Australia continues to recruit workers for its aged-care and disability-support sectors. As the population ages and demand for personal care increases, qualified and experienced overseas workers may find opportunities with Australian aged-care providers, nursing homes, residential care facilities and home-care organisations.
For international applicants, including Nigerians, one important route is the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA). This arrangement allows eligible Australian aged-care employers to sponsor overseas workers for certain direct-care occupations through the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and, where requirements are met, the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).
However, applicants should understand what the opportunity involves before paying a recruiter or submitting an application. The headline figure of $100,000 should not be interpreted as a guaranteed government grant, annual salary or relocation allowance. Actual pay depends on the occupation, employer, qualifications, experience, working hours and applicable employment award.
This guide explains the available jobs, visa requirements, qualifications, application process, possible relocation assistance and how to identify legitimate sponsorship opportunities.
What's the $100,000 Australia Caregiver Visa Sponsorship Opportunity All About?
There is no general Australian government programme that gives every overseas caregiver or nursing assistant $100,000 to relocate to Australia.
The figure may be used in advertisements to attract applicants, but it is important to distinguish between a salary, a recruitment package, a relocation benefit and a government-funded grant.
For example, an employer may offer a salary, reimburse some travel expenses, provide temporary accommodation or help with relocation. These benefits depend on the employer's policy and the terms of the employment contract.
A caregiver earning a particular amount annually should also not assume that the entire figure will be paid as a relocation allowance. Salary is normally paid in accordance with the employment agreement and applicable Australian workplace laws.
The more realistic opportunity for eligible overseas applicants is to secure a genuine job offer from an Australian aged-care provider that is authorised and willing to sponsor workers under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement.
Types of Caregiver and Nursing Assistant Jobs Available in Australia
Australian aged-care employers recruit workers to assist older people, people living with disabilities and individuals who need help with everyday activities.
The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement recognises three relevant occupations for overseas direct-care sponsorship.
A. Aged or Disabled Carer
Aged or disabled carers support people who need assistance in their homes or community settings.
Typical responsibilities include:
Helping clients with bathing, dressing and personal hygiene.
Preparing meals and assisting with feeding.
Providing companionship and emotional support.
Helping clients move around safely.
Assisting with household activities.
Supporting clients with daily routines.
Reporting changes in a client's wellbeing to supervisors.
These workers may be employed by home-care providers, community organisations and aged-care services.
B. Nursing Support Worker
Nursing support workers assist nurses and other healthcare professionals with basic patient-care activities. They may work in hospitals, residential aged-care facilities and other healthcare environments.
Their responsibilities can include:
Helping patients with personal hygiene.
Assisting with mobility and transfers.
Making beds and maintaining patient comfort.
Observing and reporting changes in patients' conditions.
Supporting nurses with routine care tasks.
Helping patients with eating and other daily activities.
This occupation is sometimes advertised using titles such as assistant in nursing or nursing assistant. Applicants should check that the actual duties match the occupation used in the employer's sponsorship nomination.
C. Personal Care Assistant
Personal care assistants provide practical support to people who need assistance with everyday living.
Their duties may include:
Assisting residents with bathing and dressing.
Helping clients eat and drink.
Supporting mobility and exercise programmes.
Providing companionship.
Following individual care plans.
Monitoring and reporting health or behavioural changes.
Maintaining accurate care records.
Personal care assistants can work in residential aged-care facilities, private homes and community care settings.
Australia's Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement
The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement is particularly important for overseas applicants interested in caregiver and nursing assistant positions.
It provides an arrangement through which eligible Australian aged-care employers can recruit overseas direct-care workers when suitable workers cannot be found in the local labour market.
The agreement covers these occupations:
Aged or Disabled Carer — ANZSCO 423111.
Nursing Support Worker — ANZSCO 423312.
Personal Care Assistant — ANZSCO 423313.
Eligible employers may sponsor workers through two immigration pathways:
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): This is a temporary employer-sponsored visa that allows an eligible worker to live and work in Australia for the sponsoring employer under the applicable labour agreement.
