Australia’s aged care sector is growing fast, but there aren’t enough local workers to meet the demand. With an ageing population, the country needs thousands of new carers to fill roles in nursing homes, disability services, and community care.
In fact, recent reports show that over 25,000 aged care workers will be needed in the next two years.
This is where the sponsorship visa for aged care workers in Australia comes in. Through pathways like the aged care sponsorship visa and the 482 TSS visa for aged care workers, international candidates now have more opportunities to work, build a career, and even move towards permanent residency for aged care workers.
If you’re wondering how to get sponsorship for aged care jobs in Australia, what the labour agreement aged care list means for you, or which visa options for aged care workers are available, this blog will break it all down in simple steps.
Key Highlights
- Australia faces a shortage of over 25,000 aged care workers, creating high demand for overseas carers.
- The aged care sponsorship visa allows approved employers to sponsor international workers for aged care roles.
- Sponsored workers can follow the aged care PR pathway, leading to permanent residency in Australia.
- With guidance from experts like Visafast Migration Consultancy, navigating the sponsorship and PR process becomes smoother and more achievable.
What is an Aged Care Visa Sponsorship?
Aged care visa sponsorship is when an approved Australian employer sponsors an overseas worker to fill a role in the aged care sector. So, if you have the right skills and experience in caring for the elderly or people with disabilities, then an employer can support your visa application.
It’s designed to fill the growing demand for carers through options like the 482 TSS visa for aged care workers, the aged care sponsorship visa, or the aged care employer nomination scheme. In many cases, this pathway can also lead to permanent residency for aged care workers.
Skilled Shortage List Aged Care Jobs
Australia has officially recognised the urgent need for carers by adding roles to the skilled shortage list for aged care jobs. This means employers can sponsor overseas workers more easily through the aged care sponsorship visa and related pathways.
Currently, under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, the following roles are included on the list:
- Aged or Disabled Carer
- Nursing Support Worker
- Personal Care Assistant
Being on the skilled shortage list makes these positions eligible for visa sponsorship through options like the 482 TSS visa for aged care workers, the aged care employer nomination scheme, and even regional aged care visa sponsorship under DAMA.
Read More: Australia Permanent Migration Program 2025-26
Visa Requirements for Aged Care Workers in Australia!
If you’re planning to apply for a sponsorship visa for aged care workers in Australia, it’s important to understand the basic requirements.
Job Offer from an Approved Employer
You must have an offer for an aged care sponsorship job with an approved Australian employer.
Skills and Qualifications
Applicants need relevant training or experience in personal care, nursing, or disability support. Some roles require formal certificates in aged care, while others accept strong practical experience. Your occupation must also appear on the skilled shortage list for aged care jobs or the labour agreement aged care list.
English Language Requirement
To qualify for an aged care worker visa sponsorship, you’ll need to meet the English language test requirements (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent) unless you’re exempt. This ensures clear communication in a care environment.
Health and Character Checks
Like all Australian visas, you must pass medical examinations and police clearances to meet visa requirements for aged care workers in Australia.
Age and Work Conditions
While there’s no strict age limit for all visa types, most skilled migration pathways for aged care workers and aged care PR options have specific conditions. For example, the Employer-Sponsored Aged Care Visa (subclass 186) often requires applicants to be under 45, but exemptions may apply under the Aged Care Labour Agreement.
Commitment to Work in Aged Care
Sponsored workers must agree to work for the sponsoring employer for the required period, usually two to four years, under the 482 TSS visa for aged care workers. This can later lead to permanent residency for aged care workers through the aged care PR pathway.
Read More: How to Apply for a Remaining Relative Visa in Australia
How to Get Sponsorship for Aged Care Jobs in Australia?
1. Search for Aged Care Sponsorship Jobs
Start by applying for aged care jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship. Look for employers approved under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement or those offering regional aged care visa sponsorship.
2. Secure a Job Offer
To qualify for an aged care sponsorship visa, you must first receive a formal job offer from an employer willing to sponsor you.
3. Employer Sponsorship Nomination
Your employer will lodge a nomination under the Employer-Sponsored Aged Care Visa pathway, such as the 482 TSS visa for aged care workers or the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
4. Meet Visa Requirements
Prepare the required documents, including proof of aged care skills or qualifications, English language test results, health checks, and police clearances. These are essential visa requirements for aged care workers in Australia.
5. Submit Your Visa Application
Once the employer’s nomination is approved, you can lodge your own application for the aged care worker visa sponsorship through the Department of Home Affairs.
It is a long and complex process, so in order to get the best results, you can connect with a registered Immigration Agency that can guide you throughout the process with ease and simplify your journey.
6. Work with Your Sponsoring Employer
After approval, you’ll begin working with your sponsoring employer as part of the aged care sponsorship arrangement. Most visas require you to stay with the same employer for 2–4 years.
7. Pathway to Permanent Residency
Many carers use their sponsorship as a stepping stone to the aged care PR pathway, applying for permanent residency for aged care workers after completing the required period of sponsored employment.
PR Options for Aged Care Workers in Australia
If you are working in aged care and want to settle permanently, there are several visa options for aged care workers in Australia that can lead to permanent residency (PR). These include:
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186
This is a common aged care PR pathway. After working with your sponsoring employer (often through the aged care sponsorship visa or 482 TSS visa for aged care workers), you may be nominated for permanent residency under the aged care employer nomination scheme.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) – Subclass 187 (where available)
For those employed in regional areas, the regional aged care visa sponsorship pathway can offer a direct route to PR, often with concessions under DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement).
Skilled Migration Pathway
Some aged care roles, such as Aged or Disabled Carer and Nursing Support Worker, are listed on the labour agreement aged care list. This makes them eligible for PR through skilled migration, especially when supported by the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement.
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa to PR
Workers on the 482 TSS visa for aged care workers may become eligible for PR after completing the required work period with their sponsoring employer.
Final Thoughts
The need for skilled carers is stronger than ever, and that demand opens doors for those ready to take the journey. Whether you’re exploring the aged care PR pathway, considering regional sponsorship opportunities, or preparing for the step-by-step process of aged care visa sponsorship, every step brings you closer to both career growth and a new life in Australia.
At the same time, navigating visas and sponsorships can feel overwhelming especially with changing policies, detailed paperwork, and strict timelines. That’s where the right guidance makes all the difference.
As a registered immigration agency based in Adelaide, Visafast Migration Consultancy has helped many carers and healthcare professionals successfully move through the aged care sponsorship visa process.
From assessing your eligibility to preparing documents and liaising with employers, we provide step-by-step support so you can focus on your career goals while we handle the complexities of migration law.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What is the aged care sponsorship visa in Australia?
The aged care sponsorship visa allows approved Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill critical roles in the aged care sector, such as carers and support workers.
2. Can aged care workers get permanent residency in Australia?
Yes. Through pathways like the aged care employer nomination scheme (subclass 186) or under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, sponsored workers can move from temporary visas to permanent residency for aged care workers.
3. Which visas are available for aged care workers in Australia?
Visa options include the 482 TSS visa for aged care workers, the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), and regional aged care visa sponsorship under DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement).
4. Are aged care jobs in Australia eligible for visa sponsorship?
Yes. Aged care jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship are on the labour agreement aged care list, making them eligible for employer sponsorship to meet the skilled shortage.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and policies may change over time, so we strongly recommend consulting a registered migration agent or legal professional before making any visa application.
