What Foreign Workers Must Know Before Applying for Aged Care Jobs in Australia, Employer Sponsorship, Work Permits, Competitive Salaries, and Permanent Residency Fully Explained.
Important Notice: As of 1 July 2025, aged care providers in South Australia can no longer access certain occupations under the SA DAMA.
They must instead use the Aged Care Industry Labor Agreement (ACILA) or alternative programs such as the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Employers in other DAMA regions should verify their specific occupation list with their Designated Area Representative (DAR).
Always seek advice from a registered migration agent before applying.
Why Australia Urgently Needs Aged Care Workers
Australia’s aged care sector is one of the fastest-growing labour markets in the country.
The health care and social assistance industry already accounts for approximately 15 percent of Australia’s total workforce, and demand shows no sign of slowing.
By 2058, an estimated 1.5 million Australians will be aged 85 and over, placing enormous pressure on residential care facilities, home care services, and community support programmes.
The industry currently faces a projected shortfall of around 25,000 workers within the next two years alone.
For foreign workers with direct care experience or relevant qualifications, this represents a rare and well-structured opportunity.
The Australian Government has responded to the crisis by establishing dedicated immigration pathways, including the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA), the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) framework across 13 active regions, and various employer-sponsored visa streams.
These pathways not only allow entry into the country on a temporary basis but, critically, offer a structured route to permanent residency.
Who This Guide Is For
This article is written for internationally trained aged care workers, personal care assistants, nursing support workers, and aged or disabled carers who wish to relocate to Australia on an employer-sponsored visa.
It covers every stage of the process, from identifying job openings and understanding visa categories to lodging applications, settling in, and eventually securing permanent residence.
What Is a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government and a designated area representative, which is typically a state or territory government or a regional body such as a Chamber of Commerce or Regional Development Australia office.
The agreement enables employers within specific geographic boundaries to sponsor overseas workers for positions that are not available, or are difficult to fill, through the standard skilled migration programme.
There are currently 13 active DAMAs across Australia.
Each operates as a two-tier framework: a five-year head agreement between the Commonwealth and the relevant regional authority, and individual labour agreements between the Australian Government and specific employers within that region.
The key advantage of a DAMA is that it gives regions the flexibility to address their unique economic and labour market conditions, including granting concessions on age, English language proficiency, salary thresholds, and occupation eligibility that would not ordinarily be available.
Active DAMA Regions Relevant to Aged Care (as of May 2025)
| DAMA Region | State/Territory | Designated Area Representative (DAR) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide City Technology & Innovation Advancement DAMA | South Australia | SA Skilled & Business Migration | migration.sa.gov.au |
| Regional South Australia DAMA | South Australia | SA Skilled & Business Migration | migration.sa.gov.au |
| Northern Territory DAMA | Northern Territory | NT Government, Dept. of Industry, Tourism & Trade | migration.nt.gov.au |
| Townsville & North Queensland DAMA | Queensland | Cairns Chamber of Commerce | cairnschamber.com.au |
| East Kimberley DAMA | Western Australia | East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce & Industry | ekcci.com.au |
| Western Australia DAMA | Western Australia | Dept. of Training & Workforce Development (Migration Services) | migration.wa.gov.au |
Note: The Northern Territory DAMA was renewed in March 2025 with expanded access to 325 occupations and annual quotas raised from 625 to 1,500 places, valid through 2030.
The Townsville DAMA also introduced specific support provisions for regional health and aged care employers in March 2025.
Types of Aged Care Worker Jobs Available in Australia
Foreign workers are eligible for sponsorship in the following direct care occupations, as defined under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO):
| Job Title | ANZSCO Code | Work Setting | Annual Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aged or Disabled Carer | 423111 | Residential, home, community | $51,222 – $72,000 |
| Personal Care Assistant (Personal Care Worker) | 423313 | Residential, home care | $55,000 – $78,000 |
| Nursing Support Worker (Assistant in Nursing) | 423312 | Residential aged care, hospitals | $60,000 – $85,000 |
Under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, sponsored workers must receive at minimum AUD 51,222 per year (guaranteed annual earnings) or the Australian Market Salary Rate for the position, whichever is the higher figure.
Workers sponsored under the standard TSS 482 visa pathway, outside of the ACILA concessions, must receive at least AUD 78,317.94 annually.
As of August 2025, the sector employs roughly 364,700 people in aged and disability carer roles, with median full-time weekly earnings around AUD 1,564.