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): This is a permanent employer-sponsored visa. Eligible workers may be nominated under the aged-care labour agreement pathway if they satisfy the applicable requirements, including the required Australian work experience.
An important point is that not every Australian nursing home or home-care agency automatically qualifies to sponsor overseas workers under this agreement. The employer must have access to the relevant labour agreement and comply with its conditions.
Applicants should therefore ask employers whether they can sponsor the specific occupation under ACILA rather than assuming that every advertised caregiver vacancy offers visa sponsorship.
Requirements for Caregiver and Nursing Assistant Visa Sponsorship
Applicants must satisfy the relevant visa, occupation and employer requirements. Having experience in caregiving is useful, but it does not automatically guarantee sponsorship.
The following are important requirements to understand.
Educational Qualifications
For the aged-care labour agreement occupations, an applicant generally needs one of the following:
An Australian Certificate III qualification in a relevant field or an equivalent qualification.
A higher relevant qualification.
At least 12 months of relevant full-time work experience, or equivalent part-time experience, where accepted under the agreement.
Relevant training may include aged care, individual support, disability support, nursing assistance or another closely related care qualification.
Applicants with overseas qualifications or those relying on work experience instead of a relevant qualification may need a positive skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority.
For nursing support workers and personal care assistants, the relevant assessing authority is the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). For aged or disabled carers, it is Community Work Australia.
Work Experience
Practical experience can strengthen an application.
Relevant experience may come from:
Residential aged-care facilities.
Hospitals.
Nursing homes.
Home-care organisations.
Disability-support centres.
Community healthcare services.
Private caregiving arrangements with verifiable employment records.
Applicants should be prepared to provide employment letters, job descriptions, reference contacts and evidence of their duties.
The Skills in Demand visa generally requires at least 12 months of relevant full-time work experience within the previous five years unless the applicable labour agreement provides otherwise. Applicants must check the specific ACILA and visa conditions that apply to their nomination.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English.
Under the aged-care labour agreement, overseas workers employed by standard aged-care providers generally need IELTS 5.0, with minimum scores of:
Speaking: 5.0.
Listening: 5.0.
Reading: 4.5.
Writing: 4.5.
Different provisions may apply to workers employed by certain culturally and linguistically diverse aged-care providers who speak the relevant community language.
Other accepted English tests and exemptions may be available under the applicable immigration rules. Applicants should confirm the current requirements before booking an examination.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must satisfy Australia's health and character requirements.
This may involve:
Medical examinations.
Police clearance certificates.
Identity and travel-document checks.
Additional character documents where requested.
Family members included in the visa application may also need to satisfy relevant health and character requirements.
How Much Do Caregivers and Nursing Assistants Earn in Australia?
Caregiver and nursing assistant salaries depend on the employer, state, qualification, experience, employment classification and working arrangement.
Australia's Jobs and Skills Australia occupational profile for Nursing Support and Personal Care Workers reported median full-time earnings of approximately AUD $1,612 per week, based on May 2025 earnings data. This is an occupational-group figure, not a guaranteed salary for every personal care assistant or nursing support worker.
The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement also requires participating employers to pay at least AUD $51,222 in guaranteed annual earnings or the Australian market salary rate for the position, whichever is higher.
This is an important distinction: the labour-agreement minimum is not a promise that every worker will earn $100,000 annually.
Other factors affecting earnings include:
Years of relevant experience.
Whether the position is full-time or part-time.
Weekend and public-holiday shifts.
Overtime and applicable penalty rates.
Employer and workplace classification.
Location and cost of living.
Before accepting an offer, applicants should request the guaranteed annual salary, hourly rate, expected weekly hours and details of overtime and allowances in writing.
Australian Employers That May Recruit Caregivers and Nursing Assistants
Overseas applicants can investigate aged-care providers, residential care operators and home-care organisations. However, an organisation's size or reputation does not automatically mean it currently has an overseas sponsorship vacancy.
Some established Australian aged-care organisations worth researching include:
Bupa operates residential aged-care services in Australia and recruits workers across different care and support functions. Applicants can check its careers section for current vacancies and confirm sponsorship availability directly with the recruitment team.
