Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement: A Structured Pathway to Employer Sponsorship and Permanent Residency

Australia’s aged care sector continues to experience sustained workforce demand, supported by a regulated migration framework that enables approved providers to sponsor overseas workers in critical care roles.

The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) provides a defined pathway for eligible candidates to enter the workforce under the

• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

• with progression to permanent residency through the

• Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).

Scope of the Labour Agreement

The agreement applies exclusively to direct care roles:

• Aged or Disabled Carer

• Nursing Support Worker

• Personal Care Assistant

These positions involve direct, hands-on support to elderly individuals, including assistance with daily living, mobility, and personal care.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy one of the following pathways:

Qualification Pathway

• Minimum Certificate III (AQF level) or equivalent in a relevant field

• Must include practical or vocational training

Experience Pathway

• At least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent) paid experience

• Must involve direct care work

Additional Requirements

Demonstrated recent industry activity (qualification within 4 years or recent work experience)

English proficiency

• IELTS 5.0 overall {Minimum 5.0 (speaking/listening), 4.5 (reading/writing)}

  
  

Employment and Salary Conditions

• Minimum salary: AUD 51,222 or market rate

• Equal pay and conditions aligned with Australian standards

• Full-time employment under an approved aged care provider

• Employer Sponsorship Framework

This pathway is employer-driven. Approved providers must:

• Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with unions

• Demonstrate genuine labour shortages

• Nominate candidates under the agreement

Once nominated, visa applications are generally prioritised.

Permanent Residency Pathway

Eligible candidates may transition to permanent residency through the

Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).

Typical requirements include:

• Minimum 2 years of full-time employment in Australia

• Relevant qualification (Certificate III or higher)

• IELTS 5.5 overall

Opportunities are more concentrated in regional Australia. The agreement applies only to aged care providers, not disability (NDIS) employers. Candidates combining qualification and practical experience have stronger outcomes. Contact us to find our companies near your location and which has existing labour agreement valid for at least next 3 more years. If you are new to this sector and want to start your journey, you may possibly do it with a 4-month short online course with guaranteed in-person placement as part of the course.

Along with Aged care, Nursing, Laboratory Medicine, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy remains in-demand within the Health sector. Also, Teaching, Trade, Community work remains high in-demand across most Australian states. At Newsted, we have strong understanding of Australian demography, economy, migration and education sector. To start a conversation, just say "Hi" (sms/WhatsApp: +61410478759)

At Newsted, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.