Australia Needs You: Care Home Jobs with Visa Sponsorship Now Open in 2025

Australia’s ageing population and growing healthcare demands have created a critical need for skilled care workers in care homes across the country. In 2025, the aged care sector is experiencing a significant labor shortage, with over 800 visa-sponsored care home jobs available for international workers. These roles offer competitive salaries, pathways to permanent residency, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of elderly Australians. This comprehensive guide explores the landscape of care home jobs in Australia, visa sponsorship opportunities, key roles, eligibility criteria, and how non-EU citizens can apply.

Why Care Home Jobs in Australia?

Australia’s aged care sector is a cornerstone of its healthcare system, providing essential support to elderly individuals in residential facilities and home care settings. With an ageing population and increasing demand for quality care, the sector faces a shortage of skilled workers, making it a prime opportunity for international professionals. Here’s why care home jobs are appealing:

• High Demand: Over 820 aged care worker visa sponsorship jobs are listed on platforms like SEEK, with new roles added daily.

• Competitive Salaries: Salaries range from $55,000 to $115,000 annually, depending on the role and qualifications.

• Visa Sponsorship: Many employers offer visa sponsorship through programs like the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (Subclass 186), with pathways to permanent residency.

• Rewarding Work: Care home roles allow you to enhance the quality of life for elderly residents through compassionate care and support.

• Supportive Environment: Employers often provide relocation assistance, training, and benefits like salary packaging and health insurance.

Visa Sponsorship Options for Care Home Jobs

Non-EU citizens (including those from countries outside the European Economic Area) require a valid work visa to work in Australia. The following visa options are commonly used for care home jobs:

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

• Purpose: Allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for roles on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL), including aged care and disability support roles.

• Eligibility:

  • A job offer from an approved Australian employer.

  • Relevant qualifications (e.g., Certificate III in Individual Support or equivalent).

  • English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or equivalent, if required by the employer).

  • At least two years of relevant work experience.

• Duration: Up to 4 years, with potential for renewal or transition to permanent residency.

• Key Feature: Employers like Estia Health and Sanctuary Recruitment offer TSS visa sponsorship for aged care roles.

2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

• Purpose: Provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers sponsored by an employer.

• Eligibility:

  • A job offer from an approved employer.

  • Relevant qualifications and at least three years of experience (for some roles).

  • Meet health and character requirements.

• Key Feature: Ideal for long-term career stability in Australia’s aged care sector.

3. Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement

• Purpose: Simplifies visa sponsorship for aged care workers by allowing employers to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with unions like the United Workers Union.

• Eligibility:

  • Job roles include aged care workers, personal care assistants, and registered nurses.

  • Qualifications approved by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council or Australian Community Workers Association.

• Key Feature: Streamlines the visa process and supports pathways to permanent residency after a 24-month commitment.

Top In-Demand Care Home Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

The following roles are highly sought after in Australia’s aged care sector, with many offering visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates:

1. Registered Nurse (RN)

• Description: Provides clinical care, administers medications, and oversees resident health in aged care facilities.

• Average Salary: $77,000–$115,000 per year.

• Visa Sponsorship: Available through employers like May Shaw, Estia Health, and St Vincent’s Health Australia.

• Requirements:

  • AHPRA registration (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent.

  • At least 3 years of aged care or hospital experience (preferred).

• Demand: High due to the need for skilled clinical care in care homes.

2. Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

• Description: Assists residents with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility, while providing emotional support.

• Average Salary: $55,000–$75,000 per year.

• Visa Sponsorship: Offered by organizations like CraigCare Group and Southern Cross Care.

• Requirements:

  • Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) or equivalent.

  • Compassion, patience, and good communication skills.

  • National Police Clearance (obtained within the last 6 months).

• Demand: Strong, especially for entry-level roles with training provided.

3. Home Care Support Worker

• Description: Provides in-home care, including personal care, meal preparation, and companionship for elderly clients.

• Average Salary: $55,000–$60,000 per year, with hourly rates around $30.

• Visa Sponsorship: Available through providers like Nurse Next Door and Healthcare Australia (for candidates already in Australia).

• Requirements:

  • Certificate III in Individual Support or equivalent (preferred but not always required).

  • English proficiency and background checks.

  • Valid driver’s license and access to a registered vehicle (for some roles).

• Demand: Growing due to the preference for ageing in place.

4. Care Manager

• Description: Oversees care delivery, manages staff, and ensures compliance with aged care standards.

• Average Salary: $80,000–$100,000 per year.

• Visa Sponsorship: Available through not-for-profit providers like 365 Care in Penrith, NSW.

• Requirements:

  • Diploma or higher in health or social care.

  • Leadership experience in aged care settings.

  • Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Demand: Increasing for leadership roles in care homes.

