Introduction
Australia’s demand for aged care assistants is booming, and it’s creating life-changing opportunities for people from overseas and for those already living here. You might be wondering:
- Can I work in aged care and get visa sponsorship?
- What are the real requirements, wages, and pathways?
- How does the job compare with other caregiver roles?
If you’ve asked any of these questions, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, you’ll discover practical steps to land an aged care assistant job, understand how visa sponsorship works, and explore career growth in one of Australia’s most vital sectors.
This isn’t just theory — you’ll get real insights, comparisons, and actionable information.
Let’s begin.
Why Aged Care Is One of Australia’s Fastest-Growing Job Markets
Australia has an aging population. That means more people need care, support, and compassion as they grow older.
Here’s the simple truth:
Aged care assistants are in high demand.
The job isn’t just about care — it’s about dignity, respect, and making someone’s later years better.
What Makes Aged Care Jobs So In Demand?
- Australia’s population is aging faster than ever.
- More aged care facilities are opening.
- Government reforms are pushing higher quality care.
- There aren’t enough local workers to fill the need.
It’s a rare situation where work demand aligns with migration opportunities.
For international workers — this means you could find sponsorship if you have the right skills and training.
What Exactly Is an Aged Care Assistant?
Before we go deep into visas and jobs, let’s clear this up:
An aged care assistant is someone who helps older adults with daily living. This can include:
- Assisting with personal care (bathing, dressing)
- Supporting mobility and exercise
- Helping with medication reminders
- Providing companionship
- Assisting with meals
- Monitoring well-being and reporting changes
These roles are both practical and emotionally rewarding — you’re not just performing tasks, you’re improving someone’s quality of life.
In Australia, these roles often appear as:
- Aged Care Worker
- Personal Care Assistant
- Care Support Worker
- Disability Support Worker (some overlap)
Each role may have slightly different duties, but the heart of the job is supporting elderly people to live safely and comfortably.
How Visa Sponsorship Works for Aged Care Jobs
Here’s the big question:
Can you work in aged care and get visa sponsorship in Australia?
The answer is yes — but with conditions.
Companies can sponsor overseas workers for certain roles under Australia’s skilled visa system. That means:
- An employer offers you a job
- They sponsor your visa application
- You work and live in Australia legally
The most common sponsorship visas include:
| Visa Type | Description | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) | Employer-sponsored short-to-medium stay | Up to 4 years |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) | Employer-sponsored permanent residency | Permanent |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | State-nominated points-based | Permanent |
| Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) | Regional skilled visa | Up to 5 years |
These visas differ in how they’re awarded, how long they last, and whether they lead to permanent residency.
For aged care roles specifically:
- 482 TSS visas are the most common initial route.
- 186 ENS visas can be a pathway to permanent residency.
We’ll explain each in depth in later sections.
Who Can Apply for Aged Care Sponsorship Jobs?
Not everyone can walk in and get sponsorship.
Most employers prefer or require applicants to have:
- Relevant qualifications (Certificate III or IV in Aged Care)
- Work experience in caregiving
- Good English skills
- Valid police checks
- Australian licences or compliance checks if already in country
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Typical Requirements
- Qualification
Aged care assistants usually need at least a Certificate III in Individual Support or equivalent. This trains you in the core skills you need. If you’re outside Australia, check if your local qualification is recognized. - Experience
Employers love candidates who have worked in aged care, disability care, or related health roles. - English proficiency
You’ll interact with residents, families, and healthcare teams — so good communication is vital. - Security clearances
National police checks and background screening are essential for work involving vulnerable people. - Right to Work
You must have either:- A valid Australian visa, or
- Be eligible for a sponsored visa
This is where the visa process comes in.
Let’s explore that next.
Employer-Sponsored Visas (482 & 186): How They Work
If your dream is working in aged care with sponsorship, you’ll likely start here.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
This is the most common sponsorship route for aged care assistants.
- Employers nominate a skilled role your occupation matches.
- You apply for the 482 visa with that nomination.
- If approved, you work for that employer.
Advantages:
- Faster processing than skilled points visas.
- Employers handle most of the paperwork.
- You can bring family dependents.
Limitations:
- You work only for your sponsor (unless you change jobs and visa).
- Temporary stay unless you later transition to a permanent visa.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
This visa is permanent.
