Child Care Worker – Now on the 482 & 186 Visa Lists

📌 Published by Nationwide Migration & Education
👩‍💼 Led by Registered Migration Agent Suman Dua (MARN: 1800859)

Thinking about getting sponsored as a Child Care Worker in Australia?

If you’re working in the child care sector and wondering about your Australian visa options—this is for you. Big changes have opened up multiple pathways for Child Care Workers and Group Leaders, and many applicants are now finding it easier than ever to get sponsored by their employer.

Visa Options for Child Care Workers in 2025

1. Child Care Worker – Now on the 482 & 186 Visa Lists

Until recently, the Child Care Worker occupation was only available under labour agreements or DAMAs. Now, this role is officially on both the Temporary Skills Shortage (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa lists — opening more doors across Australia.

🟢 482 Visa (Skills in Demand stream)

Requirements:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education (nationally accredited)

• At least 1 year of full-time experience as a child care worker

• Positive Skills Assessment from ACECQA

Key Benefits:

• No age limit

• Lower English requirement

• Pathway to PR via the 186 visa (if eligible)

🟢 186 Visa (Direct Entry stream – Permanent Residency)

Requirements:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood

• At least 3 years full-time experience

• Competent English

• Under 45 years of age

• Positive Skills Assessment from ACECQA

Key Benefits:

• Direct PR

• Eligible employers from any location in Australia

2. 494 Visa – For Group Leaders in Regional Areas

If you're a Group Leader in a regional area, the 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa might be suitable.

Requirements:

• Diploma or higher qualification

• 3 years of full-time experience

• Competent English

• Under 45 years of age

• Regional employer sponsorship

• Positive ACECQA skills assessment

✅ This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa after meeting eligibility criteria.

3. Why This Matters Now

These recent updates expand sponsorship access beyond regional areas, allowing more employers to nominate child care workers for PR.

Faster processing times have already been observed for clients in this occupation.

With growing demand in early childhood education, now is the perfect time to explore your visa options.

🧭 How Nationwide Migration & Education Can Help

Our experienced team has successfully helped many child care professionals navigate the complex visa process — from ACECQA skills assessments to final visa lodgement.

Whether you're an individual or an employer, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply for a 482 visa as a Child Care Worker if I only have a Certificate III?
Yes, a nationally accredited Certificate III in Early Childhood is a requirement for the 482 visa. You also need at least 1 year of full-time experience in the role and a positive skills assessment from ACECQA.

2. What is the difference between the 482 and 186 visas for Child Care Workers?
The 482 is a temporary work visa with a pathway to PR, while the 186 is a direct permanent residency visa. The 186 visa has stricter requirements, including at least 3 years of experience and an age limit of under 45 years.

3. What does ACECQA assess in the skills assessment?
ACECQA (Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority) reviews your early childhood education qualification (Certificate III or higher) and work experience to determine if you meet the standards for skilled migration.

4. What if I’m working in a regional area as a Group Leader?
If you're a Group Leader in a regional area, you may be eligible for the 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, which can lead to permanent residency through the 191 visa pathway.

5. How long does it take to process these visas?
Processing times vary, but recent trends show quicker turnaround times for Child Care Workers. Each case depends on the employer, your documentation, and the visa stream you're applying for.

6. Can my employer sponsor me if they are not in a regional area?
Yes! Thanks to recent changes, Child Care Workers can now be sponsored by employers anywhere in Australia under the 482 or 186 visas—not just in regional locations.

📥 Book your consultation today
📲 Call | WhatsApp: +61 7 3726 5183
🌐 Visit our website: https://nationwidemigration.com.au
🆔 MARN: 1800859

Disclaimer:

The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education is for general informational purposes only. While accurate at the time of publication, details may change. This content is not intended as legal or migration advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please book a consultation with us!