Aged care jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship became far more accessible after the government introduced the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement. Approved providers can sponsor Aged or Disabled Carers, Nursing Support Workers and Personal Care Assistants on the 482 and, after two years, the 186 permanent visa.
Workers generally need an AQF Certificate III or equivalent (or 12 months’ relevant experience), a skills assessment for overseas qualifications or experience, and IELTS 5.0 for the 482 (5.5 for the 186). Employers must have a union memorandum of understanding before requesting the agreement.
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This guide covers pay, requirements, employers and PR. See also Care Assistant Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsorship No Experience Required and Australia Employer Sponsorship Explained 2026 – 482 vs 494 vs 186 Visa: Which One Fits You?.
In this guide
Aged Care Worker Jobs in Australia at a Glance
| Role | Country | Typical pay | Visa / permit route | Key requirement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal care assistant | Australia | Award/EA rates | 482 – Aged Care Labour Agreement | Cert III or 12 months’ experience | Carers |
| Aged care RN | Australia | A$80k+ | 482 / 186 | AHPRA registration | Nurses |
| Disability support worker | Australia | Award rates | DAMA / own work rights | Experience | Support workers |
1. Types of Aged Care Worker Jobs in Australia
These are the main aged care worker roles employers advertise in Australia, from entry level to roles that may qualify for sponsorship.
Personal care assistant
Daily living support in residential aged care.
Home care worker
Support in clients’ homes.
Nursing support worker
Assisting registered nurses.
Lifestyle coordinator
Activities and wellbeing.
Aged care RN
Clinical care leadership.
2. Aged Care Worker Salary in Australia for 2026
Aged care wages rose significantly after Fair Work Commission work value decisions, and award rates increased 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Sponsored roles must meet the labour agreement’s salary terms.
| Level | Hourly | Annual | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal care worker | A$30–A$36 | A$60,000–A$72,000 | Indicative, award/EA |
| Senior carer | A$33–A$38 | A$65,000–A$76,000 | Indicative |
| Registered nurse (aged care) | — | A$80,000–A$105,000 | Indicative |
Sources: Fair Work Aged Care Award pay guide; Home Affairs Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement. Ranges indicative.
3. Work Visas for Foreign Aged Care Workers in Australia – Visa Types
Visa routes:
| Visa / route | Who it’s for | Employer needed? | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 482 – Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement | Carers and support workers | Yes – approved provider | Official page |
| 186 via agreement | After 2 years full-time | Yes | Official page |
| 482 Core Skills | Registered nurses | Yes | Official page |
| PALM | Pacific care workers with approved employers | Yes | Official page |
4. Companies Offering Visa Sponsored Aged Care Worker Jobs – Where to Check Vacancies
Aged care providers (no claim of current vacancies or sponsorship):
| Employer | What they do | Official careers page |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa Aged Care | Residential aged care | careers.bupa.com.au |
| Regis Aged Care | Residential aged care | www.regis.com.au |
| Opal HealthCare | Residential aged care | www.opalhealthcare.com.au |
| Estia Health | Residential aged care | www.estiahealth.com.au |
| BlueCare | Queensland care | www.bluecare.org.au |
Australian employers must be approved sponsors before nominating you. Ask the employer to confirm its sponsorship status in writing and check the business on ABN Lookup.
5. Employment Agencies to Find Opportunities – International Recruitment
These recruitment agencies and official job boards are real and verifiable. Contact them only through the websites below; we list websites rather than phone numbers because official sites always carry the latest office contacts.
| Agency / service | Focus | Official website |
|---|---|---|
| Home Affairs labour agreements | Official information | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/labour-agreements |
| Workforce Australia | Job board | www.workforceaustralia.gov.au |
| PALM scheme | Pacific recruitment | www.palmscheme.gov.au |
| Hays Healthcare | Care recruitment | www.hays.com.au |
Legitimate agencies are paid by employers. In Australia, charging a worker for sponsorship or a job offer is unlawful, and labour-hire firms in several states must be licensed.
6. Requirements and Documents for Aged Care Worker Visa Applications
- Valid passport.
- Nomination TRN from your approved sponsor (employer-sponsored visas).
- Employment references showing dates, hours, duties and pay, plus payslips.
- Skills assessment where required (e.g. TRA or VETASSESS).
- English test results meeting Home Affairs requirements.
- Health examinations and police certificates (character requirement).
- Health insurance for 482 and 494 visas (condition 8501).
- Certificate III in Individual Support (or equivalent) and skills assessment for overseas qualifications.
Visa charges rose around 25% for employer-sponsored visas on 1 July 2026 — check the official pricing estimator.
7. Steps to Get Aged Care Worker Visa Sponsorship and How to Apply
- Check the occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List or a labour agreement.