Visa Types for Aged Care Workers in Australia
Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand / TSS Visa)
- Temporary employer-sponsored visa
- Valid for up to 4 years
- Primary entry point under ACILA and DAMA
- No age limit under ACILA
- Pathway to 186 ENS after 2 years
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
- Permanent residence visa
- Age limit: 45 years (standard)
- Requires 2 years full-time Australian work experience
- DAMA: SA reduces this to 2 years on a 482
- LMT often waived under labour agreements
Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)
- Provisional visa; valid up to 5 years
- Must live and work in a designated regional area
- Pathway to 191 permanent visa after 3 years
- Available under WA and NT DAMAs
- Age up to 55 with DAMA concession
Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence Regional)
- Permanent visa after regional service
- Typically follows the 494 pathway
- Requires 3 years living and working in a regional area
- Minimum income threshold must be met
Visa Requirements for Employment in Aged Care
| Requirement | Standard 482 TSS | ACILA Concession | DAMA Concession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification | AQF Certificate III or equivalent | AQF Certificate III or 12 months work experience | Varies by region; may accept semi-skilled |
| Work Experience | Minimum 2 years in relevant field | 12 months full-time direct care experience | Reduced; often 1 to 2 years |
| English (IELTS) | 6.0 overall (Competent) | 5.0 overall; 5.0 speaking/listening; 4.5 reading/writing | As low as 5.0 or functional English (varies by DAMA) |
| Age Limit | 45 years (for ENS 186) | No age limit for TSS 482 under ACILA | Up to 55 with DAMA age concession |
| Skills Assessment | Required if overseas qualification | ANMAC (Nursing roles) or ACWA (Carers) | Assessment body varies by occupation |
| Health Check | Required for all applicants (panel physician) | ||
| Police Clearance | Required from each country of residence for the past 10 years | ||
Skills Assessment Bodies
For Nursing Support Workers (ANZSCO 423312) and Personal Care Assistants (ANZSCO 423313), skills assessments are conducted by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), accessible at anmac.org.au.
For Aged or Disabled Carers (ANZSCO 423111), the assessing body is the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA), at acwa.org.au.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Aged Care Worker
1. Confirm Your Eligibility
Review whether your qualification, work experience, and English level meet the requirements of either the ACILA, a relevant DAMA, or the standard 482 Skills in Demand visa.
Check your occupation against the current Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) at the Department of Home Affairs website.
2. Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment
If your qualification was obtained overseas, or you are claiming work experience in place of a formal qualification, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from ANMAC or ACWA before your employer can nominate you.
This step can take 6 to 12 weeks, so apply early.
3. Secure a Job Offer from an Approved Sponsor
Your employer must be an approved standard business sponsor or an accredited sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs.
The position must be a full-time, ongoing role in a direct care occupation.
You can apply for jobs directly via aged care provider websites, job boards, or through international recruitment agencies listed in this guide.
4. Employer Establishes the Labour Agreement (ACILA or DAMA)
Under the ACILA, your employer must first negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the relevant industry union, which may include the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), the Health Services Union (HSU), or the United Workers Union (UWU).
They then submit a labour agreement request via ImmiAccount to the Department of Home Affairs.
5. Employer Nominates You for the Position
Once the labour agreement is in place, your employer lodges a nomination application via ImmiAccount.
They must specify the nominated occupation, salary, and employment terms.
Labour Market Testing (LMT) is not required where the employer has an active MoU under ACILA.
6. Lodge Your Visa Application
After receiving a valid nomination, you lodge your visa application online through ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Attach all required documents including passport, skills assessment, English test results, health examination, police clearances, and proof of work experience.
7. Await Processing and Biometrics (if Required)
Applications under ACILA receive priority processing.
Average processing times for the 482 visa range from 1 to 4 months depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship and document completeness.
Some nationalities are required to attend a biometrics appointment at an Australian Embassy or Visa Application Centre.
8. Travel to Australia and Begin Employment
Once your visa is granted, you may travel to Australia and take up your sponsored position.
You must begin work within your nominated region if you are on a DAMA-linked visa.
Your employer has obligations to support your settlement, including keeping records and notifying Home Affairs of any changes to your employment circumstances.
