If you're exploring a midwife visa for Australia, the timing could not be better. Australia is facing a critical midwifery shortage - and that creates a genuine opportunity for qualified midwives overseas. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's landmark Midwifery Futures report (October 2024) confirmed there are insufficient midwives in the pipeline, particularly outside major cities, with one in three midwives considering leaving the profession. For overseas midwives from the UK, Ireland, India, the Philippines, and South Africa, this means priority processing, strong demand from employers, and clear visa pathways to permanent residency. This complete midwifery migration Australia guide covers everything you need to know about ANMAC skills assessment, AHPRA registration, and which visa to apply for.
Why Midwives Are in High Demand in Australia
Midwifery (ANZSCO 254111) is classified as a Tier 1 - Highest Value Occupation in Australia's migration programme. This is significant because it means:
- Priority visa processing for skilled visa applications
- Listing on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), opening access to permanent pathways
- Strong demand across all states and territories, with acute shortages in regional and rural areas
Midwifery has its own ANZSCO code (254111) and is assessed separately from nursing (254499). Most migration guides lump them together, but the skills assessment and registration pathways are distinct. Make sure your migration agent understands the difference.
Unlike nursing, midwifery in Australia requires specific tertiary qualifications in midwifery - a general nursing degree alone is not sufficient.
Step 1: ANMAC Skills Assessment
Before applying for any skilled visa, you need a positive skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). This confirms your qualifications and experience are equivalent to Australian standards.
What ANMAC Assesses
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Identity | Current passport, passport-sized photo, name change documents (if applicable) |
| English Language | IELTS Academic: 7 in each band / OET: B in each component / PTE Academic: 65 in each skill / TOEFL iBT: 94 overall (L24, R24, W27, S23) |
| Educational Equivalence | Graduation certificates and transcripts from all midwifery courses, including theoretical and practical hours |
| Professional Practice | Minimum 3 months of paid midwifery work in the last 5 years (for a Full Skills Assessment) |
| Assessment Type | Full Assessment (overseas-qualified) or Modified Assessment (if you hold AHPRA in-principle approval or NZ registration) |
ANMAC Processing Time and Costs
Current ANMAC processing time is approximately 6-8 weeks from the date your application commences (as of February 2026). The Full Skills Assessment fee is $595 AUD (current as of February 2026; fees are subject to change). Other assessment types (Modified, Modified PLUS) are $395 AUD. See ANMAC's official website for the latest fee schedule.
Start your ANMAC assessment before lodging your visa application. A positive outcome is required at the time of submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI). Early preparation can save months.
Step 2: AHPRA Registration
A positive ANMAC assessment is for visa purposes only. To actually practise as a midwife in Australia, you must also obtain registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
The Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA) Pathway
Most internationally qualified midwives go through the OBA pathway, which involves:
- Self-Check on the AHPRA Portal - Determines which stream (A, B, or C) you fall into based on your qualifications and country of training
- MCQ Examination - A multiple-choice examination testing knowledge of Australian midwifery standards
- OSCE - An Objective Structured Clinical Examination assessing practical competency at the level of an Australian graduate midwife
- Supervised Practice - Under AHPRA's Supervised Practice Framework (effective since 1 February 2022), supervised practice may be required for provisional or limited registration
Streamlined Pathways (From April 2025)
In a major development, AHPRA and the NMBA introduced streamlined registration pathways for internationally qualified nurses and midwives from April 2025. The currently approved countries are: UK, Ireland, USA, Canada (British Columbia and Ontario), Singapore, and Spain. Eligible applicants must have completed at least 1,800 hours of midwifery practice since 2017. These pathways can reduce registration processing from 9-12 months down to 1-6 months.
The streamlined pathways currently apply to midwives qualified in the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada (BC/Ontario), Singapore, or Spain. If you qualified in another country (including India, the Philippines, or South Africa), you will follow the standard OBA pathway. Contact AHPRA or a registered migration agent to confirm your pathway.
