Australia’s aged care sector is experiencing a sustained shortage of skilled workers. As the population continues to age, demand for trained, compassionate aged care professionals has grown substantially. For qualified carers overseas, the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) offers a clear and practical migration pathway to live and work in Australia.

Whether you are just starting your research or actively preparing an application, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the 482 visa for aged care workers. From eligibility and skills assessments to sponsorship and pathways to permanent residency, you will find expert legal guidance tailored to your profession.

Why the 482 Visa Is Relevant to Aged Care Workers

The 482 visa allows approved Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers for skilled roles that cannot be filled locally. Aged care roles such as Aged or Disabled Carer, Nursing Support Worker, and Personal Care Assistant are increasingly being sponsored under this visa due to nationwide shortages.

For aged care professionals with the right qualifications and experience, the 482 visa opens the door to:

  • Long-term employment in residential or home care settings
  • Living in Australia for up to four years.
  • Bringing eligible family members.
  • Applying for permanent residency after meeting the required conditions.

To explore more about this program, visit our page on Temporary Skill Shortage (482) visa information.

Who Can Apply for the 482 Aged Care Visa?

You may be eligible to apply for the 482 visa if you:

  • Have a formal qualification relevant to aged care or disability services.
  • Possess at least two years of relevant work experience.
  • Are proficient in English.
  • Meet health and character requirements.
  • Have a job offer from an approved Australian employer willing to sponsor you.

This visa is particularly suitable for workers in aged care roles that fall under the Medium-Term stream, which allows for a stay of up to four years and offers a pathway to permanent residency.

You can review the full 482 visa requirements to confirm your eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Qualifications

To be eligible, you must hold a qualification equivalent to an Australian Certificate III, Certificate IV, or Diploma in aged care, individual support, community services, or a closely related field.

These qualifications typically cover skills such as:

  • Providing personal care and support to elderly clients.
  • Assisting with hygiene, mobility, and medication.
  • Supporting daily living and emotional wellbeing.

2. Relevant Work Experience

Most aged care sponsorships require at least two years of full-time, post-qualification experience in a care setting. This experience should reflect your ability to perform aged care tasks safely and effectively.

Acceptable experience may be gained in:

  • Residential aged care facilities.
  • Home and community care programs.
  • Disability support environments.
  • Palliative care settings.

3. English Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate functional or competent English language skills through an approved English test unless exempt. Test results must meet visa-specific thresholds, which may vary based on your role and stream.

In most cases, you must provide evidence of meeting the minimum score in one of the accepted tests such as IELTS or PTE.

4. Health and Character Requirements

Applicants must undergo a health assessment and provide police clearance certificates. These checks are necessary to meet public interest criteria and ensure the safety of Australian communities.

Skills Assessment Process

A positive skills assessment is typically required before applying for the 482 visa. This process confirms that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for the nominated occupation.

The assessing body will review:

  • Your formal qualifications.
  • Course content and duration.
  • Relevant employment experience.
  • English language proficiency.

The skills assessment outcome is a critical document and must be submitted with your visa application. AIM Lawyers can assist in determining the correct assessing authority for your role and guide you through the process.

Employer Sponsorship Requirements

The 482 visa is employer-sponsored. This means you must have a job offer from an Australian employer approved as a Standard Business Sponsor.

Your sponsoring employer must demonstrate that:

  • The position is genuine and full-time.
  • The role is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • The salary offered meets or exceeds the minimum threshold.
  • The business complies with Australian workplace and immigration laws.

Employers must also pay a government-mandated training levy. If your employer is not yet an approved sponsor, we can assist them with becoming a sponsoring employer.

Step-by-Step 482 Visa Application Process

The visa process involves three main stages:

Step 1: Skills Assessment

Obtain a positive skills assessment from the appropriate authority. This step verifies that your training and experience match the required Australian standard.

Step 2: Nomination by Your Employer

Your employer lodges a nomination application for your role. They must show that the role is genuine and complies with labour market conditions.

Step 3: Visa Application

After the nomination is approved, you submit your own visa application. You will be required to include:

  • A valid passport.
  • Certified copies of qualifications and transcripts.
  • Positive skills assessment outcome.
  • English language test results.
  • Evidence of work experience.
  • Police clearance certificates.
  • Medical examination results.
  • Details of sponsorship and employment offer.

Each application must be prepared thoroughly and with supporting evidence to reduce the risk of delays or refusals.

Processing Times and What to Expect

Typical processing times can vary based on the complexity of the application, completeness of documentation, and workload of the Department of Home Affairs.

Estimated timeframes include:

  • Skills assessment: 8 to 12 weeks.
  • Employer nomination: 2 to 6 weeks.
  • Visa decision: 1 to 3 months.

During the process, you may be asked to provide additional documentation. Prompt responses help avoid unnecessary delays.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

One of the key advantages of the 482 visa is the opportunity it provides to transition to permanent residency. There are two common options for aged care workers:

1. Subclass 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme)

To apply for this visa, you must:

  • Work in your nominated aged care role for at least two years.
  • Be nominated by your sponsoring employer for a permanent position.
  • Continue to meet English, health, and character requirements.

This stream allows you to settle in Australia on a permanent basis with full work and residency rights. For full eligibility information, see our pathway to permanent residency.

2. DAMA Agreements (Designated Area Migration Agreements)

If you are working in a regional or designated area, you may be eligible for permanent residency under a DAMA arrangement. These agreements allow employers in certain regions to sponsor workers under more flexible criteria, including lower English scores or age concessions.

AIM Lawyers can help you understand whether your location and role fall under a DAMA and assess your eligibility.

Real-Life Success Stories

Many aged care professionals from countries including the Philippines, India, Fiji, and South Africa have successfully migrated to Australia under the 482 visa. With the right qualifications and support, workers have secured full-time employment, achieved long-term residency, and contributed meaningfully to the aged care sector.

If you are qualified, committed, and ready to take the next step, you can follow a similar pathway to success.

How AIM Lawyers Can Help

At AIM Lawyers, we understand the complexity of applying for a 482 visa and navigating Australian migration law. Our team specialises in helping aged care professionals achieve their migration goals.

We can assist you with:

  • Determining your eligibility and assessing visa options.
  • Preparing your skills assessment application.
  • Supporting your employer with sponsorship and nomination.
  • Lodging your 482 visa application.
  • Advising on permanent residency pathways, including 186 visas and DAMAs.

Get clarity on your 482 visa requirements for aged care roles — contact AIM Lawyers today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 482 visa for aged care workers?

It is a Temporary Skill Shortage visa that allows overseas aged care professionals to work in Australia if sponsored by an approved employer.

Who can apply for the 482 aged care visa?

Qualified aged care workers who meet experience, English, health, and skills assessment requirements and have an employer willing to sponsor them.

Do I need a skills assessment for aged care roles?

Yes. A positive skills assessment is usually required to show your training and experience match Australian standards.

Can the 482 visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes. Aged care workers can apply for permanent residency through the subclass 186 visa or via DAMA pathways if eligible.

Where can I get help applying for a 482 aged care visa?

AIM Lawyers offers end-to-end support for aged care workers, including eligibility checks, skills assessments, employer sponsorship, and permanent residency guidance.

Ready to Start Your Aged Care Career in Australia?

If you are a skilled aged care worker looking for new opportunities, the 482 visa offers a trusted route to employment and long-term residency in Australia.

Plan your aged care career in Australia — speak to a migration specialist today.

For more information on skilled migration options, you can also explore our available skilled visa options or try our skilled visa points calculator.