Elderly Care Jobs in Australia 2026 With Visa Sponsorship: Submit Application Now

Looking for elderly care jobs in Australia 2026 with visa sponsorship for foreigners? Discover salaries, visa options, and how to apply today.

Introduction

Did you know that Australia’s aged care sector is expected to face tens of thousands of worker shortages by 2026? With an ageing population and growing demand for support services, the country is actively seeking skilled caregivers from overseas.

If you’re searching for elderly care jobs in Australia 2026 with visa sponsorship for foreigners, you’re in the right place. This guide explains everything you need to know—from job roles and salary expectations to visa pathways and application steps. We’ll also cover the Australia skilled worker visa for aged care workers, where to find nursing home jobs in Australia for international applicants, and practical tips on how to apply successfully.

Whether you’re a trained nurse, personal care assistant, or someone passionate about supporting older adults, Australia offers real opportunities—and a pathway to permanent residency in many cases.

Let’s dive in.

Why Australia Needs Foreign Aged Care Workers in 2026

Australia’s population is ageing rapidly. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nearly 1 in 6 Australians is over 65, and that number continues to grow.

The government has responded by increasing funding for aged care services, particularly after reforms introduced following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. As a result:

• More residential care facilities are opening.

• Home care packages are expanding.

• The demand for qualified caregivers is rising fast.

This creates strong prospects for caregiver jobs in Australia for foreigners, especially those with experience, certifications, or nursing backgrounds.

Types of Elderly Care Jobs in Australia 2026

If you’re considering elderly care jobs in Australia 2026 with visa sponsorship for foreigners, here are the most in-demand roles:

1. Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

Duties:

• Helping with bathing, dressing, and mobility

• Assisting with meals and medication reminders

• Providing companionship

Average Salary (2026 estimate):
AUD $55,000–$70,000 per year

2. Aged Care Worker (Residential Facility)

Often working in nursing homes, these professionals provide daily support and monitor residents’ health.

This is one of the most common nursing home jobs in Australia for international applicants.

3. Enrolled Nurse (Aged Care)

Enrolled nurses assist registered nurses in aged care settings. A recognized nursing qualification is required.

Salary Range:
AUD $65,000–$85,000 annually

4. Registered Nurse (Aged Care Specialist)

Registered nurses with aged care experience are in high demand across Australia.

Salary Range:
AUD $75,000–$110,000 per year

5. Home Care Support Worker

These roles involve traveling to clients’ homes and providing individualized support.

If you prefer flexible hours and one-on-one care, this is an excellent option.

Visa Options for Aged Care Workers in 2026

To secure elderly care jobs in Australia 2026 with visa sponsorship for foreigners, understanding visa pathways is critical.

Here are the main options:

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

This visa allows employers to sponsor foreign workers for skilled positions.

Key Points:

• Requires employer sponsorship

• Valid for 2–4 years

• Can lead to permanent residency

2. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Points-tested visa based on occupation demand.

Ideal if aged care occupations remain on Australia’s skilled occupation list in 2026.

3. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory.

Some states prioritize aged care workers due to shortages.

4. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Permanent visa option for skilled workers sponsored by employers.

When researching the Australia skilled worker visa for aged care workers, always check the official website of the Department of Home Affairs for the latest updates.

Qualifications and Requirements

Before applying for elderly care jobs in Australia 2026 with visa sponsorship for foreigners, ensure you meet these criteria:

Basic Requirements

• Certificate III or IV in Aged Care (or equivalent)

• English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent test)

• Police clearance

• Health checks

For Nurses:

• Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

• Recognized nursing degree

• Clinical experience

Some employers may offer training pathways, especially for caregiver roles.

How to Apply for Elderly Care Jobs in Australia 2026

Wondering how to apply for elderly care jobs in Australia 2026? Follow this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Check Skill Eligibility

Confirm your occupation is listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list.

Step 2: Get Skills Assessment

Depending on the role, your qualifications may need to be assessed by an authorized body.

Step 3: Prepare a Strong Resume

Australian employers prefer:

• Clear, concise resumes

• Demonstrated aged care experience

• References from previous employers

Step 4: Apply Through Trusted Platforms

Look for caregiver jobs in Australia for foreigners on:

• SEEK Australia

• Indeed Australia

• Government job portals

• Direct aged care provider websites

Step 5: Secure Employer Sponsorship

Once hired, your employer initiates the visa sponsorship process.

Salary and Benefits Overview (2026)

Here’s a quick comparison of typical roles:

Additional Benefits May Include:

• Superannuation (retirement contributions)

• Paid annual leave

• Overtime pay

• Relocation assistance (some employers)

These benefits make elderly care jobs in Australia 2026 with visa sponsorship for foreigners especially attractive.

