Are you looking to move abroad for better job opportunities in 2025? Australia offers a wide range of cleaning jobs for immigrants, many of which come with visa support and even free accommodation. These roles are not only accessible to newcomers but also offer steady income, job security, and a clear path toward permanent residency (PR) for qualified applicants.
Whether you’re new to the country, a non-degree holder, or just seeking a stable job to start life in Australia,
Why Cleaning Jobs Are Ideal for Immigrants in 2025
Australia’s service and facility management sectors are growing fast. Offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, airports, and private homes all require reliable cleaning staff to meet high hygiene standards. Local labor shortages — especially in regional areas — have created a strong demand for immigrant workers.
Here’s why cleaning jobs are attractive to newcomers:
- No formal qualifications required
- Visa sponsorship available through some employers
- Free or subsidized accommodation provided in many contracts
- Flexible hours (morning/evening/night shifts)
- Entry-level roles with fast onboarding
It’s a practical entry point into the Australian job market and a great way to start earning while settling into a new life.
Types of Cleaning Jobs Available in Australia
1. Commercial Cleaners
Workplaces: Offices, retail stores, schools, and shopping centres
Duties: Sweeping, mopping, wiping down surfaces, emptying bins, and cleaning restrooms
Pay: $22 – $28 AUD/hour
2. Residential Cleaners
Workplaces: Private homes, short-term rentals, apartment complexes
Duties: Vacuuming, dusting, laundry, kitchen/bathroom cleaning
Pay: $25 – $30 AUD/hour
3. Hotel and Hospitality Cleaners
Workplaces: Hotels, resorts, motels
Duties: Making beds, replacing linens, restocking amenities, general cleaning
Pay: $24 – $29 AUD/hour
4. Industrial and Warehouse Cleaners
Workplaces: Factories, warehouses, logistics centres
Duties: Cleaning floors, waste disposal, chemical sanitation (in some cases)
Pay: $26 – $32 AUD/hour
5. Hospital and Healthcare Cleaners
Workplaces: Clinics, hospitals, aged care facilities
Duties: Sanitizing rooms and equipment, infection control, bio-waste handling
Pay: $28 – $35 AUD/hour
These roles often include night shifts and overtime, which can significantly increase total monthly income.
Visa Options for Cleaning Jobs in Australia
Although cleaning jobs are not always on the Skilled Occupation List, there are still legal visa pathways immigrants can use to work in this field, especially when employed in regional or employer-sponsored contexts.
1. Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
- For experienced cleaners in high-demand areas
- Requires sponsorship from an approved employer
- Valid for up to 4 years
- Can lead to PR through Subclass 186
2. Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
- For jobs located in regional Australia
- Includes cleaning roles in aged care, hospitality, and industrial settings
- Provides a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years
3. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462)
- For applicants aged 18–35, depending on nationality
- Allows casual work (including cleaning) for up to 12 months
- Can be extended by doing 88 days of regional work
4. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- While studying, students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight
- Cleaning jobs are common among international students due to flexibility
5. Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme
- Available to select Pacific countries and Timor-Leste
- Offers up to 4 years of low-skilled work, including cleaning and hospitality
- Includes accommodation and transport arrangements
How to Get a Cleaning Job in Australia (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare Basic Documents
You’ll need:
- A valid passport
- Resume or CV with basic work history (no experience is fine for entry roles)
- Proof of language ability (basic English is usually enough)
- Willingness to work shifts, including nights or weekends
Step 2: Find Job Listings with Sponsorship or Housing
Use these trusted platforms:
- Seek.com.au – Search “cleaner visa sponsorship” or “accommodation provided”
- Jora.com.au
- Indeed Australia
- JobSearch.gov.au – Government job board
- Backpacker Job Board – Ideal for short-term or regional jobs
- Labour hire agencies – Like Spotless, ISS, Serco, Compass Group
Look for keywords such as:
- “Free accommodation”
- “Visa sponsorship available”
- “Live-in cleaner”
- “Regional job with housing”
Step 3: Apply and Attend Interviews (Often Virtual)
Employers often conduct Zoom or phone interviews, especially for international applicants. Be honest, enthusiastic, and ready to relocate quickly if required.
Step 4: Finalize Sponsorship or Visa Arrangements
If the employer offers sponsorship, they will guide you through the immigration process. If not, apply for a working holiday or student visa if eligible.
Regions in Australia Offering Free Accommodation with Jobs
Many cleaning roles in regional or remote areas come with on-site or nearby housing provided by the employer. These locations include:
- Northern Queensland – Hotels and resorts near the Great Barrier Reef
- Rural New South Wales – Warehouses and community cleaning services
- Western Australia – Mining town accommodation and commercial cleaning
- South Australia & Tasmania – Residential cleaning and hospitality
- Northern Territory – Lodges, schools, and aged care centers
These regions also often offer regional visa benefits, making them ideal for immigrants aiming for long-term settlement.
Benefits of Cleaning Jobs for Immigrants
- Steady income (up to $1,000–$1,300/week full-time)
- Free or low-cost accommodation in regional jobs
- Visa sponsorship options with long-term employment
- No degree or advanced qualifications needed
- Solo or team-based roles depending on preference
- Work experience helps with future PR or career advancement
You also gain local references, which makes it easier to transition into other industries like hospitality, childcare, or aged care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to speak fluent English?
Not fluently. Basic conversational English is enough for most entry-level cleaning roles. However, better communication skills can improve job offers and earnings.
Can I get a cleaning job in Australia without experience?
Yes. Most employers provide on-the-job training. Being reliable and physically fit is often more important than prior experience.
Is accommodation really free?
In many regional and remote jobs — yes. Some employers provide free housing, while others offer discounted rent deducted from wages.
Will I get permanent residency as a cleaner?
Cleaning jobs alone may not lead directly to PR, but working in regional areas under certain visas (like 494 or 491) can lead to permanent residency over time.
Are these jobs safe for female workers or solo migrants?
Yes. Reputable employers offer safe working conditions and secure accommodation. Always verify employers through official channels before signing contracts.
Conclusion
If you’re an immigrant looking to start fresh in Australia, cleaning jobs offer one of the easiest and most accessible ways to earn a living, gain local experience, and receive visa help. With free accommodation, consistent pay, and growing demand, these roles are perfect stepping stones into Australian life.
Start with a simple job today and in a few years, you could be well on your way to permanent residency, career growth, and a new life in the country
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