2. Anglicare
Anglicare provides aged-care and community services in Australia. Its employment opportunities may include personal care, residential support and other healthcare-related roles.
3. Regis Aged Care
Regis operates aged-care facilities and recruits staff for residential care and related services. Interested applicants can check its official careers page for suitable positions.
4. Opal Healthcare
Opal Healthcare operates residential aged-care homes and recruits nursing and personal-care staff. Applicants should check the individual vacancy requirements and ask whether the employer can sponsor an eligible overseas applicant.
This directory can help applicants identify aged-care providers and services across Australia. It is useful for researching potential employers, although it is not an official visa sponsorship vacancy portal.
Always verify the specific job advertisement. Do not assume that an employer listed here has an open position or is currently sponsoring overseas applicants.
How to Apply for Caregiver and Nursing Assistant Jobs in Australia
Applicants should approach the process in stages. Securing a genuine employer-sponsored position is usually the most important first step.
Step 1: Prepare Your CV
Create an Australian-style CV that clearly explains your relevant qualifications and work history.
Include:
Full name and contact information.
Relevant education and training.
Caregiving or nursing support experience.
Previous employers and employment dates.
Specific care duties performed.
Relevant certifications.
Referees who can confirm your experience.
Avoid exaggerating your experience or presenting yourself as a registered nurse if you do not hold the required nursing registration.
Step 2: Obtain Relevant Qualifications and Documents
Prepare your educational certificates, professional training records, employment references and any relevant skills-assessment documents.
If you have an overseas qualification, check whether ANMAC or Community Work Australia requires a formal skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
Step 3: Search for Genuine Australian Vacancies
Look for vacancies using job titles such as:
Aged Care Worker.
Personal Care Assistant.
Nursing Support Worker.
Assistant in Nursing.
Aged or Disabled Carer.
Personal Care Worker.
Search for phrases such as visa sponsorship available, 482 sponsorship, aged care labour agreement and overseas applicants. However, a search result mentioning sponsorship is not proof that the employer can sponsor you under ACILA.
Step 4: Apply Directly to the Employer
Submit your CV and supporting documents through the employer's official recruitment website or verified recruitment contact.
During the recruitment process, ask whether the organisation:
Has an active Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement.
Can nominate your specific occupation.
Accepts applicants currently living outside Australia.
Offers relocation assistance.
Will explain the visa and nomination process in writing.
Step 5: Attend the Interview
Employers may ask about your practical care experience, communication skills, ability to follow care plans and understanding of elderly or disability support.
Prepare examples showing how you have assisted people with personal hygiene, mobility, meals, companionship and daily activities.
Step 6: Employer Nomination and Visa Application
If the employer selects you and agrees to sponsor you, it must complete the relevant sponsorship and nomination requirements.
You will then need to submit the appropriate visa application and supporting evidence through the Australian Department of Home Affairs process.
The visa decision is made by the Australian immigration authorities, not the recruitment agency or employer.
Step 7: Prepare for Relocation
After receiving your visa approval, confirm your employment start date, accommodation arrangements, travel plans and any relocation benefits in your written agreement.
Do not resign from your current employment or make non-refundable travel arrangements based solely on a job interview or an informal promise of sponsorship.
Relocation Packages and Benefits for Overseas Care Workers
Some Australian employers provide relocation support when recruiting workers from overseas, especially where they need to fill difficult-to-recruit positions.
However, relocation benefits are not automatically included in every sponsored job.
Depending on the employer, a package may include:
Assistance with international airfare.
Temporary accommodation after arrival.
Help finding long-term accommodation.
Airport pickup.
Relocation reimbursement.
Assistance with onboarding and workplace orientation.
Support with settling into the local community.
Some employers may offer only limited assistance, while others may provide no relocation allowance.
Before accepting an offer, request a written breakdown of what the employer will pay for and what you must pay yourself. Confirm whether any reimbursement has conditions, such as remaining employed for a specified period.
Also remember that employer sponsorship does not mean every visa application expense is automatically covered by the employer.
Important Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Having your documents ready can make the recruitment and visa process easier.
Commonly required documents include:
Valid international passport.
