Pathway to PR for Childcare Worker

If you need to gain the required qualifications, you can study to become a qualified Childcare Worker in Australia.

Click here to check out study pathways to obtain these qualifications.

Explore the visa options below:

Here’s the comprehensive and accurate information for becoming a qualified Childcare Worker in Australia and the associated visa options, with all fees updated for July 2025.

If you need to gain the required qualifications, you can study to become a qualified Childcare Worker in Australia.

Click here to check out study pathways to obtain these qualifications.

Explore the visa options below:

1. Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

The Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. It is the most common visa for employer sponsorship in Australia, allowing full-time work under an approved employer.

• Changes since your last review:
  • Visa Application Charge (primary applicant and dependents 18+) increased by ~3% to AUD 3,210.
  • Visa Application Charge (dependents under 18) increased to AUD 805.
  • The income threshold for nomination (Core Skills Income Threshold – CSIT) increased from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515.
• Government Charges (as of 1 July 2025):
  • Standard Business Sponsorship: AUD 420
  • Nomination: AUD 330
  • Skilling Australia Levy (SAF Levy):
    • For companies with turnover under AUD 10 million: AUD 1,200 per year (for up to 4 years), or AUD 3,000 for a 5-year visa.
    • For companies with turnover above AUD 10 million: AUD 1,800 per year (for up to 4 years), or AUD 5,000 for a 5-year visa.
  • Visa Application Charge:
    • Primary Applicant: AUD 3,210
    • Additional Applicant (18+): AUD 3,210 per person
    • Additional Applicant (<18): AUD 805 per person
• Three Application Steps:
  • Step 1: Standard Business Sponsorship

Employers must apply for sponsorship approval unless already approved. They need to demonstrate:

• • • Lawful operation of the business
    • Ability to meet financial obligations
    • Commitment to staff training

(Fee: AUD 420)

• • Step 2: Nomination

Employers nominate you for the role, showing:

• • • The position is on the relevant Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). “Child Care Worker” (ANZSCO 421111) is on this list.
    • There is a genuine need for a foreign worker.
    • The role pays at least AUD 76,515 per year (Core Skills Income Threshold – CSIT) or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher (effective 1 July 2025). This threshold is indexed annually.
    • Remuneration is equal to or above that of an Australian worker.
  • Step 3: Visa Application

You can then apply for the visa, demonstrating:

• • • Required skills, qualifications, and work experience (minimum 1 year of relevant full-time equivalent work experience within the last 5 years).
    • English language proficiency (unless exempt, e.g., from UK, USA, Ireland, Canada).
    • Good character and health.
    • Health insurance.
    • Police clearances for countries lived in over 12 months in the past 10 years.
• Duration: Up to 4 years for all streams. Visa holders have 180 days to find a new sponsor if their employment is terminated.

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

This visa leads to permanent residency through employer nomination, allowing you to live and work in Australia, access Medicare, include family, and potentially obtain citizenship.

• Changes since your last review:
  • Visa Application Fee (main applicant) increased by ~3% to AUD 4,910.00.
  • The income threshold for nomination increased from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515.
• Requirements:
  • Generally, 3 years of relevant full-time, post-qualification work experience in childcare.
  • Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (e.g., ACECQA for Early Childhood Teachers, Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) for Child Care Workers under a Job Ready Program if Australian qualified).
  • Employer nomination for a full-time, permanent role.
  • Salary of at least AUD 76,515 per year (CSIT) or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher (effective 1 July 2025).
  • Meet English requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.0 overall, or equivalent).
  • Usually, be under 45 years of age when you apply (exemptions apply, e.g., for high-income earners or specific occupations/circumstances).
• Costs (as of 1 July 2025):
  • Visa Application Fee:
    • Main Applicant: AUD 4,910.00
    • Additional Applicant (18+): AUD 2,455
    • Additional Applicant (<18): AUD 1,230
  • Second Instalment (if applicable, for family members 18+ with less than Functional English): AUD 4,890.00
  • Additional costs may include skills assessment, health checks, and police checks.
  • Employer costs:
    • SAF Levy: AUD 3,000–5,000 (depending on turnover)
    • Nomination Fee: AUD 540
• Three Steps:
  • Lodge a nomination application with your employer.
  • Submit your 186 visa application under Direct Entry Stream.
  • On approval, receive PR.

3. Training Visa (Subclass 407)

The 407 Training Visa allows employers and government agencies to sponsor you for structured workplace training and professional development for up to 2 years.

• You do not need to be paid at the CSIT for this visa.
• While not a direct PR pathway, this visa enables you to gain childcare experience in Australia under a structured training arrangement.
• Changes since your last review:
  • Visa Application Charge increased by ~3% to AUD 430.
• Costs (as of 1 July 2025):
  • Visa Application: AUD 430
  • Sponsor Costs:
    • Temporary Activity Sponsorship: AUD 420
    • Nomination: AUD 170
• Requirements:
  • Completed childcare qualifications.
  • Sponsorship from an approved employer/organisation.
  • Evidence of structured occupational training in your nominated occupation.
  • Meet health, character, and English requirements (Functional English).
  • If applying in Australia, you must hold a valid temporary substantive visa that is not a Subclass 403 (Temporary Work (International Relations) visa in the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular stream)) or a Subclass 771 (Transit) visa or a Special Purpose visa.

4. Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Many start their journey by studying in Australia to become qualified Childcare Workers. The Student Visa allows you to pursue CRICOS-registered courses in Australia while working up to 48 hours per fortnight during your studies and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.

• Changes since your last review:
  • Primary applicant fee significantly increased by 25% from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000.
  • Dependent fees also increased.
  • The required proof of funds for living expenses increased from AUD 24,505 to AUD 29,710.
  • English language proficiency requirements have increased for most applicants (e.g., IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 for most student visas, and 4.5 to 5.0 for ELICOS).
  • Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement replaced with Genuine Student (GS) criteria, involving new targeted questions.
• Duration: Up to 5 years, depending on your course.
• Cost (as of 1 July 2025):
  • Primary Applicant: AUD 2,000
  • Additional Applicant (18+): AUD 1,225
  • Additional Applicant (<18): AUD 400
• To obtain a Student Visa:
  • Enrol in a CRICOS-registered childcare course (e.g., Certificate III, Diploma, or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care).
  • Provide passport and personal documents.
  • English test results (if required, adhering to new higher scores).
  • Previous academic certificates.
  • Personal statement addressing the Genuine Student (GS) criteria.
  • Signed Letter of Offer.
  • Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses (AUD 29,710 for main applicant, plus funds for dependents and school costs if applicable).
  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
  • Meet character requirements.
  • If under 18, evidence of adequate welfare arrangements.