What ACILA Is & Why It Exists

The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) is a dedicated migration pathway that allows Australian aged-care employers to sponsor overseas care workers when they cannot fill roles locally. It exists because Australia faces a chronic shortage of aged-care staff across residential care homes, home-care programs, disability services, community support programs and dementia care services.

Unlike the general skilled migration program, which has strict qualification and skills assessment requirements, ACILA is specifically designed for the aged-care sector and includes multiple concessions. These concessions make it easier for foreign care workers to qualify for sponsorship and, eventually, permanent residency.

Why ACILA matters for foreign workers

It provides:

• A clear and legal pathway to work in aged care even without a university degree.
• Simplified qualification requirements recognising overseas certificates, diplomas or practical experience.
• Lower English test requirements compared to other visa categories.
• Direct employer sponsorship (a job offer plus nomination).
• A future pathway to permanent residency through employer nomination.

For carers without formal nursing qualifications or those wanting the fastest migration route, ACILA is one of the strongest options available in 2025.

ACILA Eligibility Requirements (Deep, Wordy Breakdown)

The ACILA eligibility criteria are intentionally structured to accommodate the realities of the care workforce. They prioritise practical experience, hands-on skills and the willingness to work in care environments, rather than focusing solely on academic qualifications. Understanding these requirements in depth helps applicants prepare accurate documentation and avoid delays.

Qualification or Experience Requirement

To qualify for ACILA, applicants must meet one of the following:

• A Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care, Disability, Community Care) or equivalent — if obtained overseas, the qualification must cover basic care tasks, communication skills, manual handling, infection control and person-centred care.
• At least 12 months of full-time relevant experience working in aged care, disability services, home care or community support within the past 3 years.

In practice, employers often accept workers who have mixed experience in elderly care, disability support or community services — as long as the experience is documented and verifiable.

English Requirements

ACILA has more flexible English requirements than most skilled visas. This is because aged-care employers emphasise practical communication rather than academic English. Approved tests include IELTS, PTE, OET and TOEFL.

Health & Character Requirements

All applicants must meet the standard Australian health and character checks, including medical examinations and police clearances from all countries lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

Suitable Employer

Applicants cannot apply for ACILA independently. Aged-care employers must have a valid labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. Only employers who have completed this process can sponsor workers under ACILA.

ACILA Occupations List (Expanded)

ACILA covers specific care-related occupations which are in chronic shortage. These roles reflect the real staffing needs of aged-care facilities and home-care providers.

Typical ACILA-approved roles include:

• Aged Care Worker
• Personal Care Assistant
• Disability Support Worker
• Home Care Worker
• Residential Care Worker
• Community Care Worker
• Support Worker (General)

Some employers may also sponsor job titles like “Assistant in Nursing” or “Care Companion” where they align closely with ACILA tasks.

Full ACILA occupation descriptions [[ACILA Occupation Guide]].

English Requirements Under ACILA

English is essential for safety in aged-care environments, but the Australian Government understands that carers often gain English through practical experience rather than academic settings. For this reason, ACILA has more accessible English requirements.

Accepted tests and minimum scores

Applicants must meet ONE of the following:

• IELTS: Overall 5.0 (no band lower than 4.5)
• PTE Academic: 36 overall
• OET: “C” grade
• TOEFL iBT: typically around 35–40 (confirm per employer)

These scores are substantially lower than those needed for nursing or skilled visas, making ACILA accessible to many foreign care workers.

Qualifications & Experience Requirements

Because aged care is a hands-on profession, employers place strong emphasis on demonstrated practical experience. Documentation must be clear, detailed and verifiable, especially for workers who rely on experience instead of formal qualifications.

 If you have a Certificate III or equivalent

Your qualification is considered “substantially comparable” if it includes:

• Personal care skills
• Manual handling & mobility support
• Infection prevention
• Basic clinical support tasks
• Communication & documentation

If you are applying through experience

You must show:

• At least 12 months full-time experience in the past 3 years
• Reference letters from supervisors
• Evidence of duties performed
• Proof of employment (contracts, payslips, ID cards, etc.)

Australian First Aid or CPR training

Some employers request First Aid, CPR or Manual Handling certificates. These may be completed after arrival, but having them helps your application stand out.

