PR Pathways for Aged & Disabled Carers in Australia – Now Open via DAMAs & Employer Sponsorship

Are you working as an aged or disabled carer, personal care assistant, or nursing support worker in Australia? While these essential roles may not appear on the mainstream skilled migration lists like the 189, 190, or 491 visas, that doesn’t mean your dream of permanent residency (PR) is out of reach.

In fact, there are real and achievable PR pathways open right now — through employer-sponsored visas, Aged Care Industry Labour Agreements, and all 13 Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) across Australia.

🧑‍⚕️ Who This Applies To

This PR opportunity is open to people working in the following roles:

Aged or Disabled Carer (ANZSCO 423111)
Nursing Support Worker (ANZSCO 423312)
Personal Care Assistant (ANZSCO 423313)

If you’re working in residential aged care, disability care, home care, or as a personal support worker — your experience matters, and now it can help you secure permanent residency.

🛤️ What Are the Available Pathways?

There are two main visa routes leading to PR:

Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (Employer-Sponsored)

Aged care providers approved under this industry-specific agreement can sponsor eligible workers directly.

Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage visa)
Requires Certificate III in Aged Care / Disability
OR 1 year of relevant full-time work experience
No skills assessment required if you have an Australian qualification
Leads to PR through subclass 186 (after 2 years of work)
Subclass 186 (Direct Entry Stream – Permanent Residency)
Requires 2 years of full-time work experience
Employer must be approved under the Aged Care Labour Agreement
Direct PR option with age concession up to 55 years

2. DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) Pathway

Currently, all 13 DAMAs across Australia include these care-related occupations — and each one provides a clear PR pathway through either the subclass 482 or 494 visa.

482 visa under DAMA
Certificate III or 1 year of work experience
Skills assessment only required if no Australian qualification
Leads to PR after 3 years in a DAMA region
494 visa under DAMA
Regional employer sponsorship
PR eligibility after 3 years
Concessions on age, English, and income thresholds

💰 Income & Age Concessions

Both DAMAs and the Aged Care Labour Agreement offer more flexibility than standard visa programs:

Age limit increased to 55 years
Salary requirement: $51,900 AUD or Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) – whichever is higher
English and qualification concessions apply depending on the agreement

📣 Why This Matters Now

These pathways are open right now, and aged care is one of Australia’s most in-demand and rapidly growing sectors. If you are already working in the field, you could be much closer to PR than you think — especially if you’re with an aged care provider who is willing to sponsor or if you’re in a regional DAMA area.

🗓️ Take the First Step Today

At Visa Empire, our migration lawyers and registered agents are ready to assess your eligibility and guide you through the right PR pathway — whether it’s through a DAMA, employer sponsorship, or the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement.

We understand the care industry, and we know how to make the migration process easier for the people who care for others.

📞 Book a consultation today to secure your future in Australia.

Your care work is valued — now let’s make sure your visa reflects it.

Source: http://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/

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