Cleaning Jobs in Australia for Foreigners with Visa 2025

If you’re a foreign job seeker looking to work in Australia and don’t have advanced qualifications or technical experience, cleaning jobs are a great entry point. These roles are in high demand across various sectors from residential and commercial cleaning to hospitals and schools and many employers are open to visa sponsorship for the right candidates.

This guide explains everything you need to know about cleaning jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship, including responsibilities, visa pathways, average salary, and how to apply from abroad.

Job Details:

Field	Description
Job Title	Cleaner / Housekeeper / Janitor
Country	Australia
Education	High School Diploma (preferred)
Experience	Not always required
Visa Sponsorship Available	Yes (through employer nomination)
Average Salary	AUD $59,458/year or $30.49/hour (Source: Talent.com)

Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Factory Worker Jobs in Australia

Work in Australia:

Australia is a top destination for foreign workers due to its:

• Strong Economy: One of the most stable in the world, with decades of consistent growth.
• High Quality of Life: Clean cities, low crime rates, excellent healthcare, and a multicultural environment.
• Demand for Skilled and Unskilled Workers: From agriculture to healthcare and cleaning services, Australia actively recruits workers from overseas to fill labor shortages.
• Supportive Immigration Policies: Various visa programs allow skilled and semi-skilled workers to enter and work legally.

Cleaning Duties:

Cleaners are responsible for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in private and public spaces such as offices, homes, hotels, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities.

• Cleaning and disinfecting kitchenware, sinks, and toilets.
• emptying trash cans.
• cleaning and drying windows.
• coordinating with the line director
• guarantee that you always have enough cleaning supplies.
• reporting any breakage that occurs while the cleaning is being done.
• letting the line chief know about necessary repairs.
• Assigned office areas should be cleaned, stocked, and supplied
• Carry out and record schedule maintenance and review tasks.
• Complete massive cleaning tasks and noteworthy projects.
• Make small fixes and adjustments.
• Maintain and stock supply rooms
• Work together with the other employees.
• Observe all security and well-being guidelines.

Requirements:

While qualifications may vary by employer, most cleaning roles require:

• Basic English communication skills
• Physical fitness and stamina
• Ability to operate cleaning equipment safely
• Willingness to work flexible hours (early mornings, nights, weekends)
• Understanding of safety procedures and hygiene standards

Some employers may also prefer:

• Previous cleaning experience
• Familiarity with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Driver’s license (for mobile cleaning roles)

Industrial Cleaner Jobs:

Industrial cleaner jobs involve working in environments like factories, warehouses, construction sites, and manufacturing plants. These roles typically include tasks such as:

• Removing heavy debris or hazardous materials
• Cleaning industrial equipment
• Using pressure washers or chemical cleaners

Requirements:

• Basic knowledge of safety procedures
• Physical stamina and attention to detail
• Some roles may require certifications (e.g., White Card for construction sites)

Industrial cleaning is ideal for those seeking hands-on work with above-average hourly pay rates, especially in remote or mining regions.

Housekeeping Jobs:

Housekeeping jobs in Australia are popular in both residential settings and hospitality venues such as hotels, resorts, and Airbnb properties. Responsibilities often include:

• Making beds and tidying rooms
• Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens
• Restocking amenities and maintaining cleanliness standards

These roles are especially in demand in tourist-heavy areas like Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Cairns.

Part-Time Cleaning Jobs:

If you’re a student, visa holder, or someone looking for flexible hours, part-time cleaning jobs in Australia are an excellent choice. These jobs are widely available across:

• Offices and coworking spaces
• Retail stores and shopping centres
• Private homes and apartments

Part-time roles allow for early mornings, evenings, or weekend shifts, making them perfect for work-life balance or earning supplemental income.

Full-Time Cleaning Work:

For those seeking stable employment, full-time cleaning work in Australia offers long-term job security and benefits. Full-time cleaners often work for:

• Cleaning companies or facility management firms
• Large commercial properties (hospitals, schools, government buildings)
• Hospitality chains and aged care facilities

These positions may come with superannuation, annual leave, and training opportunities for career progression.

Residential Cleaning Jobs:

Residential cleaning jobs in Australia involve working in private homes and apartments. Duties include:

• Vacuuming, dusting, and mopping floors
• Kitchen and bathroom sanitization
• Laundry and ironing (in some cases)

These roles are ideal for those who enjoy working independently and have strong attention to detail. Residential cleaners can work through agencies or offer services as independent contractors.

Commercial Cleaning Jobs:

Commercial cleaning jobs in Australia are among the most in-demand roles in the industry. These include cleaning offices, shopping centres, schools, and hospitals. Key responsibilities are:

• Emptying bins and maintaining hygiene standards
• Floor maintenance (vacuuming, polishing, mopping)
• Disinfecting common areas and restrooms

Commercial cleaners are often scheduled outside regular business hours, offering flexibility for early birds or night owls.