Visa Options Under ACILA (482 & 186)

ACILA operates inside Australia’s employer-sponsored visa framework. This gives foreign care workers structured entry routes with clear rules, processing steps and PR pathways.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

This is the most common entry visa under ACILA. It allows foreign care workers to work in Australia for 2–4 years depending on the occupation and employer.

Key features:

• Full-time employment with an approved aged-care employer
• Sponsorship by the employer
• Family members may be included
• Leads to employer nomination for PR (Subclass 186)

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

This is the permanent residency visa available to eligible workers after sufficient work experience under ACILA. Employers nominate workers once they meet required conditions.

Subclass 186 offers:

• Permanent residency for the worker and family
• Full work and travel rights
• Pathway to Australian citizenship

Permanent Residency Pathways Through ACILA

The strongest benefit of ACILA is the clear and achievable route to permanent residency. Unlike general skilled migration (which requires high points and strict assessments), ACILA PR depends primarily on continued employment and employer nomination.

 Standard PR route

1. Enter Australia on subclass 482
2. Work with your sponsoring employer for the required period (usually 2 years)
3. Employer nominates you for subclass 186
4. PR granted if requirements are met

 Why PR through ACILA is easier

• No points test — unlike skilled migration.
• No ANMAC assessment — only nurses require ANMAC.
• No requirement for a degree — experience can count.
• High employer demand — aged-care facilities routinely sponsor workers.

How Employers Use ACILA (Important Insight for Applicants)

Aged-care employers must apply for a Labour Agreement before sponsoring workers. This agreement outlines the number of workers they can sponsor, the roles, the concessions available and the obligations they must meet.

Understanding how employers think helps applicants align their applications properly.

 What employers look for

• Stable work history
• Positive references
• Willingness to work in regional areas
• Proof of compassion and care experience
• Reliable communication

Employers are often more willing to sponsor applicants who show long-term commitment and have strong interpersonal and cultural skills.

Documents You Must Prepare Early

Document readiness is one of the biggest factors affecting visa speed. Applicants who prepare thoroughly often secure sponsorship and visa approval faster.

• Passport (valid for at least 18 months)
• CV (Australia format)
• Work reference letters
• Employment contracts and payslips
• Training certificates
• Police clearance certificates
• English test results
• Health examination results (once requested)

Typical ACILA Processing Timeline

Timeline varies, but generally:

• Employer nomination: 2–6 weeks
• Visa application processing: 4–12 weeks
• Total: 2–4 months for many applicants

Delays occur when English tests, reference letters or police certificates are missing.

Salary Expectations for Aged Care Workers in Australia

Salaries vary by state, employer and experience, but typical ranges are:

• Entry-level aged-care worker: AUD $23–27 per hour
• Experienced care worker: AUD $28–33 per hour
• Senior support worker: AUD $30–36 per hour

Many employers offer overtime, weekend rates and shift loading, increasing earnings significantly.

Regional & DAMA Advantages for Care Workers

Regional employers experience the highest shortage levels, making them more willing to sponsor overseas applicants under ACILA or DAMA agreements.

Benefits include:

• Faster sponsorship timelines
• Higher PR chances
• Lower competition
• Better employer support
• Access to DAMA concessions

Full DAMA region breakdown [[DAMA Regional Guide]].

Case Study: Overseas Carer Migrating Through ACILA

Maria, 32, from the Philippines

• 3 years experience as a home-care worker
• No formal healthcare degree
• IELTS score: 5.5

Pathway followed:

1. Employer sponsorship secured through ACILA
2. Subclass 482 visa granted
3. Employed in an aged-care facility
4. After 2 years, employer submitted 186 nomination
5. PR granted

This is one of the most common success patterns for overseas carers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ACILA only for aged care?

No. It includes disability and community care roles as well, depending on employer agreements.

Do I need ANMAC?

No. Only nurses require ANMAC. Care workers under ACILA do not.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. The 482 visa allows dependent family members.

Can experience substitute qualifications?

Yes. 12 months of full-time care experience can replace formal certificates.

Can ACILA lead to PR?

Yes. This is one of the most PR-friendly pathways for non-nursing healthcare workers.

Download the ACILA Step-by-Step Checklist

Download the detailed “ACILA Migration Checklist” to help you understand requirements, documents and PR steps clearly.

Guidance

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