How to Get Permanent Residency for Community Worker in Australia: Study, Skills Assessment & Visa Options
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you have a background in human and community services, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Australia as a community worker. This occupation (ANZSCO 411711) is included on both the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL), opening multiple skilled visa options for eligible applicants.
What Does a Community Worker Do?
A community worker supports individuals, families, and communities to overcome barriers to essential needs such as housing, employment, health care, and education. The role includes community development, support services, and advocacy work.
Common job titles include:
Case Worker
Juvenile Justice Officer
Community Development Officer
Outreach Worker
Multicultural Support Worker
Parole or Corrections Officer
Intake and Assessments Officer
Step 1: Meet the Qualification Requirements
To apply for a skills assessment with Community Work Australia (formerly ACWA), you must have one of the following:
A Community Work Australia-accredited diploma or degree
A recognised bachelor’s degree or higher in community and human services (professionally accredited in its source country)
A relevant diploma or higher qualification with core units such as sociology, case management, community development, and counselling
Qualifications based on more than 40% Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may not be accepted. Graduate certificates alone are generally not sufficient unless paired with a related undergraduate qualification.
Step 2: Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
You must show English proficiency by meeting one of the following:
IELTS (General or Academic): 7.0 in each band
PTE Academic: 65 in each band
TOEFL iBT: Listening 24, Reading 24, Speaking 23, Writing 27
CAE: 185 in each band
Study completed in English at a bachelor’s level or higher in an approved country
2 years of full-time relevant work experience in an English-speaking country
A suitable skills assessment issued within the last 6 months
Step 3: Employment and Currency Criteria
To receive a positive skills assessment:
If you hold a Community Work Australia-accredited qualification or a recognised equivalent, your field placement may satisfy experience requirements. However, if placement hours are insufficient, you may need to complete 3 months of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience and reapply.
If you hold a relevant diploma or higher qualification that is not accredited, you must have completed at least 12 months of paid, relevant industry experience within the last 4 years.
You must also demonstrate your skills are current by meeting one of the following:
Your qualification was awarded in the past 4 years
You have completed at least 3 months of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work in a relevant role within the last 18 months
You have completed 6 months of relevant employment at the required skill level within the last 18 months
PR Pathways for Community Workers
Since community worker (ANZSCO 411711) is listed on both the STSOL and CSOL, you may be eligible to apply for the following skilled and employer-sponsored visas:
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
Eligibility for state or employer nomination will depend on your individual profile and demand in the region or state.
Community Work Australia: Your First Step Towards PR
The growing demand for community support services makes this a valuable occupation in Australia. With the right qualification, English proficiency, and relevant experience, you may be well positioned to migrate through one of several skilled or employer-sponsored visas.
Need personalised guidance? Contact RACC for a free consultation and find the most suitable PR pathway for your profile.
