Introduction
Australia is experiencing strong demand for skilled Childcare Workers, due to the rapid growth in population, especially in growing urban and regional areas. This role falls under the ANZSCO code 421111 and is listed on various Skilled Occupation Lists, making it eligible for several visa pathways leading to permanent residency.
Understand the Role of a Childcare Worker in Australia
As a Childcare Worker, your duties may include:
- Supervising and caring for babies and small children (0–5 years)
- Planning age-appropriate activities
- Assisting with feeding, hygiene, and sleep routines
- Observing and recording children’s development
- Communicating with parents and carers
And below is where you’ll usually work in:
- Long day care centres
- Family day care
- Occasional care services
- Kindergartens (in support roles)
Meet the Visa Requirements
To migrate and work as a Childcare Worker in Australia, you must:
- Hold an accredited qualification such as
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (preferred for career growth)
- Prove Your English Proficiency: You must achieve at least
- IELTS: Overall 6.0 (no band less than 5.0), or equivalent PTE, TOEFL, or OET scores
- Higher scores may be needed for visa points
- Skills Assessment
Your skills assessment will be done by TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) under Job Ready Program (if you studied in Australia). Documents required for the skills assessment include
- Educational qualifications
- Proof of work experience (paid, verifiable)
- English test results
Choose the right visa
As a childcare worker, you can apply for one of the following visas to migrate to Australia:
Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS)
- Sponsored by an approved Australian employer
- You can stay in Australia for up to 4 years under this visa
- After working for the sponsored employer for at least 2 years (on a full-time basis), you can apply for permanent residency via Subclass 186
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
- This is an employer-sponsored permanent residency – this means that you can stay infinitely in Australia and can get Australian social security benefits under this visa
- To be eligible for this visa, you must have worked in the role for at least 2 years as a childcare worker on a 482 visa
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
- This is a temporary visa, but you can stay for up to 5 years
- To apply for this visa, you must have nomination from a regional state/territory
- This visa can lead to PR (via Subclass 191). After living and working in the regional state/territory for 3 years and meeting the income threshold, you can apply for visa 191 to stay permanently in Australia
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
- This visa requires state/territory nomination
- This visa is a points test based visa, which means you must meet the minimum score in order to apply for this visa. As of May 2025, the minimum score for a 190 visa subclass is 65.
- You will get permanent residency from the start date when you are granted a 190 visa
Key steps to migrate to Australia as a Childcare Worker
Step 1: Study a Childcare Course in Australia
You must complete one of the following courses in order to meet the qualifications required:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (minimum)
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (preferred for career growth)
Step 2: Apply for a 485 visa
- After studying full-time in Australia for at least 2 years, you can be eligible for a 485 visa, which allows you to stay in Australia for 1,5 years.
- You will also be required to have an IELTS 6.0 (no band score under 5.0) to apply for this visa.
Step 3: Apply for a PR or a visa leading to the PR
While getting a 485 visa, you will have a plenty of time to prepare and apply for a 482 or 190 or 491 visa.
If you wish to help with student visa applications, contact our experienced Migration Agent today on 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com. Our team will instruct you through all the process.