Updated CV or résumé.
Educational certificates.
Relevant caregiver or nursing assistant training certificates.
Employment reference letters.
Evidence of relevant work experience.
English-language test results, where required.
Skills-assessment outcome, where required.
Police clearance certificates.
Medical examination documents, when requested.
Marriage or birth certificates, where relevant for accompanying family members.
The exact document list depends on the employer, occupation, skills assessment and visa pathway.
How to Avoid Australia Caregiver Visa Sponsorship Scams
Overseas jobseekers are sometimes targeted by individuals advertising guaranteed Australian visas, large relocation grants and high-paying caregiver jobs.
Be careful when an agent claims that paying a large fee will guarantee employment or visa approval.
Use these precautions:
Verify the employer through its official website and contact details.
Confirm that the job genuinely exists.
Ask for a written employment contract.
Check the occupation and visa pathway being offered.
Confirm whether the employer has access to the aged-care labour agreement.
Do not pay someone who promises guaranteed visa approval.
Be cautious of offers made only through WhatsApp or social media.
Never hand over your passport permanently to an unverified recruiter.
Australian immigration rules also place restrictions on charging workers for certain sponsorship and recruitment-related costs. Applicants should understand which costs they are legally responsible for before making payments.
For immigration advice, use a registered Australian migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner authorised to provide immigration assistance.
Official Websites for Australian Caregiver Visa Applicants
The following resources are useful for checking current immigration and employment requirements:
Australian Department of Home Affairs: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/ — Check the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement and Skills in Demand visa requirements.
Community Work Australia: https://www.communitywork.org.au/ — Review skills-assessment information for Aged or Disabled Carer applicants.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council: https://www.anmac.org.au/ — Check assessment information for nursing support workers and personal care assistants.
Applicants should always rely on official immigration guidance and written employer information rather than social media advertisements promising a fixed salary or relocation grant.
Related Article: $150,000 Visa Sponsorship Grant: How to Apply for Caregiving Jobs in USA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can foreigners apply for caregiver jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship?
Yes. Eligible overseas applicants can be sponsored for certain aged-care occupations under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement. The recognised occupations include Aged or Disabled Carer, Nursing Support Worker and Personal Care Assistant. Applicants must meet the relevant qualification or experience, English-language, skills-assessment and visa requirements.
Is Australia offering a $100,000 caregiver visa sponsorship grant?
There is no general Australian government $100,000 grant automatically available to foreign caregivers. The figure should not be interpreted as a guaranteed salary or relocation payment. Actual employment earnings and relocation benefits depend on the employer and the written contract.
Do I need a nursing degree to work as a caregiver or personal care assistant in Australia?
Not necessarily. Caregiver and personal care assistant occupations are different from registered nursing. Relevant Certificate III-level training or accepted equivalent qualifications may be suitable, and the aged-care labour agreement also provides an experience-based option in qualifying circumstances. Nursing registration is a separate requirement for registered nurse positions.
Can Nigerians apply for Australian aged-care visa sponsorship?
Nigerians can apply if they meet the relevant requirements and obtain a genuine job offer from an eligible Australian employer. The applicant must satisfy the occupation, skills, English-language, health and character requirements. Nigerian nationality does not itself guarantee sponsorship or visa approval.
Do Australian aged-care employers pay for flights and accommodation?
Some employers offer airfare assistance, temporary accommodation, relocation reimbursement or settlement support, but these benefits are not compulsory for every sponsored position. Applicants should request a written explanation of the relocation package before accepting a job offer or paying any related expenses.
Conclusion
Australia offers a potential employer-sponsored pathway for qualified and experienced overseas caregivers, personal care assistants and nursing support workers through the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to applicants who have suitable care qualifications or at least the required relevant work experience, can meet the English-language requirements and secure a genuine offer from an eligible Australian aged-care employer.
Although some employers may provide relocation assistance, the advertised $100,000 should not be treated as a guaranteed grant, salary or relocation payment. The most important step is to identify a genuine employer with the authority to sponsor your nominated occupation and understand the written employment and visa conditions before proceeding.