You’re not requesting your ideal job. You’re requesting a fair employment that pays well, shows you respect, and provides opportunities for advancement.
You’re not the only person looking for cleaning jobs in Australia that require a sponsored visa. The good news? The demand for it is genuine. Indeed, foreigners who know where to search can find sponsorship.
It’s not one of those “get rich quick” schemes. It’s a sincere job. However, it has the potential to change a person’s life.
Why Cleaning Jobs?
Cleaning is more than just washing toilets and mopping floors.
Cleaning is a regulated sector in Australia. Fortunately, there are laws, norms, and rights. Cleaners are valued and required in homes, workplaces, hospitals, and educational institutions.
Additionally, employers are frequently inclined to recruit foreign workers because many Australians aren’t lining up to fill these positions, particularly in outlying locations or through specialized visa programs.
Types of Cleaning Jobs in Australia
Domestic Cleaning
Cleaning in private homes and residential properties:
- Housekeeping – Regular cleaning of occupied homes (dusting, vacuuming, kitchen, bathroom).
- Apartment Cleaning – Similar to housekeeping, often on a contract basis for unit blocks or serviced apartments.
- End-of-Lease Deep Cleans – Intensive cleans required before vacating rental properties; often needed for bond return.
Commercial Cleaning
Maintaining cleanliness in business or public environments:
- Office buildings: cleaning break rooms, restrooms, and work areas in the evening or early morning.
- Retail Stores: Maintaining clean floors, windows, and changing areas at malls or individual stores.
- Government Facilities: Secure sites that need background checks, such as council buildings.
Healthcare & Aged Care Cleaning
Specialized roles with hygiene and safety training:
- Hospitals: Cleaning general hospital spaces, operating rooms, and wards.
- Cleaning of communal restrooms, common areas, and resident rooms is done every day in aged care facilities.
- Disability Support Centers: Careful cleaning in establishments that assist individuals with disabilities.
Note: Infection control and specific training are often mandatory in this sector.
Hotel & Resort Cleaning
Focuses on hospitality standards and presentation:
- Room attendants are responsible for cleaning bathrooms, replenishing amenities, changing linens, and making beds.
- Public area cleaners are responsible for keeping up gyms, swimming pools, hallways, and lobbies.
- Employees that assist with laundry include those who wash, dry, fold, and oversee the stock of hotel linens.
Construction Site Cleaning
Post-construction and renovation cleanup:
- Cleaning up dust, debris, and residues after construction is finished is known as post-build cleanup.
- Rubbish removal is the process of clearing away extra materials and garbage from construction sites.
- Site Sanitization: Ensuring hygienic compliance on construction sites, whether they are ongoing or just completed.
Can You Get a Visa with a Cleaning Job?
The majority of cleaning positions are classified as “low-skilled” or “semi-skilled.” Although you can still obtain sponsorship through other programs, this means you will not be eligible for high-level skilled migration visas.
1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
An employer may sponsor a foreign worker if they can demonstrate that they are unable to locate a local cleaner. You will require:
- A valid job offer
- Proof of experience
- Basic English (IELTS 5 or equivalent)
2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
for positions outside of Australia’s major cities in regional areas, where there is a genuine labor shortage.
3. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)
You can begin with this and then look for sponsorship if you are under 35 and from a nation that qualifies.
4. Labour Agreement Stream
Some cleaning businesses have contracts with the government that allow them to directly hire foreign workers. This is your lucky ticket.
Benefits
1. Legal Work & Residency Opportunities
- You can live and work in Australia lawfully if you have a sponsored visa.
- Certain jobs, like cleaning in assisted living facilities or hospital support, may lead to permanent residence options, particularly if they are in great demand.
2. Competitive Pay
- Cleaning jobs pay between AUD $22 and $30 per hour, with overtime, weekends, and public holidays frequently earning more.
- Some employers allow for income flexibility by offering full-time, part-time, or casual work.
3. No Advanced Skills or Degrees Required
- Even those without formal work experience or higher education might find employment in cleaning.
- Employers frequently offer training, particularly in commercial or healthcare environments.
4. High Demand & Job Security
- Australia has a strong demand for cleaners, especially in:
- Hospitals & aged care homes
- Hotels & resorts
- Construction sites
- This ensures job stability and the opportunity to grow within the sector.
5. Cultural Exposure & Experience
- Working in Australia exposes one to a multicultural and varied workplace.
- Perfect for people looking to gain experience working abroad.
6. Accommodation & Transport Support
- Some employers offer:
- Free or subsidized housing
- Transport allowances or access to company vehicles (especially for mobile cleaners)
7. Growth Opportunities
- Over time, many cleaning employees transition into positions in training, supervision, or quality control.
- Higher pay and certifications are available for specialized cleaning, such as cleaning for hazardous or medical waste.
Salary
In Australia, cleaning duties are typically compensated on an hourly basis. Location, company, and experience all affect pay, but here’s a general idea:
- Entry-level cleaner: AUD $23–$26/hour
- Experienced cleaner: AUD $27–$30/hour
- Night shift or weekend rates: Can go up to AUD $35+/hour
This amounts to approximately AUD $900–1,200 per week, or AUD $3,500–4,800 per month. Not bad for a no-requirement job.
What You Need to Apply
Basic Requirements
Most employers or recruitment agencies will typically look for:
- A valid passport must be up to date, particularly if you’re applying from abroad.
- Updated CV (Australian-style resume): Emphasize duties and experience that are pertinent.
- Basic English Proficiency: Enough to comprehend directions and interact with coworkers.
- Physical Fitness: Cleaning jobs may include a lot of lifting, bending, and prolonged standing.
- A clean police record is particularly necessary for positions in government buildings, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
- Referrals or Previous Cleaning Experience: Even unofficial experience, such as housekeeping or family care, might be beneficial.
Bonus Qualifications (Highly Valued)
Having any of the following can increase your chances:
- A driver’s license is useful for early or late shifts or mobile cleaning jobs where public transportation is scarce.
- Cleaning Certifications—Such as:
- Infection Control Training
- COVID-19 Cleaning Modules
- Certification in CPR or First Aid is particularly helpful for jobs in hospitals, assisted living facilities, or handicap centers.
No Experience? No Problem
Many companies are willing to hire new employees and offer on-the-job training, particularly in:
- Hospitals and aged care facilities
- Hotels and resorts
- Commercial office cleaning companies
Where to Find These Jobs
Top Job Portals:
- Seek.com.au – Use search terms like “cleaner + visa sponsorship.”
- Indeed.com.au—Filter by job type and location
- Jora.com.au
- JobSearch.gov.au—Australia’s official job board
- BackpackerJobBoard.com.au—If you’re on a working holiday visa
Companies That Sometimes Sponsor:
- ISS Facility Services Australia
- Spotless Group
- Broad-spectrum
- Compass Group Australia
- O’Shea’s Cleaning (regional cleaning company)
- Hospitals & aged care homes in regional towns
Conclusion
In Australia, cleaning positions are more than just a starting place; they’re a means of achieving long-term professional advancement, financial security, and legal residency. Even without sophisticated abilities, foreigners can find genuine, fulfilling work thanks to rising demand and prospects for visa sponsorship, particularly in the healthcare and regional sectors. Australia’s cleaning sector provides more than simply a mop and bucket, regardless of whether you’re beginning from scratch or seeking stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do cleaners earn in Australia?
Cleaners typically earn AUD $23–$30 per hour. Night shifts and weekends can push rates up to AUD $35+/hour.
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What are the basic requirements to apply?
A current resume, a valid passport, a basic understanding of English, physical fitness, and, in certain situations, a clean driver’s license or police check are required.
