Australia remains one of the most appealing destinations for overseas workers seeking employment abroad in 2026, especially in the service and facilities sectors. With constant demand from commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals, schools, retail centers, and residential services, cleaning jobs in Australia are among the fastest-recruiting roles — and many employers are now offering visa sponsorship for qualified foreign workers.
Cleaning positions are often entry-level, accessible to candidates with minimal experience, and provide a reliable way to enter the Australian labor market legally. These roles offer structured working hours, regulated labor protections, and the chance to work across a wide variety of settings. This guide covers cleaning jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2026 — including job details, visa pathways, eligibility, required documentation, salary expectations, application steps, challenges, helpful tips, FAQs, and a clear summary.
Job Details
Job Country: Australia
Job Title: Cleaner / Cleaning Attendant / Housekeeping Staff
Who Can Apply?: All Nationalities
How to Apply?: Online / Direct Employer Contact
Minimum Experience: 0–2 Years (Varies by Role)
Visa Sponsorship: Yes, Available
Visa Sponsorship in Australia
Australian employers can sponsor foreign workers under the country’s structured immigration system when local labor is insufficient. Visa sponsorship allows cleaners to legally live and work in Australia while being protected under Australian labor laws.
Visa sponsorship normally requires:
- A formal job offer or employment contract from an Australian employer.
- Employer nomination for a work visa under an approved visa program.
- Submission of the employee’s work visa application with supporting documents.
Once approved, sponsored workers gain legal work status and access to employment entitlements such as minimum wage, paid annual leave, and workplace protections.
Also Check: Unskilled Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Canada 2026 (CAD 25 hourly)
Types of Work Visas for Cleaning Jobs
Australia offers several visa categories that may be used for sponsored employment in cleaning and facilities support roles:
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
This is the most common employer-sponsored visa. Cleaners can be sponsored if an employer can demonstrate a genuine shortage of local workers.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
For positions in regional Australia, employers can sponsor cleaners if they meet regional workforce needs.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 / 462)
Available to eligible young applicants from specific countries, this visa allows temporary work (including cleaning jobs) but is not a full employer sponsorship.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
A non-sponsored route that may be suitable for cleaning roles if candidates meet the points and skill criteria — less common for this sector.
Types of Cleaning Jobs in Australia
Cleaning roles vary by setting and responsibilities:
Commercial Cleaner:
Cleaning offices, buildings, and workplaces.
Hotel / Hospitality Housekeeper:
Maintaining guest rooms, corridors, and hotel facilities.
Residential Cleaner:
Cleaning apartments, houses, and shared living spaces.
Retail & Shopping Center Cleaner:
Keeping malls, stores, and public areas clean.
Industrial / Warehouse Cleaner:
Maintaining cleanliness in factories, warehouses, and industrial sites.
Event & Venue Cleaner:
Cleaning before, during, and after concerts, exhibitions, and functions.
Eligibility Criteria
While employer requirements can differ, general criteria include:
Age:
Applicants usually must be at least 18 years old.
Education:
No specific formal education is required for entry-level cleaning roles.
Experience:
Many positions accept 0–2 years of experience. Experience in customer service, housekeeping, or janitorial roles can be beneficial.
Language Skills:
Basic English is helpful for communication and workplace instructions.
Health & Fitness:
Cleaners should be physically capable of tasks like lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
Character Requirements:
A clean police record may be requested for visa approval.
Job Offer:
A confirmed job offer from an Australian sponsor employer is essential.
Required Documents
Before applying for visa sponsorship and employment, candidates should prepare the following:
- Valid passport (minimum 12–18 months validity)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Updated CV / resume
- Formal job offer or employment contract
- Evidence of relevant experience (if available)
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical/fitness certificate (if required by visa type)
- Proof of English ability (if requested)
- Proof of accommodation plan (if required)
Advantages of Cleaning Jobs in Australia
Working as a cleaner in Australia offers a range of benefits:
Competitive Wages:
Australian cleaners earn fair pay consistent with national labor standards, including overtime and award rates.
Worker Protections:
Employees receive workplace protections, holiday pay, and regulated working conditions under Australian law.
Flexible Job Options:
Part-time, full-time, morning, evening, and shift work are common.
Training Opportunities:
Many employers provide on-the-job training for cleaning procedures and safety protocols.
Pathways to Longer Visas:
Longer work visas sometimes lead to broader pathways, including regional or skilled streams (depending on eligibility).
Supportive Work Environments:
Cleaners work in diverse settings with clear job duties.
Salary Expectations
Pay for cleaning jobs in Australia varies based on specialist skill, employer, and location.
Hourly Wage: AUD 25 – AUD 35
Weekly Pay (Full-Time): AUD 900 – AUD 1,250
Monthly Pay (Full-Time): AUD 3,600 – AUD 5,000
Shifts during weekends, public holidays, or overnight may attract penalty rates and higher earnings.
Also Check: Housekeeper Jobs in Switzerland with Visa Sponsorship 2026 (CHF 30.77 Per Hour)
How to Apply for Cleaning Jobs in Australia?
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare Your CV & Documents
Create a clear CV that highlights any cleaning, housekeeping, or customer support experience.
Step 2: Search Job Listings
Use job boards, accommodation noticeboards, recruitment agencies, and employer career pages to find cleaning vacancies.
Step 3: Submit Your Applications
Apply online or by email, clearly stating your interest in visa sponsorship.
Step 4: Attend Interviews
Some interviews may be done by phone or video for overseas applicants.
Step 5: Receive a Job Offer
Successful applicants receive a written job offer detailing terms and sponsorship support.
Step 6: Employer Files Nomination
Your sponsor lodges the nomination and visa paperwork with the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 7: Submit Your Visa Application
Apply for your visa online with all supporting documents.
Step 8: Visa Processing
Processing time varies by visa type but usually takes several weeks.
Step 9: Travel & Start Working
Once your visa is approved, make travel arrangements and begin your cleaning job in Australia.