5. Enrolled Nurse (EN)

• Description: Supports registered nurses with clinical tasks and resident care under supervision.

• Average Salary: $70,000–$80,000 per year.

• Visa Sponsorship: Available in regional areas like Victoria and Queensland.

• Requirements:

  • AHPRA registration as an enrolled nurse.

  • Diploma of Nursing or equivalent.

  • Experience in aged care or healthcare settings.

• Demand: High in regional and rural facilities.

Eligibility Criteria for Visa Sponsorship

To qualify for visa-sponsored care home jobs in Australia, non-EU candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Job Offer: Secure a position with an approved employer registered with the Department of Home Affairs.

• Qualifications: Hold relevant qualifications, such as Certificate III in Individual Support, Diploma of Nursing, or a bachelor’s degree for clinical roles.

• Experience: Typically, 1–3 years of experience in aged care, home care, or healthcare (varies by role).

• English Proficiency: Demonstrate competency through tests like IELTS (if required by the employer or visa program).

• Health and Character Checks: Provide medical clearance and a National Police Clearance.

• Visa Eligibility: Meet the criteria for the TSS visa, ENS visa, or Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement.

Where to Find Care Home Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Several platforms and organizations specialize in connecting international candidates with visa-sponsored care home jobs in Australia:

• SEEK: Lists over 820 aged care worker visa sponsorship jobs across Australia, including roles for RNs, PCAs, and care managers.

• Jora: Features 138 care assistant visa sponsorship jobs with email alerts for new postings.

• Indeed: Offers 1,003 caregiver sponsorship jobs, including home care and aged care roles.

• Sanctuary Recruitment: Specializes in aged care sponsorship visas for registered nurses, with a focus on regional areas.

• Estia Health: Provides sponsorship for skilled workers on TSS visas with a pathway to permanent residency.

• Nurse Next Door: Seeks compassionate carers for home care roles with visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants.

• Australian Government JobSearch: Lists government-verified roles, including care home jobs with visa support.

How to Apply for Care Home Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

To secure a care home job with visa sponsorship in Australia, follow these steps:

1. Research Opportunities:

   • Use platforms like SEEK, Jora, and Indeed to find roles explicitly offering visa sponsorship.

   • Check employer websites like Estia Health or St Vincent’s Health Australia for international candidate programs.

2. Verify Employer Sponsorship:

   • Ensure the employer is an approved sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs. The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement simplifies this process for many providers.

3. Prepare Your Application:

   • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant qualifications, experience, and compassion for aged care.

   • Include details of your AHPRA registration (for nurses) or Certificate III in Individual Support (for PCAs).

4. Meet Visa Requirements:

   • Obtain necessary qualifications and certifications (e.g., Certificate III, IELTS for English proficiency).

   • Complete health and police checks as required.

5. Work with Migration Partners:

   • Engage with employers’ migration partners, like Newland Chase (used by Estia Health), for visa application support.

   • Consult a MARA-registered immigration agent for personalized guidance.

6. Apply and Interview:

   • Submit applications through job portals or directly to employers.

   • Prepare for interviews by emphasizing your caregiving experience, adaptability, and commitment to improving residents’ lives.

7. Relocation Support:

   • Some employers, like Estia Health, offer relocation assistance, including accommodation support for up to 4 weeks.

Challenges and Tips for Success

Challenges

• Visa Processing Time: Visa applications can take 6–12 weeks, requiring patience and planning.

• AHPRA Registration: Nurses must navigate a rigorous registration process, which can take months.

• Regional Requirements: Some visa-sponsored roles are in rural or regional areas, which may require adjustment.

• Competition: High demand for sponsorship roles means applications must stand out.

Tips for Success

• Start AHPRA Registration Early: For nurses, begin the AHPRA process before applying to avoid delays.

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any aged care, home care, or healthcare experience in your application.

• Network with Employers: Contact care providers directly to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

• Consider Regional Roles: Rural facilities, like those in Griffith or Moonta, often have higher sponsorship availability.

• Upskill: Obtain a Certificate III in Individual Support or equivalent through Australian-recognized training providers to boost eligibility.

Conclusion

Australia’s aged care sector is calling for compassionate and skilled international workers to fill critical roles in 2025. With over 800 visa-sponsored care home jobs available, opportunities abound for registered nurses, personal care assistants, home care support workers, and care managers. By securing a job offer from an approved employer, meeting visa requirements, and leveraging platforms like SEEK, Jora, and Indeed, non-EU citizens can embark on a rewarding career in Australia’s healthcare system. Start your journey today by exploring opportunities with leading providers like Estia Health, Sanctuary Recruitment, and Nurse Next Door, and take advantage of visa sponsorship programs to build a fulfilling career down under.