Challenges to Consider

While opportunities are strong, be realistic:

• Emotional demands of elderly care work

• Shift work, including nights and weekends

• Visa processing time

However, many workers find the role deeply rewarding and stable.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Sponsored

If you’re serious about securing elderly care jobs in Australia 2026 with visa sponsorship for foreigners, consider these expert tips:

1. Gain formal certification in aged care.

2. Improve your English test scores.

3. Highlight dementia or palliative care experience.

4. Apply to regional areas (less competition).

5. Network with recruiters specializing in healthcare placements.

Consistency matters. Don’t stop at one application—apply widely.

Conclusion

Australia’s growing elderly population has created real opportunities for skilled and compassionate caregivers worldwide. If you’re searching for elderly care jobs in Australia 2026 with visa sponsorship for foreigners, now is the perfect time to prepare.

From personal care assistants to registered nurses, the demand is rising—and so are the pathways to permanent residency. By understanding visa options, meeting qualification standards, and applying strategically, you can turn this opportunity into a long-term career abroad.

Start researching, upgrade your credentials, and submit applications today. Your journey toward working in Australia’s aged care sector could begin sooner than you think. Share your questions or experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can foreigners get elderly care jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2026?

Yes, foreigners can get elderly care jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2026, and the outlook is strong due to ongoing workforce shortages in the aged care sector.

Australia’s ageing population continues to grow, increasing demand for qualified caregivers, personal care assistants, enrolled nurses, and registered nurses. According to workforce projections from the Australian Bureau o f Statistics, the number of Australians aged 65 and over is steadily rising, which puts pressure on residential aged care facilities and home care services. As a result, many employers are open to hiring international applicants when local workers are unavailable.

Foreigners can access opportunities through employer-sponsored visas such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa or permanent pathways like the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). These visas are managed by the Department o f Home Affairs. To qualify, applicants typically need relevant aged care qualifications (such as a Certificate III or equivalent), English language proficiency, and relevant work experience. Nurses must also register with the Australian Heath Practitioner Regulation Agency.

However, sponsorship is not automatic. Employers must prove they cannot fill the role locally before offering it to a foreign worker. Competition can be high in major cities, but regional and rural areas often provide better sponsorship chances.

In summary, 2026 presents genuine opportunities for foreigners seeking elderly care jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship—especially for those with formal qualifications, strong English skills, and relevant experience. Proper preparation and targeting high-demand regions significantly improve your chances of success.

2. What qualifications are required for caregiver jobs in Australia for foreigners?

To qualify for caregiver jobs in Australia for foreigners, you must meet both education and immigration requirements.

Most employers require a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) or an equivalent aged care qualification. If you studied overseas, your credentials may need to be assessed to confirm they match Australian standards. Practical experience in elderly care, disability support, or home care is highly valued.

You must also demonstrate English language proficiency, usually through IELTS, PTE, or a similar approved test—especially if applying for a skilled or employer-sponsored visa through the Department o f Home Affairs.

Additional requirements often include:

• Police clearance certificate

• Working With Vulnerable People check

• First Aid and CPR certification

• Medical examination

For nursing roles, registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is mandatory.

Meeting these qualifications significantly improves your chances of securing sponsorship and employment in Australia’s aged care sector.

3. Is IELTS mandatory for aged care workers?

IELTS is not always mandatory for aged care workers, but in most cases, proof of English proficiency is required—especially for visa and professional registration purposes.

If you are applying for an employer-sponsored or skilled visa through the Department o f Home Affairs, you will typically need to take an approved English test such as IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL. The required score depends on the visa subclass.

For nurses, English testing is usually mandatory for registration with the Australian Health Practitioners  Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Some passport holders from English-speaking countries may qualify for exemptions.

4. Can elderly care jobs in Australia 2026 with visa sponsorship lead to permanent residency?

Yes, elderly care jobs in Australia 2026 with visa sponsorship can lead to permanent residency, depending on the visa pathway you choose. Many aged care workers start on employer-sponsored visas such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa. After gaining sufficient work experience, they may transition to permanent options like the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).

These pathways are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Eligibility usually requires continued employment, meeting English standards, and satisfying health and character checks. With the ongoing demand for aged care professionals, permanent residency is a realistic long-term goal for qualified foreign workers.

If you’re ready to pursue elderly care jobs in Australia 2026 with visa sponsorship for foreigners, begin preparing your documents and applications today. Opportunities are growing—and so can your career.