Imagine building a meaningful career where your compassion directly impacts the lives of others, all while starting a new chapter under the Australian sun. For caregivers and healthcare workers worldwide, Australia’s severe shortage of support staff isn’t just a statistic—it’s an open invitation. Randstad Health and Social Care, in partnership with a major non-profit aged care provider, is actively recruiting international senior support workers, offering full visa sponsorship and comprehensive relocation packages.
This is your chance to turn your innate caregiving skills into a stable and rewarding profession in a country that truly values healthcare workers. While a nursing or social work qualification is beneficial, it is not always mandatory for all support roles.
In return for your dedication, you can earn a competitive average salary of $61,678 per year and receive incredible benefits like relocation assistance of up to $10,000 and visa sponsorship. This guide provides a clear pathway, covering everything from the essential requirements and visa options to the step-by-step process of securing your role in regional Australia. Your journey to making a difference down under begins now.
Details of Senior Support Worker Job in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
Key Points
- Job Title: Senior Support Worker / Support Worker / Healthcare Worker / Caregiver
- Job Location: Regional VIC—Warrnambool, Bendigo and Colac
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Experience Required: No
- Education Required: Nursing qualification or any Social Worker Qualification preferred but not compulsory
- Average Salary: Senior Support Worker Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
- Eligible Nationalities: Discussed below (Selective)
Requirements of Senior Support Worker Jobs in Australia
To qualify for a senior support worker role in Australia under visa sponsorship, applicants typically need to meet the following criteria:
- AHPRA Registration – Must be a registered nurse with proven experience in aged care.
- Leadership Abilities—Strong skills in leadership, delegation, and task prioritization.
- Communication Skills—Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, and healthcare teams.
- Technical Skills – Basic computer literacy for reporting and record-keeping.
- Compassionate Care—Commitment to delivering holistic, person-centered care.
- Regulatory Knowledge – Understanding of Australian aged care standards and legislation.
- Health Compliance – Up-to-date evidence of required vaccinations.
How Do You Get a Visa as a Support Worker in Australia?
If you want to work as a support worker or caregiver in Australia, you’ll need an employer to sponsor you for a work visa. The most common option is the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), which allows aged care providers to sponsor overseas workers under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement. Other possible visa options include subclasses 491, 186, and 836.
For healthcare-specific roles, Australia also offers a dedicated pathway through the Carer Visa (Subclass 116 or Subclass 836).
General Requirements for Visa Sponsorship:
- Eligible Sponsorship – Must be nominated and sponsored by an approved Australian employer.
- Health Requirements—You and any family members included in the application must meet medical fitness standards.
- Character Test – Must clear background checks and meet the Australian personality test criteria.
- Financial Standing – No outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
- Values Statement – You must sign the Australian Values Statement, agreeing to respect local laws and values.
- IELTS/English Proficiency – Minimum 5 bands in IELTS (for skilled pathways like 482 or 491). For some unskilled care roles, English testing may not be required.
- Child Applicants—If under 18, the visa must clearly be in the best interests of the child.
Who is eligible for a carer visa/support worker visa in Australia?
You may qualify for a Carer Visa (subclass 116 or 836) in Australia if you meet the following conditions:
- Sponsorship—You are sponsored by a relative (or your relative’s eligible family member) in Australia who requires long-term care.
- Capability to Provide Care—You can demonstrate that you are able and willing to provide adequate daily and medical care for your relative.
- Visa Status – For Subclass 836, you must already hold a substantive visa (not a transit visa 771) while applying from within Australia.
Specific Eligibility for Carer Visa Subclass 116
- You must be outside Australia at the time of application and visa decision.
- You need an eligible sponsor or financial supporter willing to back your stay in Australia for at least two years.
Job Benefits of Senior Support Worker in Australia
Choosing a senior support worker role in Australia comes with rewarding benefits, especially for international candidates under visa sponsorship. Some of the key advantages include:
- Visa Sponsorship—Secure legal work rights in Australia through employer sponsorship.
- Relocation Assistance – Reimbursement of up to $10,000 to cover moving costs.
- Salary Packaging – Access to tax-effective salary packaging options that increase your take-home pay.
- Career Growth—Clear opportunities for professional development and progression within the aged care sector.
- Health & Wellbeing Programs—Supportive workplace programs to maintain physical and mental health.
- Free Accommodation—Housing provided in cases where residential care for patients requires staff presence.
Average Minimum Salary
In Australia, personal and support workers earn an average annual salary of $61,678, or approximately $31.63 per hour. Entry-level roles typically start at $55,822 per year, with top-tier, experienced professionals earning up to $90,768. Higher qualifications and specialized experience can further increase earning potential.
How Do I Become a Support Worker in Australia?
To build a successful career as a support worker in Australia, you’ll need to meet both educational and practical requirements. Following these steps will improve your chances of employment and visa sponsorship:
- Gain the Right Qualification
- Complete a Certificate III in Individual Support or a Diploma in Community Health Services through a TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
- These are the minimum recognized qualifications for entry into the aged care and disability support sectors.
- Hold a Valid Driver’s Licence
- A current, unrestricted driver’s license is often required, as many roles involve travel to clients’ homes.
- Some employers may prefer additional license types and access to your own vehicle.
- Meet Health & Safety Requirements
- Stay up-to-date with required immunizations.
- Obtain certifications such as
- First Aid Certificate
- Working with Children Check
- Police Check
- NDIS Worker Screening Check (for disability support roles)
Conclusion
A career as a senior support worker in Australia with visa sponsorship represents more than just a job; it is a life-changing opportunity to gain permanent residency in a first-world country while working in a profoundly rewarding field. The combination of a competitive salary, exceptional tax benefits through salary packaging, and substantial financial support for relocation makes this one of the most attractive pathways for healthcare professionals seeking to move abroad.
While the process requires meeting specific health, character, and qualification standards, the demand is so high that employers are actively facilitating the journey for international candidates. If you have a compassionate heart, a strong work ethic, and a desire to build a secure future, take the first step today by researching the Certificate III qualification and preparing your documents. Australia’s healthcare system needs you, and the door is wide open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common visa for support workers?
The most common visa pathway is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482). This visa allows approved Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill genuine shortages in the aged care and disability sectors. Other potential pathways include regional visas like the 491 or permanent visas like the 186, but the 482 is the standard employer-sponsored route.
What is ‘salary packaging,’ and how does it benefit me?
Salary packaging (also known as salary sacrificing) is a major financial perk in the Australian not-for-profit aged care sector. It allows you to allocate a portion of your pre-tax salary towards living expenses (like rent, mortgages, or bills), significantly reducing your taxable income. This can increase your take-home pay by thousands of dollars each year.
