Aged Care Industry Visas: Workers and Parents

The Aged Care sector works to support the health, dignity and lives of people who are aged and may require additional support. This industry concerns care provided in aged care facilities and care offered to the elderly by close family members. The aged care sector continues to face significant workforce shortages, which were made worse by COVID-19. There is also strong demand for parent and carer visas from families who want to reunite in Australia. If you have skills in the Aged Care industry or you are looking to bring your elderly parents or family members to Australia to offer care and support, VisaEnvoy can assist you in this process.

Skilled Migration

Former Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)

The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List was a temporary list of occupations given priority processing during COVID-19, and it no longer applies. Since 19 September 2026, skilled visa processing priorities are set by Ministerial Directions 121 (482 visas) and 122 (permanent and regional skilled visas such as the 186, 189, 190, 491 and 494). Occupations in priority sectors, including construction, healthcare, teaching, resources, agriculture, law enforcement and defence, are processed first, and applicants already in Australia are generally processed ahead of those applying from outside Australia. See our order of consideration page for details. The following aged care occupation was on the former PMSOL:

Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (ANZSCO 254412)

While the PMSOL applied, employer sponsored nominations and visa applications in these occupations were given priority processing.

Occupations in the Aged Care Industry

There are several types of occupations that are valuable to the Aged Care industry. For further information regarding the skills and qualifications of aged care-related occupations see below:

Additional information regarding Medical Professionals and Employer Sponsored Visas can be found below.

Short Term Skilled Occupation List: PR Pathways

The occupation Enrolled Nurse (ANZSCO 411411) is on the Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). For information regarding the available pathways to permanent residency in Australia for occupations on the STSOL, see our page on PR pathways for STSOL occupations. Please note that since 7 December 2024, the 482 Skills in Demand visa uses the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) instead of the STSOL, and 482 holders can generally move to permanent residence through the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream regardless of which occupation list their occupation was on.

Visa Options for Aged Family Members

There are several types of visas suitable to bring your aged family members to Australia to offer adequate care and support. The following visa types are relevant to aged care:

Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

This visa type allows aged parents who are already on a temporary visa to remain in Australia to live permanently if their child is:

Australian Citizen;
Permanent Resident in Australia; or
Eligible New Zealand Citizen settled in Australia

Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838)

This visa type is for an aged person who is single and wishes to remain in Australia indefinitely. They must demonstrate their support network by having a relative in Australia that they can be financially dependent on. This visa must be applied for in Australia.

Carer Visa (Subclass 116 and 836)

The Carer Visa allows individuals to come to Australia to provide care to their elderly relatives who require support for long-term or permanent medical conditions.

Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Temporary) (Subclass 884) and (Permanent) (Subclass 864)

The Contributory Aged Parent Visa allows aged parents to:

Live in Australia for two years
Work and study in Australia
Apply for the Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 864) which allows you to live in Australia indefinitely
You must be old enough to be eligible for the Australian Age Pension (currently 67 years)

Book a video consultation with our registered migration agents to find out more about your visa options.