- Check the pay: from 1 July 2026 a 482 Core Skills nomination needs at least A$79,423 or the market rate, whichever is higher (salary requirements).
- Complete your skills assessment and English test early.
- Apply to real employers through official careers pages, Workforce Australia or named agencies.
- Employer is approved as a sponsor and lodges your nomination.
- Lodge your visa in ImmiAccount with the nomination TRN.
- Complete health checks and biometrics; do not resign or travel before the grant.
- Check your work rights in VEVO after the grant.
8. Permanent Residence Pathways for Aged Care Workers in Australia
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is the main employer-sponsored PR visa. Under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, workers can apply for the 186 after two years of full-time work in the nominated or a closely related occupation.
| Pathway | Key requirement | Official page |
|---|---|---|
| 482 → 186 Temporary Residence Transition | 2 years with your sponsor in the last 3 years | Subclass 186 |
| 186 Direct Entry | Skills assessment + 3 years’ experience | Subclass 186 |
| 494 → 191 | 3 years living and working regionally | Subclass 191 |
| 189 / 190 / 491 skilled visas | Points-tested; 190/491 need state nomination | Subclass 190 |
| Labour agreement → 186 | Only if the agreement includes PR | Labour agreements |
9. Meeting the Eligibility Requirements
Use this checklist to confirm you can meet the rules for aged care worker roles before you apply:
- AQF Certificate III or equivalent, or 12 months’ relevant experience.
- Skills assessment for overseas qualifications/experience.
- IELTS 5.0 (482) or 5.5 (186).
- Police checks and NDIS/aged care worker screening.
- Approved employer with labour agreement.
10. Applying at the Embassy – Work Visa Verification and Embassy Contacts
Australian work visas are lodged online; there is no visa label. Your grant letter and VEVO record are your proof.
- Department of Home Affairs: 6 Chan Street, Belconnen ACT 2617; 131 881 in Australia, +61 2 6196 0196 from overseas (official page).
- Australian embassies: DFAT missions directory.
- Verify a visa in VEVO.
- Verify an employer on ABN Lookup (abr.business.gov.au) and via its official website.
- Verify a migration agent on the OMARA register.
- Report scams to Scamwatch and underpayment to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
11. Mistakes to Avoid During the Process – Immigration Errors
- Paying anyone for a job offer, sponsorship or nomination — this is unlawful.
- Choosing an occupation code that doesn’t match your real duties.
- Lodging before your skills assessment or English test is ready.
- Working outside your visa conditions or staying unsponsored for more than 180 days.
- Joining providers that are not approved under the labour agreement.
12. Settlement Benefits and Relocation Planning
Sponsored workers earn at least the award or nominated salary plus 12% superannuation. The National Minimum Wage is A$26.44/hour from 1 July 2026. Partners can usually work, children can attend school, and Medicare is available on PR (or earlier under a reciprocal agreement).
| First-month cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application charge | Check Home Affairs | Employer pays nomination and levy |
| Overseas Visitor Health Cover | Compare on privatehealth.gov.au | Required on 482/494 |
| Rental bond | Often 4 weeks’ rent | Lodged with the state bond authority |
| TFN, bank, SIM | Free / low cost | TFN via ato.gov.au |
Official Websites to Apply for Sponsorship Visas
- Skills in Demand visa (482)
- Regional visa (494)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
- ImmiAccount
- Workforce Australia
- PALM scheme
FAQs: Aged Care Worker Jobs in Australia With Visa Sponsorship
Can aged care workers get visa sponsorship in Australia?
Yes, through the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement with approved providers.
What English is required?
IELTS 5.0 for the 482 and 5.5 for the 186 under the agreement.
Do I need a qualification?
An AQF Certificate III or equivalent, or 12 months’ relevant experience, plus a skills assessment for overseas evidence.
How quickly can I get PR?
After two years of full-time work under the agreement, you may apply for the 186.
How much do aged care workers earn?
Commonly A$30–A$36 an hour depending on award level and agreement.
Can nurses use other routes?
Yes, registered nurses can use 482 Core Skills or skilled PR visas.
Who pays the sponsorship costs?
The employer.
How do I avoid scams?
Verify the provider and never pay for sponsorship.
Conclusion
Aged care jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship offer one of the clearest PR pathways for carers. Gain a Certificate III, reach the required English and target approved providers.
Next, read Registered Nurse Jobs in Australia With Visa Sponsorship – AHPRA Registration, Pay and PR, or browse all Healthcare & Care guides and Jobs in Australia.
Disclaimer: ConvertKind Jobs publishes independent career guides. We are not an employer, recruiter, immigration adviser or law firm, and we never charge fees. Nothing here guarantees a job, sponsorship or visa. Rules, salary thresholds and fees change often, so always confirm on the official government website before you apply.