How to Get Permanent Residency as a Social Worker in Australia - Study Pathways, AASW Assessment and Visa Options
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
If you're planning to apply for permanent residency as a social worker in Australia, there is a high demand for social workers in the country. Now more than ever, this demand underscores the importance of social work in addressing the diverse needs of communities across Australia.
With national demand on the rise and Social Work listed on both the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), there are multiple study and visa pathways to permanent residency for qualified professionals.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from choosing the right course to passing the skills assessment and applying for the right visa.
Social Worker Permanent Residency Australia: Why It’s in High Demand
Social Workers (ANZSCO 272511) are in high demand across Australia, particularly in mental health, family services, youth support, and aged care. Because of this demand, the occupation appears on both the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) — making it eligible for:
General Skilled Migration Visas (Skilled nominated 189, State Sponsored 190, State Sponsored regional 491)
Employer-sponsored visas (subclasses 407 Training visa, 482 Skilled In Demand visa and Employer Nominated Scheme 186 visa)
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
In recent rounds, several states issued subclass 190 invitations to Social Workers with points as low as 70, highlighting its favourable status in state nomination programs.
Studying Social Work in Australia: The Foundation for PR
A key step toward beginning your journey towards applying for permanent residency as a social worker in Australia is usually completing a qualification accredited by AASW - Australian Association of Social Workers. This can be either a Bachelor or Master of Social Work from an Australian university.
You must ensure the course is:
CRICOS-registered,
Meets the two-academic-year study requirement
Recognised Course Options:
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Combined degrees (e.g., Social Work with Mental Health or Community Services). In certain cases, non-AASW accredited courses may be considered — additional documents may need to be provided to prove learning outcomes are the same.
AASW Skills Assessment: Mandatory for Skilled Migration
To apply for most PR pathways, you must obtain a positive skills assessment through the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
To qualify, you need:
An AASW-accredited degree (or a degree accredited by other means mentioned above)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 in all bands or equivalent).
Evidence that you meet AASW’s professional standards.
A positive outcome is essential before lodging visa applications like the subclass 189, 190 or 491.
Visa Options for Social Worker Permanent Residency in Australia
General Skilled Migration
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) | Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) |
State Independent - Does not require state or employer nomination. | State Sponsored - Requires nomination from a state or territory. | State Sponsored - Regional state nomination or family sponsorship required. |
Permanent residency granted upon approval. | Grants permanent residency directly. | Provides a 5-year visa in designated regional areas -Leads to PR after 3 years of living and working regionally. |
Social worker applicants in the most recent invitation rounds for skilled migration have received invites with just 70 points, indicating a strong demand for the occupation and sector as a whole!
Employer-Sponsored Pathways
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) | Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) | Training Visa (Subclass 407) |
Provides direct PR through employer sponsorship | Temporary visa for occupations on the CSOL | Requires regional employer nomination and 2 years experience | Temporary visa for structured workplace training |
Requires skills assessment and 3 years experience or 2 years on a 482 visa | Requires 1+ year experience and employer sponsorship | Must live and work in a designated regional area | Requires relevant background and approved sponsor |
Grants permanent residency with full work and travel rights | Offers PR pathway through the 186 visa after 2 years | Leads to PR through Subclass 191 after 3 years | Not a PR pathway but useful for gaining local experience |
Why Social Work Offers One of the Most Reliable PR Pathways
The blend of high demand, broad visa eligibility, and robust nomination support renders permanent residency for social workers in Australia a very attainable objective.
Social Workers are urgently needed in:
Mental health and crisis support
Family, youth and domestic violence services
Disability and aged care
Community outreach and regional programs
With multiple PR pathways and growing government investment in social services, qualified Social Workers can expect strong migration opportunities through 2025 and beyond.
Start Your Social Work PR Journey
Whether you're considering study, already working in the field, or planning to migrate from overseas, understanding your eligibility early is essential.
If you’re looking for expert advice tailored to your goals, the team of registered migration agents at RACC can help assess your situation and guide you toward the best pathway. Book a consultation today and take the next step towards permanent residency in Australia as a Social Worker.
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