTS, PTE, or OET acceptable.
- Typical minimum: IELTS ~5.0 – 5.5 overall (varies by visa type)
Employers Known to Offer Sponsorship
Some aged care organisations actively recruiting overseas talent include:
- Bairnsdale Regional Health Service – Victoria.
- Calvary Health Care – Nationwide aged care network.
- Cranbrook Care – NSW aged care provider.
- Curtin Heritage Living – Perth operator.
- Roshana Care Group – NSW provider with sponsorship roles.
- St Vincent’s Health Australia – Offers RN and allied roles.
Conclusion
Aged care represents one of Australia’s most stable and in-demand career pathways for international workers. With structured visa options like the 482 and 494, the streamlined Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA), and a nationwide need for skilled professionals, the opportunity for both professional fulfillment and long-term settlement has never been clearer. If you possess the right qualifications, experience, and a genuine desire to care for others, Australia offers a welcoming and prosperous future in this essential industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main visa options for aged care workers?
The primary pathways are the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494), and the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186). The new Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) streamlines sponsorship under these visas.
What is the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA)?
Introduced in 2025, ACILA is a special framework that makes it easier for approved aged care employers to sponsor overseas workers. Benefits include priority processing, a two-year pathway to PR, and potentially lower English requirements.