C.JApply for a visa sponsorship to work as a janitorial and cleaning worker in Australia, learn about the different types of visas, and available jobs.
Cleaning and janitorial jobs are of vital importance to public and private places in Australia. These services are highly in demand in schools, hospitals, offices, hotels, and factories.
The following guide will take you through how to secure janitorial and cleaner jobs in Australia offering visa sponsorship, what your visa options are, what qualifications you will need, and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the process.
Types of Visa Sponsorship for Janitors and Cleaners to Work in Australia
There are a number of visas available for foreign workers who want to work in Australia as either a janitor or a cleaner.
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
The TSS Visa subclass 482 allows employers in Australia to nominate and employ a foreign worker with the required skills until a local worker is found. This visa can be used to sponsor workers for janitorial and cleaning jobs if there is no one among the locals to do that.
Duration: A TSS visa generally has a validity ranging from two to four years, depending upon occupation and the agreement of labor.
Eligibility: Employers will have to prove they have tried to hire Australian workers but cannot find suitable candidates. In addition, employers may require the employee to have prior janitorial or cleaning experience.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
The ENS Visa subclass 186 involves the sponsorship of foreign workers by employers in Australia for permanent residency. Although this normally is issued to skilled occupations, sometimes when working labor gets short, this visa can also be extended to janitorial and cleaner jobs.
Duration: ENS leads to permanent residency.
Eligibility: Workers must have relevant experience in the cleaning industry and meet the minimum requisite skill and language level. The employer must demonstrate that no qualified Australian workers are available.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 and 462)
The Working Holiday Visa allows young people from various eligible countries to work and travel around Australia on merchandise for one year. Janitorial and cleaning jobs are most sought after by visa holders because they provide employment in a sure manner while traveling.
Duration: It allows working for a period of up to 12 months; this visa can be extended for the second or even third year.
Eligibility: The applicant should be from an eligible country and also meet the health and character requirements. Workers can take temporary janitorial jobs without full visa sponsorship.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187)
The RSMS Visa Subclass 187 is available to help with labor gaps in regional Australia. Most of the janitorial and cleaning roles needed in these less-populated areas have been sourced through this visa class, since these areas have a much tougher time attracting employees.
Duration: This is a permanent visa.
Eligibility: Experience in the cleaning industry is needed, among others, and must be willing to work in regional Australia.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Janitorial and cleaning jobs do not require formal education, some skills and qualifications can enable your quick hiring into these positions, especially if applying from abroad.
- Previous Cleaning Experience: This may not always be required, but experience in janitorial or cleaning work can be attractive to employers. Specialized experience in areas like industrial or medical cleaning is usually extremely valuable.
- Physical Fitness: Janitorial work involves a lot of physical stress. Workers will have to remain on their feet most of the time, lift heavy containers, and do many repetitive tasks. In order to succeed in this field, one needs good physical stamina.
- Basic English Skills: It also helps in following instructions, safety precautions, and receiving instructions from superiors. While the basic level will oftentimes suffice, some employers will, however, prefer personnel with higher levels of proficiency in the English language since some specific jobs require workers to interact with customers or sometimes oversee cleaning teams.
- Attention to Detail: Cleanliness is of prime importance in janitorial jobs. Employers always demand the services of an employees who are detail-oriented and look upon and follow the cleaning standards.
- Knowledge of Cleaning Equipment and Supplies: Janitors may make use of special equipment or chemicals on commercial and industrial premises. The usual practice of the employers is to train about safe and efficient handling of such gadgets.
How to Apply for Janitor and Cleaner Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Find a Job Offering Visa Sponsorship
You have to be employed by an employer willing to sponsor your visa to work as a janitor or cleaner. You can look for job openings on major job boards such as Seek, Indeed, or government websites from Australia. A few recruitment agencies will connect foreign workers to employers who can sponsor visas for cleaning jobs.
Employer Applies for Visa Sponsorship
Once you have secured an employment offer, the company you are going to work for has to apply for a visa sponsorship with the Department of Home Affairs. An employer has to demonstrate that they advertise locally to fill up a particular post, and they are unable to find any employee onshore.
Visa Application
After your application gets sponsored by the employer, you apply for the relevant visa. To that effect, you are expected to provide documents like a passport, proof of employment, medical examinations, and police clearance. You may also be required to prove that you have proficiency in the English language, depending on the type of applied visa.
Arrival and Commencement of Work
Once your visa is granted, you can move to Australia and begin your employment as a janitor or cleaner. In the event of temporary visas, like the TSS, you will be tied to your sponsoring employer for the period that the issued visa covers.
Benefits of Working as a Janitor or Cleaner in Australia
- Stable Employment: The job of a janitor or cleaner is always in demand, especially in city centers and crucial services such as hospitals.
- Competitive Remuneration: According to State pay and job type, cleaners/janitors may fetch average wages that range between $20 to $30 per hour in Australia. Salaries could be higher for night shifts or specialized cleaning jobs.
- Growth Opportunities in Career: Although many janitorial positions are entry-level, there is room to grow into supervisory positions or specialty cleaning jobs.
- Gateway to Permanent Residency: With programs such as the ENS and RSMS, workers can later obtain permanent residency status in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an average salary that a cleaner/janitor earns in Australia?
The average wage that a janitor or a cleaner will get in Australia is between $20 and $30, depending on the area and how sensitive a facility is.
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Can Australian janitorial jobs grant permanent residency?
Yes, through visa pathways such as the ENS Subclass 186 or RSMS Subclass 187, foreign workers can transition to permanent residency.
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Is experience necessary for a janitor position in Australia?
While some unskilled jobs do not require previous experience, such experience will definitely be a plus when it comes to finding more specialized cleaning jobs.
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Do I need fluent English to work as a janitor in Australia?
With cleaning jobs, it’s often expected that you’ll need to understand certain safety procedures and guidelines, so basic English language skills are commonly required.
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Which visa options open for Australia to do janitor’s work?
The most frequent options include the TSS-subclass 482, ENS-subclass 186, Working Holiday Visa, and RSMS-subclass 187.
Conclusion
Working as a janitor or cleaner with visa sponsorship in Australia avails a foreign worker the opportunity to have stable employment while contributing to an important industry. At the same time, visa options are open for various lengths, temporary to permanent pathways, thus opening up a route to being able to live and work in the country for foreign workers who may go all the way to obtain permanent residency.
C.J