February 3, 2026
The Australian aged care sector is currently facing a significant workforce shortage, which has opened up incredible opportunities for dedicated individuals like you. If you are a carer or a support worker looking to build a long-term future in Australia, understanding the sponsorship visa for aged care workers in australia is the first step toward achieving your goals.
At Visa Store Austaralia, we believe that those who care for our community deserve to be cared for by our migration system. This guide will walk you through the latest updates, requirements, and the exciting pathways to permanent residency available right now.
What is the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement?
The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) is a specialized initiative by the Australian Government designed to streamline the recruitment of overseas workers. It provides a structured framework for an aged care sponsor to bring in skilled direct care workers when they cannot find enough local staff.
Unlike standard visa programs, this agreement offers unique concessions that make it much more accessible for workers in the sector.
Whether you are already in Australia on a different visa or looking to move here from overseas, this agreement is the “golden key” to your sponsorship journey.
| Feature | Details |
| Primary Goal | Address workforce shortages in the aged care sector |
| Visa Subclasses | Subclass 482 (Temporary) and Subclass 186 (Permanent) |
| Key Advantage | Lower English and salary requirements compared to standard visas |
| PR Pathway | Direct pathway to permanent residency after two years |
Are You Eligible? Occupations and Roles
Not every role in a care facility qualifies for this specific sponsorship. The agreement is strictly focused on “direct care” roles.
If you are working as a personal care assistant sponsorship candidate or a nursing support worker sponsorship applicant, you are likely in the right place. The following table outlines the specific occupations covered under the ACILA:
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Description of Role |
| Aged or Disabled Carer | 423111 | Provides general household assistance, emotional support, and companionship. |
| Nursing Support Worker | 423312 | Provides limited patient care under the direction of nursing staff. |
| Personal Care Assistant | 423313 | Provides routine personal care services in various settings. |
If your role falls into one of these categories, you can begin looking for an aged care sponsorship with an approved provider.
It is important to note that disability sector workers are currently not covered by this specific industry agreement, though other regional options like DAMAs may still apply.
Navigating the Requirements: Skills, English, and Salary
One of the reasons we are seen as thought leaders in this space is our ability to simplify complex migration law.
To qualify for sponsorship for aged care worker roles, you need to meet a few key criteria.
First, you need a relevant qualification, such as an Australian Certificate III or equivalent. If you don’t have a qualification, don’t worry—you can often substitute it with 12 months of relevant full-time work experience.
The English language requirements are also much more flexible under this agreement. For the Subclass 482 visa, you generally only need an IELTS score of 5.0 (or equivalent).
If you are working for a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) provider and are fluent in their target language, this requirement can even drop to 4.5.
Regarding your income, the minimum guaranteed annual earnings are set at AUD 51,222, or the market salary rate for your specific position if it is higher. This ensures you are paid fairly while you work toward your future.
The Journey to Permanent Residency (PR)
The most common question we get at Visa Store Australia is:
“How do I get PR through aged care?“
The answer lies in the aged care visa sponsorship australia pathway. After working for just two years in a relevant direct care occupation in Australia, you may become eligible to apply for the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa.
The beauty of this pathway is its flexibility. The two years of work experience do not necessarily have to be with the same employer or on the same visa subclass.
This means that if you have been working hard in the sector on a different visa, you might already be closer to permanent residency than you think.
For the PR stage, the English requirement increases slightly to an IELTS 5.5, and there is generally an age limit of 45 years, though certain exemptions can apply.
Why Trust Visa Store Australia with Your Future?
Choosing the right partner for your migration journey is one of the most important decisions you will make. At Visa Store Australia, we don’t just process papers; we build futures.
Our team is led by experts who understand the nuances of the aged care sponsor landscape. We take a personalized approach, treating every case with the care and attention it deserves.
“Our goal is to turn the complex Australian migration system into a clear, manageable path for our clients. We take pride in being the bridge between your hard work and your permanent home in Australia.”
We are fully registered and compliant, operating under MARN #2217857. This registration is your guarantee of professional, ethical, and accurate advice.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your Dedication Deserves a Clear Path: Let Us Guide You.We understand the incredible commitment aged care workers make every day.
If you’re considering a sponsorship visa for aged care workers in Australia or exploring your PR pathway, you likely have many questions.
At Visa Store Australia, we pride ourselves on being thought models in Australian migration, offering compassionate and expert guidance tailored to your individual circumstances – book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents to get started.
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