- The employer must nominate you for a permanent role.
- Once approved, you live and work indefinitely.
This is the ultimate goal for many aged care workers.
To qualify, you usually must:
- Work for the sponsor under 482 first
- Demonstrate strong performance and commitment
Some employers are willing to sponsor directly for 186, but this is rarer.
Aged Care Assistant Salaries in Australia
Let’s address something practical: your earning potential.
Here’s a snapshot of typical wage ranges for aged care roles in Australia (2025 estimate):
| Job Title | Full-Time Average Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aged Care Assistant | AUD 50,000–60,000 | Entry to mid-level |
| Senior Care Worker | AUD 60,000–70,000 | With experience/leadership |
| Disability Support Worker | AUD 52,000–62,000 | Similar skillset |
Salaries can vary based on:
- State or territory
- Facility type (private vs government)
- Experience level
- Shift work (evenings/night penalties)
Visas don’t change your pay — but they open doors to higher paying roles over time.
How to Find Aged Care Jobs That Sponsor Visas
Now to the heart of your search.
Here’s how most successful applicants find sponsored opportunities:
1. Check Skilled Occupation Lists
Australia publishes lists of job titles eligible for sponsorship. Your role must appear on these lists for visas like 482 or 186. You can check this via the official government site for visa occupations.
The full lists are available on this page: skilled occupation lists.
2. Apply Through Major Job Boards
Use trusted Australian job sites like:
- Seek
- Indeed
- Jora
Search for keywords like:
- “Aged Care Assistant”
- “Care Support Worker”
- “Visa Sponsorship”
- “Employer Sponsored”
3. Work With Recruiters
Many healthcare recruiters specialize in placing overseas caregivers.
They can help with:
- CV preparation
- Employer matching
- Interview coaching
4. Connect Directly With Care Providers
Large aged care groups in Australia often sponsor workers. Examples include:
- Bupa Aged Care
- Leading Age Services Australia facilities
Some advertise sponsorship opportunities directly.
Qualifications That Fast-Track Your Success
In Australia, formal qualifications matter.
Here’s a breakdown of positive credentials that help your case:
Most Valuable Qualifications
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care)
This is the benchmark qualification employers love. - Certificate IV in Ageing Support
Advanced skills and pathways to senior roles. - First Aid & CPR Certificates
Often mandatory - Manual Handling and Infection Control
Standard in healthcare environments
If you studied overseas, consider getting your qualification assessed in Australia.
A reputable assessment helps employers understand your skills. You can learn about credential recognition at the official Australian skills recognition portal.
What It’s Really Like Working as an Aged Care Assistant
Let’s get personal.
Many people view aged care work as:
- Rewarding
- Meaningful
- Emotionally engaging
But it’s also:
- Demanding
- Physically intense
- Requires patience and resilience
Here’s what your daily work might include:
- Helping residents dress and groom
- Assisting with morning routines
- Supporting mobility and activities
- Communicating with families
- Coordinating with nurses and support teams
It’s teamwork in action — and every successful shift builds your experience and reputation.
Common Misconceptions About Aged Care Jobs
Before we go deeper into visas, let’s bust a few myths:
Myth 1 — “Aged care jobs are low skill.”
Truth: These roles require real clinical awareness, communication skills, and professionalism.
Myth 2 — “You need perfect English.”
Truth: You need good functional English. You can improve this while working and living in Australia.
Myth 3 — “Only locals get sponsored.”
Truth: Employers sponsor talented workers when local labour isn’t available.
What Employers Look for in Aged Care Candidates
Here’s what helps you stand out:
Skills
- Caring attitude
- Communication capacity
- Safety awareness
Experience
- Previous caregiving
- Healthcare exposure
Professionalism
- Reliability
- Clean record
- Good references
Adaptability
- Willingness to learn
- Cultural awareness
Conclusion
You now understand:
- Why aged care assistant jobs are in high demand
- What the job consists of
- How sponsorship visas work
- What employers expect
FAQs
1. Can aged care assistants really get visa sponsorship in Australia?
Yes. Many do, especially in regional areas and understaffed facilities.
2. Do I need a university degree?
No. A Certificate III or IV is usually enough.
3. Is aged care work only for women?
No. Many men work successfully in aged care.
4. Can I apply from outside Australia?
Yes, but your chances are higher if you already have experience or Australian training.