Visa Sponsorship Pathways:

To work legally in Australia as a foreign cleaner, you generally need a job offer from an employer who is willing to sponsor your visa.

Common Visa Options:

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
  • Allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign workers for jobs where there are skill shortages.
  • Duration: Up to 2–4 years.
  • Requires sponsorship by an approved employer.
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
  • For work in regional areas.
  • Leads to permanent residency if conditions are met.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
  • Permanent visa pathway for skilled workers sponsored by their employer.

Note: Not all cleaning jobs are eligible for these visas. However, if the employer can demonstrate a labor shortage and is located in a regional area, exceptions can apply.

Employers Hiring Cleaners:

Here are a few companies in Australia that often recruit cleaning staff and may offer visa sponsorship to qualified foreign candidates:

• ISS Facility Services Australia – Offers commercial and industrial cleaning roles.
• Spotless Group (Downer Group) – Operates across healthcare, education, and hospitality sectors.
• OCS Australia – Known for hiring international workers in cleaning and facilities management.
• Compass Group Australia – Offers cleaning roles across remote sites, hospitals, and schools.

Cleaner Salaries:

According to Talent.com, the average cleaner salary in Australia is:

• Annual Average: AUD $59,458
• Hourly Rate: AUD $30.49
• Entry-Level Salary: AUD $53,258/year
• Experienced Workers: Up to AUD $78,034/year

Benefits:

• Legal Employment with Work Visa
  Foreign workers with sponsored visas (such as Subclass 482) can work legally in Australia. This ensures you are protected under Australian labor laws and enjoy job security.
• Attractive Hourly Pay Rates
  Cleaners can earn between AUD $25–$30+ per hour depending on the location and employer. Annual salaries can reach up to AUD $59,000, making it a solid income for entry-level work.
• No Degree or Experience Required
  Most cleaning jobs require no formal education or prior experience. Employers often provide on-the-job training, making these roles accessible for newcomers.
• Visa Sponsorship from Approved Employers
  Many Australian employers are willing to sponsor foreign workers under temporary or permanent visa programs. This sponsorship covers immigration paperwork and legal entry.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
  Cleaning roles in regional areas may lead to PR via visas like Subclass 186 or 494. Consistent employment and good standing can open doors to long-term stay in Australia.
• Plenty of Job Openings Across Australia
  There’s high demand for cleaners in sectors like aged care, hospitals, schools, and hospitality. Opportunities are available in both major cities and rural regions.
• Access to Health Insurance Plans
  Visa holders are eligible for private health coverage such as Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). Some employers may also contribute to your medical insurance.
• Flexible Work Shifts for Better Work-Life Balance
  Cleaning jobs often come with flexible schedules—morning, evening, overnight, or part-time—allowing you to balance work with personal responsibilities.
• Safe and Regulated Working Conditions
  Australia enforces strict occupational health and safety standards. Workers are protected by the Fair Work Ombudsman and employer compliance is regularly monitored.
• Superannuation for Long-Term Savings
  Employers contribute a portion of your wages to your superannuation (retirement) fund. This applies even if you’re a foreign worker on a temporary visa.
• Bring Your Family Along
  Sponsored visa holders may be allowed to bring their spouse and children. Family members can study or work while living in Australia.
• Work in Diverse, Inclusive Teams
  Australia has a multicultural workforce. Cleaning companies often welcome people from different nationalities, creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

How to Apply for Cleaning Jobs in Australia for Foreigners with Visa 2025?

Follow these steps to increase your chances of securing a sponsored cleaning job:

Step 1: Search for Sponsorship-Eligible Jobs

Use job portals and filter by “visa sponsorship” or “482 visa”:

• Seek
• Indeed Australia
• Jora

Search keywords: Cleaner + Visa Sponsorship, Cleaning Jobs + Employer Sponsor

Step 2: Apply Directly to Employers

Prepare a resume (CV) that highlights:

• Your cleaning experience
• Flexibility and reliability
• Visa status or willingness to relocate

Step 3: Interview & Job Offer

Once selected, the employer will issue a Letter of Offer or Employment Contract, which is required to begin the visa process.

Step 4: Visa Sponsorship Process

The employer must:

• Become an approved sponsor through the Department of Home Affairs
• Nominate you for a specific position
• Collaborate with you to submit a complete visa application

Step 5: Submit Visa Application

You will submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs for the relevant visa subclass.

More Info

Additional Information:

• Not all cleaning jobs offer sponsorship. Focus on regional areas and large companies.
• Improve your English skills if needed some employers require functional English.
• Be wary of scams. Never pay for a job offer upfront.

Conclusion:

Cleaning jobs in Australia are a viable option for foreign workers seeking employment with visa sponsorship. With growing demand across sectors and supportive visa pathways, now is a great time to explore opportunities. Make sure to apply through legitimate channels, prepare a strong application, and understand your rights and responsibilities under Australian labor law.

Frequently Asked Questions: