Published on: 6 May 2023

 

Right-Visa-Network-ACILA_-Streamlining-Aged-Care-Worker-Recruitment- The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) has been introduced to streamline the recruitment of aged care workers from overseas to address the persistent labour shortages in Australia’s aged care sector. ACILA allows you to bring in overseas care workers for up to 4 years or even offer them permanent residency. It’s important to note that the rules and conditions of the agreement cannot be changed or negotiated. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of ACILA and its implications for both employers and prospective employees.

ACILA’s latest expansion, announced on May 5, 2023, broadens its scope by including four new roles: Personal Care Assistants, Nursing Support Workers, Aged or Disabled Carers, and Therapy Aides. This expansion aims to cater to the growing demand for these essential roles in the aged care sector.

By facilitating the recruitment of overseas aged care workers, ACILA aims to ensure the continued provision of quality care to the elderly in need. Whether you’re an employer seeking to fill critical roles or an individual looking to embark on a rewarding career in aged care, ACILA provides a structured pathway to meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the key concessions offered under the ACILA?

The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement provides the following concessions:

1. Two-Year Pathway to Permanent Residence: Workers have a quicker route to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme.

2. Streamlined Visa Nomination: With priority visa processing, employers can nominate workers more easily.

3. No Post-qualification Work Experience Requirement: There is no need for specific post-qualification work experience.

4. English Language Concessions: Workers with relevant community language skills may have their English language requirements adjusted.

5. Minimum Annual Salary: Workers must earn at least $51,222 annually or the Australian Market Salary Rate, whichever is higher.

How can a business or employer obtain access to ACILA?

To access ACILA, you must first enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a relevant industry union. These industry unions include the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, the United Workers Union, or the Health Services Union.

Once the Labour Agreement is in place, businesses can apply for a TSS visa subclass 482 for overseas workers. This visa permits aged care workers to live and work in Australia for up to four years.

What are the potential pathways for permanent residency?

After two years of full-time work experience in Australia, visa holders can apply for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

  1. Experienced Applicants: If you already have qualifications and/or work experience in aged care from overseas, you can apply to work in an aged care centre sponsored by a Labour Agreement. After two years, if you’re under 45 and possess a Certificate III qualification in Aged Care, your employer can nominate you for a Permanent Employer Visa Subclass 186, granting permanent residency.
  2. Inexperienced Applicants: If you lack qualifications or experience as an aged care worker, you can come to Australia on a Student Visa to study English and Aged Care. After obtaining the minimum qualification or accumulating equivalent work experience (12 months full-time or 24 months part-time), you can apply to work in an aged care facility and be sponsored on the TSS482 Visa as long as the Aged Care centre is part of a labour agreement. Similar to experienced applicants, you can be nominated for a Permanent Employer Visa Subclass 186 after two years if you meet the specified criteria.

Is there an age limit for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)?

No, there is no age limit for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482). Applicants can apply for this visa regardless of their age.

What is the age limit for an Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)?

Unless the labour agreement provides otherwise, you must be aged under 45 years when you apply.

What are the primary visa requirements?

To apply for a visa in the aged care sector in Australia, you must meet the following essential requirements:

  1. Education or Work Experience: You should hold a relevant AQF Certificate III or equivalent qualification. Alternatively, you can qualify with 12 months of relevant full-time work experience or part-time equivalence in the aged care field.
  2. Skills Assessment: If you obtained your qualifications overseas or are claiming work experience instead of formal qualifications, you must receive a positive skills assessment. This assessment can be acquired from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (for Nursing Support Workers or Personal Care Assistants) or the Australian Community Workers Association (for Aged or Disabled Carers).
  3. A job offer from an Australian Aged Care centre that is part of the Labour Agreement: LMT requirements are satisfied when aged care providers make a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the relevant union(s). The skill and qualification criteria may vary from ANZSCO standards. Specific requirements are detailed in each labour agreement approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

Is post-qualification work experience required?

  1. Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482): No, there are no specific minimum levels of post-qualification work experience required to satisfy the visa criteria for a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482).
  2. Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): Yes, applicants for an Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) in the aged care sector must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a relevant direct care occupation. Importantly, these two years of work experience are not tied to a particular employer or visa subclass, providing flexibility for eligible applicants.

What are the English language requirements for overseas workers seeking visas in the aged care sector in Australia?

  1. Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482): For overseas workers employed by standard aged care providers -IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent): This minimum score must be achieved, with component scores of at least 5.0 for speaking and listening and 4.5 for reading and writing. For overseas workers employed by culturally and linguistically diverse aged care providers -IELTS 4.5 (or equivalent): This minimum score is required, with no specific component minimums. However, the overseas worker must be fluent in the target community language.
  2. Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent): To be eligible for this visa, applicants must achieve an overall IELTS score of 5.5 or its equivalent. There are no specific component minimums for this category.

 

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