Required Documents for Your Visa Application
| Document Category | Specific Items Required |
|---|---|
| Identity | Valid passport (all pages), birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable for name change) |
| Qualifications | Academic transcripts, Certificate III or equivalent, certified translations if not in English |
| Skills Assessment | Positive assessment letter from ANMAC or ACWA |
| Work Experience | Reference letters from previous employers (signed by supervisor), payslips, employment contracts, job description documents |
| English Proficiency | IELTS, PTE, OET, TOEFL, or Cambridge test results (within 3 years) |
| Health | Medical examination results from an approved panel physician; chest X-ray report |
| Character | Police clearance certificates from every country lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years |
| Sponsorship | Copy of employer nomination approval, employment contract (signed), MoU confirmation (under ACILA) |
| Additional (DAMA) | DAR endorsement letter, confirmation that employer operates within the designated DAMA region |
International Recruitment Agencies for Aged Care Jobs in Australia
The following agencies specialize in connecting foreign aged care workers with Australian employers offering visa sponsorship.
Contact them directly to enquire about current vacancies and visa eligibility assessments.
| Agency Name | Services | Contact & Address | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursiecare Recruitment | International aged care and nursing recruitment; DAMA and ACILA placement; visa guidance | enquiries@nursiecare.com.au Sydney, NSW, Australia | nursiecare.com.au |
| Sanctuary Recruitment (Acacium Group) | Aged care placement, PALM scheme, residential and home care roles across Australia | +61 2 8096 0100 Level 1, 9 Help Street, Chatswood NSW 2067 | sanctuaryrecruitment.com |
| KBA Global | Aged care visa sponsorship, ACILA applications, employer matching, international worker placement | info@kbaglobal.com Melbourne, VIC, Australia | kbaglobal.com |
| Aussizz Group | DAMA visa applications, registered migration agent services, aged care job placement | +61 8 7123 5001 Level 3, 97 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000 | aussizzgroup.com |
| Via Migration | DAMA endorsements, skills assessments, 482 and 186 visa applications for aged care | admin@viamigration.com.au Perth, WA, Australia | viamigration.com.au |
Companies Offering Visa-Sponsored Aged Care Jobs in Australia
| Employer | Location | Visa Type | Contact / Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estia Health | National (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA) | 482 TSS 186 ENS | estiahealth.com.au/careers +61 3 8572 5400 Level 4, 2 Brandon Park Drive, Wheelers Hill VIC 3150 |
| Opal Healthcare | National (130+ homes) | 482 TSS ACILA | opalhealthcare.com.au/careers +61 2 8251 2900 Level 6, 99 Mount Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 |
| SwanCare | Western Australia (Bentley) | 482 TSS WA DAMA | swancare.com.au +61 8 9352 0600 Currie Avenue, Bentley WA 6102 |
| Lutheran Services | Queensland | ACILA 482 TSS | lutheranservices.org.au +61 7 3858 2500 12 Merivale Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101 |
| McLean Care | NSW and Queensland | ACILA 186 ENS | mcleancare.com.au +61 2 6775 6888 108 Mackay Street, Gunnedah NSW 2380 |
| Regis Aged Care | National | 482 TSS 186 ENS | regis.com.au/careers +61 3 9574 1900 Level 1, 350 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 |
PR Pathways: Routes to Permanent Residency in Australia
Several structured pathways exist for aged care workers to transition from a temporary visa to permanent residency.
Each has specific requirements relating to location, time spent in Australia, occupation, and income.
1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186
This is the most direct PR pathway for sponsored aged care workers.
After two years of full-time work in a direct care occupation in Australia, your sponsoring employer can nominate you for the 186 visa.
The two years of experience is not tied to a single employer.
Under the SA DAMA, this period has been reduced: holders of the Skills in Demand (SID) 482 visa can apply after just two years on that visa.
Age limit is 45 years under standard rules but may be extended to 55 under certain DAMA concessions.
Department of Home Affairs: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au | GPO Box 9984, Melbourne VIC 3001 | Phone: 131 881
2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Subclass 494 to Subclass 191
Workers in regional DAMA areas may enter on a 494 provisional visa, valid for five years.
After three years of living and working in an eligible regional area while meeting the minimum income requirement, they may apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191 visa.
Apply at: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
3. Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) Transition to PR
The 482 visa itself is temporary, but it is the primary entry point from which workers transition to the 186 ENS.
Under the ACILA framework, this transition pathway is deliberately short, with a two-year window before PR eligibility, making it one of the fastest PR routes available to foreign care workers in Australia.
