Australia’s ageing population poses significant challenges for the health sector, especially in the aged care industry. To strengthen the supply of skilled workers in care, the government has introduced an Elderly Care Labor Agreement (Aged Care) that extends visa concessions to nursing assistants, personal care assistants and caregivers of the elderly and disabled.
This innovative agreement not only simplifies the recruitment of skilled direct care workers from abroad, but also offers eligible applicants a path to permanent residency. In this blog post, we will explore the key provisions of the agreement, its implications for the elderly care sector and the potential opportunities it presents for aspiring elderly care workers.
Elderly Care Work Agreement
The Elderly Care Labor Agreement
Aged Care is a significant step in addressing the continuing shortage of workers in the care of the elderly and disabled in Australia. The agreement removes the conditions of greater competition in English and post-skilled work experience to encourage the arrival of skilled care workers from overseas and also international students in Australia. This opens up opportunities for talented people around the world to contribute their experience in the Australian aged care sector.
Visa Concessions for Qualified Occupations
The purpose of the Elderly Care Industry Labor Agreement is to sponsor foreign workers for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (underclass 482) in direct care occupations, such as:
- Nursing Support Assistant (Nursing Support Worker- ANZSCO 423312)
- Personal Care Assistant (Personal Care Assistant-ANZSCO 423313)
- Caregiver of Elders or Disabled (Aged or Disabled Carer- ANZSCO 423111)
Road to Permanent Residence
One of the most attractive features of the agreement is the two-year path to permanent residency. Eligible care workers can apply for permanent residency within two years of working in Australia for their sponsor on a TSS visa, providing stability and security for their future.
Concessions in English Language
There are concessions in the English language for workers with relevant skills in the community language, recognizing the value of the various language skills in the care industry.
Skills and Qualifications
To meet the occupational requirements of a TSS visa (subclass 482), you must have at least one:
Relevant Certificate III (AQF) or equivalent or a higher qualification; or
Have 12 months of full-time relevant work experience, or equivalent part-time experience.
Work experience
There are no minimum levels of post-qualification work experience that must be met to meet visa criteria for a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482).
Salary requirements
To be eligible for the deal, care workers must earn a minimum annual wage of at least $51,222 or the Australian Market Wage Rate, whichever is higher.
Age
There is no age limit for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482). However, the age limit for an Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is 45 years.
Processing Simplified Visas
The deal offers a simplified visa nomination and a priority processing of visa applications, reducing obstacles for aspiring senior care workers.
Benefits for the Providers of Care for the Elderly and the Labour Force
The Elderly Care Labor Agreement presents numerous benefits for care providers for the elderly and the workforce. The agreement addresses a shortage of labor in the industry, restructuring the employment and visa processes of foreign workers and ensuring that care facilities for the elderly can maintain high standards of care.
Study Options:
- 1-year Certificate in Individual Support: $7,000
- Certificate of 1 month in Aging Support: $8,000
- 1.5-year Nursing Diploma: $30,000
To explore schools you can schedule a phone, face-to-face or WhatsApp consultation for free with our student team.
How can we help you?
Sailing through visa and immigration processes can be overwhelming, especially for those seeking permanent residency in Australia. Registered migration agents are instrumental in helping you navigate this road. We have the knowledge and experience to guide applicants through the complexities of the system, ensuring a fluid and successful application process.
