Pathway to PR for Childcare 2025

Due to the high demand for Childcare Workers, immigration has recently added the occupation of Childcare Worker to the Core Skill Occupations List (CSOL). This has created new pathways to Permanent Residency for Childcare Workers in Australia.

What this means is that Childcare Workers can now apply for the 482 (now Skills in Demand visa) Essential Skills Visa (IN ANY CITY IN AUSTRALIA!). 

Childcare Workers can now also apply for the 186 Permanent Employer Sponsored Visa – Direct Entry Stream (once they have 3 years of full time work experience).

Please note, for the 482 or 186 visa, applicants:

✅MUST HAVE AN APPROVED EMPLOYER TO NOMINATE THEM
✅MUST BE PAID AT LEAST $73,150

What if I cannot be paid $73,150?

If you cannot be paid $73,150, you may still be eligible for the 407 Training Visa. 

Studying in Australia

Also, if you lack the qualifications, find out more about studying to become a qualified Childcare Worker in Australia. Below is more information on the different visa options:

1. 482 (Skills in Demand Visa)

The 482 (Skills in Demand) visa is the most common visa used by companies to sponsor employees in Australia. It is a temporary visa that allows employees to work for a nominated employer on a full time basis. You can work in Australia as a skilled childcare professional under this employer sponsorship.

The costs for this visa that are paid directly to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) are below:

• Standard Business Sponsorship $420
• Nomination $330
• Skilling Australia Levey (2 years) – $1200 per year for companies with a turnover of less than $10 million or $1,800 for companies with a turnover more than $10 million
• Visa Application Charge $3,115 per person

There are 3 Steps in applying for the 482 visa.

STEP 1: STANDARD BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP

The business must apply for approval as a business sponsor by submitting a sponsorship application – if the company has already sponsored, they do not need to do this. 

To be successful the employer must show:

•   The business is operating in a lawful manner
•   The business can meet its financial obligations
•   The business is devoted to training their staff

This is done by completing a form and submitting documents required.

The fee required for this is $420.

Step 2: Nomination:

The company must submit a nomination application for the employee. Once successful in lodging the standard business sponsor application, the employer can then apply to the Department of Home Affairs to nominate a foreign employee to fill the position. The DIBP will decide if the employer fulfills the nomination requirements.

To be successful in nominating an employee the employer must demonstrate that:

•   The position that the sponsored employee must fill is on the CORE SKILLS OCCUPATIONS LIST
•   The employee must show the need to hire a foreign worker
•   The employee must be paid a wage of at least $73,150 + Superannuation
•   The foreign employee is receiving employment remuneration equal to that or above that of an Australian citizen.

Step 3: Visa Application

After the employee has been nominated to fill a position, you may then apply for a Skills in Demand (482) employer sponsored visa to fill the position.

To be successfully granted the visa the you (employee) must demonstrate that you:

•   Possess the required skills, education and qualifications to fill the position. 
•   Meet the required English language proficiency requirement (not required for applicants from UK, USA, Ireland or Canada)
•   Are of good character and health
•   Have health insurance required for the duration of the visa
•   You have at least 1 year(s) of work experience in the occupation
•   Obtain police clearances for any country you have lived in for more than 12 months within the last 10 years. 

Duration: Up to 4 years

2. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186 – Direct Entry Stream)

Achieve permanent residency through employer nomination for a skilled childcare role. It allows you to live and work in Australia, have access to Medicare, include family members and may eventually lead to citizenship. The ENS visa allows you to work in Australia under one of two main streams. However, you need an employer to sponsor your visa.

• Requirements

  • At least 3 years of relevant Full time / Post Qualification skilled work experience in childcare 
  • A positive skills assessment from an approved assessing authority (ACECQA) in your childcare occupation.
  • Employer nomination for a permanent full-time position.
  • Must be paid the required salary amount of $73,150
  • Meet English language proficiency requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.0 overall).

• Costs

✅ Visa Application Fee: AUD 4,770 (main applicant).
✅ Additional Costs may include: Skills assessment, health insurance, medical exams, and police checks.
✅ Employer Costs:

– SAF Levy: around AUD 3,000–5,000 (based on employer turnover)
– Sponsorship Nomination Fee (Employer): AUD 540.

• 3 Steps

1. 1. Work with your employer to lodge a nomination application.
   2. Submit your 186 visa application under the Direct Entry Stream.
   3. Once approved, receive permanent residency status.

3. Training Visa (Subclass 407)

The Training Visa Subclass 407 enables companies and government agencies in Australia to sponsor you to be involved in occupational training and professional development activities for up to 2 years. 

Applicants DO NOT NEED to be paid $73,150 in order to apply for a training visa. 

This visa permits you to engage in your employer’s job while participating in a controlled training arrangement conducted by your employer. While not a direct pathway to PR, the Training Visa allows you to enhance your skills in childcare through structured workplace-based training. 

• Cost: $415 for main applicant

• Sponsor Costs: $420 Temporary Activity Sponsorship
  • $170 Nomination Charge
• Requirements:
  • Completed childcare qualifications 
  • Sponsorship by an approved employer or organisation.
  • Evidence of training or upskilling in your occupation.
  • Meet health, character, and English language requirements.

4. Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Many childcare professionals begin their journey by studying in Australia. The Student Visa allows you to study short and long-term courses in Australia, allowing you to obtain an internationally recognised Australian Qualification. The Student Visa typically allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (two weeks) throughout the duration of your studies and work unlimited hours during your educational institution’s holidays and breaks.

• • Duration: Typically up to 2 – 3 years, depending on the length of the course.

• • Cost: $1,600 for the main applicant

Obtaining student visa (subclass 500): 

Study an approved and registered in CRICOS childcare-related course such as the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. 

You’ll need these main documents upon enrolment: 

1. Passport and all other personal documents
2. English test results (if required)
3. Previous Academic Certificates
4. Personal Statement
5. Sign the Letter of Offer from the Education Provider
6. Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses at least for the duration of your study. If the money is funded by an example, a member of your family, show evidence that you have access to that money.
7. Receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from the Education Provider
8. Obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
9. Meet character requirements

Find a course here or contact us and have a FREE consultation from one of our registered education agents and apply for your student visa.

By following this pathway, childcare workers can achieve permanent residency while building a rewarding career in Australia. The path may also change depending on your circumstances. It is best to speak to one of our registered migration agents for personalised assistance.