PR Pathway Comparison Table
| Pathway | Entry Visa | PR Visa | Min. Time Before PR | Age Limit | Regional Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACILA Route | 482 TSS | 186 ENS | 2 years | 45 (standard) | No |
| SA DAMA Route | 482 SID | 186 ENS | 2 years | 55 (concession) | Yes (SA) |
| WA DAMA Route | 482 / 494 | 186 ENS | 2 to 3 years | 55 (concession) | Yes (WA) |
| NT DAMA Route | 482 / 494 | 186 or 191 | 2 to 3 years | 55 (concession) | Yes (NT) |
| Regional (494 to 191) | 494 | 191 | 3 years | No limit (for 494) | Yes (regional area) |
Where to Apply: Online Portals and Embassy Contacts
Primary Application Portal
All Australian visa applications are lodged online through the official ImmiAccount portal.
You must create an account, complete the relevant visa application form (such as Form 1066 for the TSS 482 visa), upload your documents, and pay the applicable visa application charge.
ImmiAccount: online.immi.gov.au
Department of Home Affairs: homeaffairs.gov.au
Australian Embassies and High Commissions
| Country | Mission | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | Australian High Commission, Abuja | Plot 1137, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District, Abuja | +234 9 461 2780 nigeria.highcommission.gov.au |
| Philippines | Australian Embassy, Manila | Level 23, Tower 2, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City | +63 2 7757 8100 philippines.embassy.gov.au |
| India | Australian High Commission, New Delhi | 1/50 G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 | +91 11 4139 9900 india.highcommission.gov.au |
| United Kingdom | Australian High Commission, London | Australia House, Strand, London WC2B 4LA | +44 20 7379 4334 uk.embassy.gov.au |
| Kenya | Australian High Commission, Nairobi | ICIPE House, Riverside Drive, Nairobi | +254 20 4277 100 kenya.highcommission.gov.au |
| South Africa | Australian High Commission, Pretoria | 292 Orient Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0083 | +27 12 423 6000 southafrica.highcommission.gov.au |
Note: Most visa applications are submitted entirely online.
Physical embassy visits are generally only required for biometrics collection or identity verification at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Check your specific country’s requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Common Immigration Errors to Avoid
- Applying without an employer nomination: You cannot lodge a 482 or 186 visa application on your own. The nomination from an approved sponsoring employer must be in place and approved before you submit your visa application. Many applicants lose time by reversing this order.
- Submitting an incomplete skills assessment: If your qualification was obtained outside Australia, a positive skills assessment is mandatory. Applications submitted without it will be refused or delayed significantly. Allow at least three months for ANMAC or ACWA to process your assessment.
- Using the wrong English test or sitting a test that has expired: Only specific tests are accepted (IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced). Results must be less than three years old at the time of application. Functional-level tests such as the IELTS General Training version are not always accepted in place of Academic.
- Assuming DAMA eligibility without confirming your employer’s region: DAMAs apply to specific geographic boundaries. If your employer operates in an area not covered by a DAMA, you cannot access DAMA concessions. Always confirm with the relevant DAR before proceeding.
- Neglecting to update Home Affairs of changed circumstances: Sponsored workers must notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to their employment, such as a change of employer or reduction in hours. Failure to do so is a visa condition breach and can affect PR eligibility.
- Choosing the wrong visa pathway for your occupation: From 1 July 2025, certain aged care roles in South Australia shifted from the SA DAMA to the ACILA. Using the wrong programme can lead to refusal. Always confirm the current applicable pathway with a registered migration agent.
- Ignoring the MoU requirement under ACILA: Employers must have a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant union before lodging an ACILA request. Workers who begin the process before confirming this is in place may experience significant delays.
- Providing false or unverified documents: The Department of Home Affairs conducts thorough verification of employment records, qualifications, and character documents. Misrepresentation of any information results in a permanent visa bar under Section 101 of the Migration Act 1958.
Settlement Benefits for Sponsored Aged Care Workers in Australia
Australia offers a stable and well-supported environment for incoming workers.
Beyond employment, sponsored aged care workers and their immediate family members can benefit from the following upon arrival.
Access to Medicare
Workers from countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCAs) with Australia, including the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, the Netherlands, and several others, may access Medicare services.
Others may obtain private health cover.
Family Inclusion
Spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children may be included in the visa application and may live in Australia with full work and study rights during the visa period.
Superannuation
All workers in Australia are entitled to compulsory employer superannuation contributions of 11.5 percent of gross income.
This accumulates in a personal retirement fund and can be claimed on departure in some circumstances.
Pathway to Citizenship
After four years of lawful residence (including at least one year as a permanent resident), sponsored workers who obtain PR may apply for Australian citizenship, provided they meet character and residency requirements.