Labour Agreement Sponsorship for Aged Care & Disability Support Workers

Australia’s aged care and disability support sectors urgently need skilled workers, so the government has responded by creating Labour Agreement Sponsorships to make it easier for businesses to hire overseas talent.

Suppose you’re an international worker with experience in aged care or disability support or an employer struggling to find qualified staff locally. In that case, these company-specific labour agreements might be the solution.

This guide will explain Labour Agreement Sponsorships, how they work in these industries, and what they mean for visa applicants.
 

What is a Labour Agreement Sponsorship?

A Labour Agreement Sponsorship in Australia is a formal agreement between an employer and the Australian Government that allows businesses to sponsor overseas workers for skilled roles when they cannot find suitable Australian workers.

For the aged care and disability support sectors, employers can access these agreements to sponsor skilled workers under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482). This sponsorship option benefits employers facing workforce shortages because of a high demand for qualified carers.
 

Eligibility for Aged Care and Disability Support Worker Under a Labour Agreement Sponsorship

Both employers and prospective workers must meet eligibility criteria to qualify under an aged care labour agreement sponsorship.

Workers must have:

• A minimum of a Certificate III in Individual Support (ageing or disability).

• At least 2 years of full-time experience in a relevant role, demonstrating competence in providing care services.

• English language proficiency (an overall band score of 5.0).

• Compliance with any industry registration or licensing requirements relevant to the specific role.

• Completed health and character checks to ensure the safety and well-being of care recipients.

Employers are required to:

• Present solid proof of labour shortage and justification of the exceptional need that cannot be met by the local workforce.

• Ensure that overseas workers do not constitute more than one-third of the total workforce, creating a balanced employment structure.

• Set up training and development plans for Australian workers to reduce future reliance on overseas labour.

• Have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with relevant unions before submitting a labour agreement request.

• Good standing and compliance with Australia’s national regulations.

Given the skills shortage in aged care, the Skills in Demand 482 Visa offers a pathway for overseas workers to fill critical roles as well.
 

How the Labour Agreement Sponsorship Process Works

Several key steps are involved in the aged care industry labour agreement sponsorship process. Each step ensures that both employers and overseas workers meet the specific requirements set by the Australian government.

Step 1: Employer Applies for a Labour Agreement

Employers seeking to sponsor overseas workers must first establish a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. This involves:

• Providing evidence of genuine efforts to recruit Australian workers, including detailed job descriptions and records of diverse recruitment strategies.

• Consultation with relevant stakeholders, such as industry bodies and unions — providing them with information about the number of overseas workers, their roles, and employment conditions, and stakeholders should be given at least 10 working days to respond.

• Negotiating an MoU with the relevant union (e.g., Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, Health Services Union, or United Workers Union) before accessing the aged care Industry Labour Agreement.

Step 2: Nomination of the Worker

Once the Labour Agreement is established, the employer can nominate an overseas worker for a visa under the agreement. Key considerations include:

• Occupation Eligibility: Under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, only specific occupations, such as Nursing Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant, and Aged or Disabled Carer, are eligible.

• Skills and Qualifications: The nominated worker must hold at least a relevant AQF Certificate III or equivalent or have 12 months of relevant work experience if formal qualifications are substituted.

For the aged care and disability support sectors, employers can access these agreements to sponsor skilled workers under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482).

Step 3: Worker Submits Visa Application

After the employer’s nomination is approved, the overseas worker must apply for the appropriate visa. The application should include:

• Document proof of relevant qualifications and work experience.

• An overall IELTS score of at least 5, with minimum scores of 5.0 in speaking and listening, and 4.5 in reading and writing.

• Completion of mandatory health assessments and police clearance certificates.

Step 4: Visa Processing and Approval

The Department of Home Affairs will assess the visa application. Processing times can vary, but once approved, the worker is authorised to start their employment in Australia.

Important Tip: Pathway to Permanent Residency

Workers under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement can apply for permanent residence under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa after two years of full-time work in Australia in a nominated occupation or a closely related one.
 

How Company-specific Labour Agreements Benefit Employers

Given the rising demand for aged care and disability support workers, Labour Agreements help businesses stay fully staffed and maintain high-quality care services. For employers in the aged care and disability support sectors, company-specific labour agreements can:

• Fill workforce gaps faster when local recruitment is unsuccessful.

• Sponsor workers in occupations not on the standard skilled migration list.

• Access a larger pool of skilled overseas workers.

• More flexibility with visa conditions and requirements.

 

How Aged Care Labour Agreements Benefit Workers

For international workers who want to build a long-term career in Australia’s aged care or disability support sectors, securing a role with a Labour Agreement sponsor is one of the best migration pathways available.

Labour agreement sponsorships:

• Provide job security with a sponsored employer.

• Open a pathway to permanent residency through the 186 ENS visa.

• Lower English requirements compared to other skilled visas

• Allow workers to work in a growing, in-demand industry

If you need assistance with your work visa, look into our Australian work visa services.
 

Take the Next Step – Get Expert Migration Assistance!

Labour Agreements are a solution to workforce shortages in aged care and disability support. Whether you’re an international worker or an employer, this pathway offers exciting opportunities for skilled migration and long-term career growth in Australia.

Pace Migration is here to help. Explore our migration services or contact us for expert advice on your visa options.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

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