What ACILA means for overseas care workers

In May 2023, the Australian Government introduced the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) — a direct response to the workforce findings of the Royal Commission. It gives approved aged care providers a structured way to sponsor overseas workers for roles that don't appear on the standard skilled migration lists: Nursing Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant, and Aged or Disabled Carer.

Why ACILA is different

• No age limit for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) sponsored under ACILA;
• Accessible English requirements — typically IELTS 5.0 overall (or equivalent) for the 482 pathway;
• No minimum post-qualification work experience required for the 482 visa when sponsored under ACILA;
• A route to permanent residency — after two years of relevant Australian work experience, the Subclass 186 visa can offer PR, Medicare, and the option to include a partner and children;
• Qualification threshold candidates can actually reach: the (CHC33021) Certificate III in Individual Support meets the skills requirement.

The uptake — and the honest picture

Industry reporting indicates that by August 2025, around 2,462 primary visas had been granted under ACILA arrangements, with participation continuing to grow as workforce pressures remain high. Notably, the overwhelming majority of those visas — roughly nine in ten — went to applicants who were already in Australia when sponsored. Employers sponsor people they have seen work.

Visa criteria are set by the Department of Home Affairs and change from time to time. Always confirm current requirements with the Department or a registered migration agent. Sponsorship is a decision made by employers and is not guaranteed by any training program.