Registration Standards You Must Meet
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English Language | Same as ANMAC requirements (IELTS 7 / OET B) |
| Criminal History Check | Required for all applicants |
| Recency of Practice | Evidence of recent midwifery practice |
| Continuing Professional Development | Ongoing CPD evidence |
| Professional Indemnity Insurance | Arrangements must be in place before practising |
Step 3: Choose Your Visa Pathway
As a Tier 1 occupation, midwives have access to the full range of skilled visa options:
| Visa | Type | Key Features | Application Fee (as of Feb 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | Permanent | No employer or state sponsor needed; points-tested (65+ points required) | $4,765 AUD |
| Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) | Permanent | Requires state/territory nomination; +5 bonus points | $4,770 AUD |
| Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) | Provisional → PR | Requires state nomination or family sponsorship; 3 years in regional area → Subclass 191 PR | $4,765 AUD |
| Skills in Demand (SID) (replacing 482) | Temporary → PR | Employer-sponsored pathway; TSMIT income threshold applies | $3,115 AUD |
Visa application fees are current as of February 2026 and are subject to change (typically on 1 July each year). Additional costs include skills assessment fees, English tests, health examinations, and police clearances. Budget accordingly.
Points Test: How Midwives Score
For Subclass 189, 190, and 491, you need at least 65 points. Here's how midwives typically score:
| Factor | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age (25-32) | 30 | Maximum points bracket |
| English (IELTS 7 each) | 10 | Minimum for ANMAC; IELTS 8 each = 20 points |
| Qualification (Bachelor's) | 15 | Standard for midwifery |
| Overseas Experience (3-4 years) | 5 | 5-7 years = 10 points; 8+ years = 15 points |
| Subtotal | 60 | - |
| State Nomination (190) | +5 | Or partner skills, community language, etc. |
Use our free GSM Points Calculator to estimate your score.
State Nomination: Where Midwives Are Most Wanted
State nomination (Subclass 190 and 491) is a strong pathway for midwives, particularly for those willing to work in regional areas. States with current or recent demand for midwives include:
- Tasmania - Consistent demand; favourable nomination criteria for healthcare workers
- South Australia - Active recruitment for midwives in regional hospitals
- Northern Territory - Acute shortages; additional incentives for healthcare professionals
- Western Australia - Regional areas (e.g., Kalgoorlie, Bunbury) actively seeking midwives
State nomination requirements and occupation lists change frequently. Always confirm current availability with the relevant state government or your migration agent before applying.
Comparison: Midwife vs Registered Nurse Migration
| Factor | Midwife (254111) | Registered Nurse (254499) |
|---|---|---|
| ANZSCO Code | 254111 | 254499 |
| Assessing Authority | ANMAC | ANMAC |
| Qualification Required | Specific midwifery degree | Nursing degree |
| AHPRA Registration | Via NMBA - midwifery-specific OBA | Via NMBA - nursing-specific OBA |
| Supervised Practice | Midwifery-specific supervision | Nursing-specific supervision |
| Occupation List | MLTSSL (Tier 1) | MLTSSL (Tier 1) |
| Dual Registration | Possible if you hold both qualifications | Possible if you hold both qualifications |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with a nursing-only qualification - Midwifery in Australia requires a specific midwifery qualification. A general nursing degree alone will not satisfy ANMAC for ANZSCO 254111.
- Confusing ANMAC with AHPRA - ANMAC assesses your skills for visa purposes; AHPRA registers you to practise. You need both.
- Ignoring English requirements - IELTS 7 in every band is non-negotiable. Start preparation early, as many applicants need multiple attempts.
- Missing the recency of practice window - ANMAC requires paid midwifery work within the last 5 years. If you've been away from practice, address this before applying.
- Not budgeting adequately - Between visa fees, skills assessment, English tests, health checks, and professional registration, total costs can easily exceed $10,000 AUD depending on your circumstances.
Typical Timeline: From Decision to Registration
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| English test preparation and sitting | 1-3 months |
| ANMAC skills assessment | 6-8 weeks |
| EOI submission and invitation | Varies (midwives receive invitations regularly) |
| Visa application and grant | 6-12 months (priority processing available) |
| AHPRA registration (standard pathway) | 3-12 months |
| AHPRA registration (streamlined pathway) | 1-6 months |
| Total (estimated) | 12-24 months |
How First Migration Can Help
Navigating the dual process of skills assessment, professional registration, and visa application can be complex - especially when midwifery has its own distinct requirements separate from nursing. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents are experienced in healthcare migration and will guide you through every step, from ANMAC assessment strategy to state nomination selection.
Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice on the best pathway for you.
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