Visa Options for Aged Care Workers

Australia’s aged care sector is rapidly evolving, with growing demand for skilled workers due to an aging population and reforms such as the new care minutes legislation. For employers and international workers in aged care, visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 186 visa offer pathways to meet the sector’s needs. In this article, we explore these options.

The 482 Visa for Aged Care Workers

The 482 visa, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, is a solution to Australia’s aged care staffing shortages. It allows employers to sponsor workers to fill positions where there is a lack of local talent. Key features include:

• Visa Duration: Up to 4 years.
• Eligible Roles: Positions such as Nursing Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant, and Aged or Disabled Carer.
• Reduced Requirements: Labour agreements like the Aged Care Labour Agreement (ACLA) allow for reduced English language proficiency and work experience requirements.
• Streamlined Processing: Employers under the ACLA benefit from streamlined visa nomination and priority application processing.
• Labour Market Testing Exemption: No need for Labour Market Testing, and lower salary thresholds (TSMIT) apply under the labour agreement.
• PR transition: Workers on the 482 can transition to permanent residency through the 186 ENS visa after two years, making it a valuable stepping stone for long-term career prospects in Australia.

The 186 Visa: A Permanent Pathway

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 186 visa offers aged care workers the opportunity to live and work permanently in Australia. This visa is perfect for those who have gained relevant experience and qualifications and are seeking long-term residency. Key features include:

• Permanent Residency: Provides aged care workers the chance to settle in Australia permanently.
• Employer Sponsorship: Workers must be nominated by an employer who has a labour agreement, such as the Aged Care Labour Agreement.
• Eligibility Criteria: Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, relevant qualifications, and must be under 45 years old.
• English Language Requirements: A score of 5.5 overall in IELTS, with no minimum band score.
• No Labour Market Testing: Employers do not need to conduct labour market testing under the labour agreement.

Benefits of Labour Agreements

Aged care labour agreements provide significant advantages for both employers and employees in Australia’s aged care sector. Employers benefit from more flexible salary requirements, the ability to retain staff for at least two years, and the means to meet compliance standards amidst increased staffing demands. Employees, on the other hand, gain access to a two-year pathway to permanent residency, streamlined visa processing, and exemptions from typical post-qualification work experience and English language requirements.

Read more about these advantages here

How Aurelia Legal can help

Navigating the complex visa landscape can be daunting for both employers and workers. At Aurelia Legal, we specialize in visas for the aged care sector. We assist with: navigating labour agreements and guiding workers through visas and transitions to permanent residency. Contact us today to learn how we can help you or your business thrive in Australia’s aged care sector at +61 3 9125 8820or info@aurelialegal.com.au