Care Assistant Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship 2025

Care Assistant Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship 2025 Australia’s aged care and healthcare sectors are experiencing significant workforce shortages due to an aging population and expanding healthcare needs, making it an attractive destination for international care assistants (also known as caregivers, aged care workers, or healthcare assistants). In 2025, employers in this field are actively offering visa sponsorship to eligible overseas workers, particularly through streamlined pathways like the new Aged Care Industry

Overview of Care Assistant Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship for 2025

Labour Agreement introduced by the Australian government in July 2025. This agreement facilitates sponsorship for direct care roles, allowing for temporary and potentially permanent residency options. Opportunities are available nationwide, with a focus on regional areas, and salaries typically range from AUD 50,000–80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and role, often including benefits like paid leave, superannuation, and relocation support

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for care assistant roles with visa sponsorship in 2025, candidates generally need:

Age: At least 18 years old (up to 50 for some visas, with exceptions for older applicants via regional schemes like DAMA).
Education: Basic education is sufficient for entry-level roles, but a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care or Disability) or equivalent is highly preferred. For higher roles, Certificate IV or nursing qualifications are required.
Experience: Prior caregiving, nursing, or support work is advantageous (at least 6–12 months for sponsored roles), though entry-level positions exist. In lieu of qualifications, relevant full-time experience (e.g., 12 months) may suffice under the labour agreement.
Language Proficiency: Basic to intermediate English (e.g., IELTS score of 5–6 overall).

Types of Jobs and Visa Options

Common roles include:

Aged Care Worker / Personal Care Assistant: Assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and companionship in homes or facilities.
Disability Support Worker: Supporting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settings.
Healthcare Assistant / Nursing Support Worker: Aiding nurses in hospitals or clinics with patient care and hygiene.
Home Care Attendant: Providing in-home support for elderly or disabled clients.

Visa pathways for 2025 include:

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): Employer-sponsored for up to 4 years, with pathways to permanent residency.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): Direct entry to permanent residency for skilled workers, especially in regional areas.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme: For jobs in rural Australia, offering concessions like age relaxations (up to 52+ via DAMA agreements).

Government and Additional Information

The Australian government’s Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (effective July 2025) specifically targets sponsorship for roles like Nursing Support Workers and Personal Care Assistants, requiring at least AQF Certificate III or equivalent experience. It offers concessions such as lower English requirements and pathways to permanent residency for direct care workers.2 2 6 9 18 Regional programs like DAMA in areas such as Orana (NSW) or South Australia provide extra incentives, including relocation aid up to AUD 20,000 and accommodation.7 8 19

Tips and Warnings

Focus on regional jobs for faster sponsorship and PR pathways.
Verify employer eligibility on the Department of Home Affairs site to avoid scams.
Consider upskilling via Australian courses post-arrival for career growth.
New 2025 rules emphasize program integrity, so ensure all documents are genuine; processing may be stricter for non-essential roles.
For personalized advice, contact registered migration agents or check state health departments (e.g., Queensland Health or SA Health for international applicants)

Salary Insights for 2025

Salaries for care assistant roles (e.g., Aged Care Worker, Personal Care Assistant, Disability Support Worker, or Healthcare Assistant) with visa sponsorship in 2025 vary based on experience, location (higher in cities like Sydney or Melbourne, with regional incentives), shift types (night/weekend premiums), and employer benefits like salary packaging (tax-free up to AUD 15,900/year for living expenses). Entry-level positions are accessible for sponsored workers, while experienced or qualified roles (e.g., with Certificate III/IV) command higher pay.

Based on current job listings and 2025 projections:

Hourly Rates:
- Entry-level (0–2 years experience): AUD 22–30 per hour.
- Mid-level (2–5 years): AUD 26–35 per hour.
- Senior/Qualified (5+ years or Cert IV+): AUD 30–40+ per hour, with overtime or penalties adding 25–50% (e.g., weekends at time-and-a-half).

Application Process

Prepare Documents: Update your CV highlighting relevant experience, obtain qualifications/certifications, and get English test results.
Search for Jobs: Use platforms like SEEK, Indeed, Jora, or Glassdoor to find sponsoring employers (e.g., aged care facilities, hospitals). Target those explicitly offering sponsorship.10 11 12
Apply and Secure Offer: Submit applications; if selected, the employer nominates you for sponsorship.
Visa Application: Employer applies for sponsorship approval via the Department of Home Affairs. You then lodge your visa (processing times: 1–6 months). Costs include visa fees (AUD 1,300–3,000+).1 13
Relocate and Start: Upon approval, arrange travel. Many employers offer relocation assistance, training, and initial accommodation.

How To Apply

Apply Now

Conclusion

In 2025, care assistant jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship represent a golden opportunity for international workers seeking stable, rewarding careers in a high-demand sector. With salaries ranging from AUD 45,000–85,000 annually (or $22–40/hour), competitive benefits, and streamlined visa pathways like the Subclass 482 or Aged Care Labour Agreement, these roles not only offer financial security but also clear routes to permanent residency, especially in regional areas. The government’s focus on addressing aged care shortages ensures ongoing availability, but success hinges on meeting eligibility (e.g., qualifications, English proficiency) and targeting approved employers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are common questions about care assistant jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship for 2025, based on official guidelines and job market trends:

What qualifications are needed for visa-sponsored care assistant jobs?
A Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care/Disability) or equivalent is typically required, but entry-level roles accept relevant experience (6–12 months) under the 2025 labour agreement. Higher qualifications like Cert IV boost salary and sponsorship chances.
How much does the visa cost, and who pays for it?
Visa fees range from AUD 1,300–3,000 for Subclass 482, plus health checks (AUD 500+). Employers often cover nomination fees (AUD 540–3,000) as part of sponsorship, but applicants pay their own visa application. Skimming fees is illegal—use only registered agents.
Can family members join on a sponsored visa?
Yes, for Subclass 482 or 186 visas, partners and dependent children can apply for secondary visas, allowing work/study rights. Regional visas offer family concessions.
Is English proficiency mandatory, and what level?
Yes, an IELTS score of 5.0 overall (or equivalent) is standard, with concessions (e.g., 4.5) under the new labour agreement for care roles. Some employers provide language support post-arrival.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take?
Employer nomination: 1–3 months; visa processing: 1–6 months total. Faster for priority occupations like aged care in 2025.