Nursing is one of Australia's most in-demand occupations, offering excellent migration pathways for qualified nurses worldwide. With major changes coming to registration requirements in April 2025, now is an exciting time to pursue your nursing career in Australia. This comprehensive guide covers everything from skills assessment to permanent residency.
Why Nursing is a Great Migration Pathway
| Factor | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 🔥 High demand | On all skilled occupation lists (MLTSSL) |
| 📍 All states need nurses | Strong state nomination options |
| 🏥 Regional opportunities | Extra points and faster processing |
| 💰 Competitive salaries | $65,000-$100,000+ per year |
| 🎯 Multiple visa options | 189, 190, 491, employer sponsored |
| 🏠 Permanent residency | Direct pathway to PR |
2025 Update: New streamlined AHPRA registration pathways from April 2025 make it easier for nurses from UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Singapore, and Spain to register in Australia.
Understanding the Two-Step Process
1. AHPRA Registration (to work as a nurse)
You need AHPRA registration to legally work as a nurse in Australia. This is separate from visa requirements.
2. ANMAC Skills Assessment (for migration)
You need a positive ANMAC skills assessment for skilled migration (visas 189, 190, 491). This is separate from AHPRA registration.
Note: For employer-sponsored visas (482, 494, 186), you typically need AHPRA registration but may not need ANMAC assessment.
Step 1: AHPRA Registration
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) manage nursing registration.
New Streamlined Pathways (From April 2025)
Major changes effective April 2025 create faster pathways for nurses from "comparable jurisdictions":
Comparable Countries:
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- United States
- Canada (British Columbia and Ontario)
- Singapore
- Spain
Pathway 1: Direct Registration (Fastest)
For nurses from comparable countries with:
- Nursing qualification from a comparable jurisdiction
- 1,800+ hours of RN practice since January 2017
- Current registration in good standing
Benefits:
- No NCLEX or OSCE exams required
- Processing time: 1-6 months (vs 9-12 months previously)
- Direct registration without bridging programs
Pathway 2: Exam + Experience
For nurses not from comparable countries but who have:
- Passed NCLEX-RN or OSCE exams
- 1,800+ hours of RN practice in a comparable country since 2017
- Current registration in a comparable country
Traditional Pathway (Outcomes-Based Assessment)
For nurses from other countries:
- Self-check assessment
- Portfolio assessment
- NCLEX-RN exam (multiple choice)
- OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)
This pathway typically takes 9-18 months.
English Language Requirements
From April 2025, the writing requirements have been relaxed. For a comprehensive comparison of all English tests accepted for Australian migration, see our detailed guide on IELTS vs OET vs PTE: Which Test Should You Take?.
| Test | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
| OET | B | B | B | C+ |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 65 | 65 | 58 |
Important points:
- Results can be combined from two sittings within 12 months
- No component can be below 6.5 (IELTS) or C+ (OET) in either sitting
- Results are valid for 2 years
AHPRA Registration Fees
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | ~$610 |
| NCLEX-RN exam | ~$550 |
| OSCE exam | ~$3,000-3,500 |
| Annual registration renewal | ~$170 |
Step 2: ANMAC Skills Assessment
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) assesses nursing qualifications for migration purposes.
Three Assessment Types
| Type | Who It's For | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Modified | Already AHPRA registered | $395 |
| Modified PLUS | Have AHPRA "in-principle approval" | $395 |
| Full | From recognised countries (UK, Canada, USA, Ireland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Spain) without Australian registration | $595 |
Full Assessment Requirements
Documents needed:
- Passport and recent photo
- Nursing qualification certificate
- Full academic transcripts (theory/practical hours, syllabus)
- 1,800 hours of RN work experience since January 2017
- Current registration evidence from your country
- English test results (for Full Assessment only)
- Professional references (3+ months supervised experience)
Processing Times
| Assessment Type | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Modified | 4-6 weeks |
| Modified PLUS | 4-6 weeks |
| Full | 6-8 weeks |
Note: ANMAC applications closed December 17, 2025 - January 7, 2026.
Step 3: Visa Pathways
Registered Nurse ANZSCO Codes
| Specialisation | ANZSCO Code | Visa Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | 254412 | 189, 190, 491 |
| Registered Nurse (Critical Care & Emergency) | 254415 | 189, 190, 491 |
| Registered Nurse (Medical) | 254418 | 189, 190, 491 |
| Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | 254422 | 189, 190, 491 |
| Registered Nurse (Perioperative) | 254423 | 189, 190, 491 |
| Registered Nurse (Surgical) | 254424 | 189, 190, 491 |
| Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) | 254425 | 189, 190, 491 |
| Registered Nurses nec | 254499 | 189, 190, 491 |
Visa Options Comparison
| Visa | Type | State Nomination | Points Required | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | Independent | No | 65+ | 8-12 months |
| 190 | State Nominated | Yes (+5 points) | 65+ | 6-9 months |
| 491 | Regional Provisional | Yes (+15 points) | 65+ | 6-9 months |
| 482 | Employer Sponsored | No (need employer) | No | 3-6 months |
| 186 | Employer Sponsored (PR) | No (need employer) | No | 6-12 months |
Points Calculator for Nurses
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25-32 | 30 |
| Age 33-39 | 25 |
| Bachelor's degree (nursing) | 15 |
| Master's degree | 20 |
| Australian study requirement (2 years) | 5 |
| Regional study | 5 |
| 3 years overseas work experience | 5 |
| 5 years overseas experience | 10 |
| 8 years overseas experience | 15 |
| 1 year Australian experience | 5 |
| 3 years Australian experience | 10 |
| IELTS 8.0 all bands (Superior English) | 20 |
| IELTS 7.0 all bands (Proficient) | 10 |
| State nomination (190) | 5 |
| Regional nomination (491) | 15 |
| Partner skills | 5-10 |
Minimum requirement: 65 points
State Nomination Opportunities
Most states actively nominate nurses due to healthcare shortages:
| State | Nursing Priority | Regional Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | High demand | Central West, Northern NSW |
| Victoria | High demand | Regional Victoria |
| Queensland | High demand | Regional QLD |
| South Australia | Very high | Extra regional points |
| Tasmania | Very high | Whole state is regional |
| Western Australia | High demand | Regional WA |
| NT | Very high | Whole territory is regional |
| ACT | Moderate | Matrix-based nomination |
Timeline: From Start to PR
Fastest Pathway (Comparable Country Nurse)
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Gather documents | 2-4 weeks |
| AHPRA registration (new pathway) | 1-6 months |
| English test (if needed) | 1-2 months |
| ANMAC Modified assessment | 4-6 weeks |
| EOI + Invitation | 2-4 months |
| Visa application + grant | 6-9 months |
| TOTAL | 10-18 months |
Traditional Pathway (Other Countries)
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Gather documents | 2-4 weeks |
| English test | 1-3 months |
| AHPRA application + OBA | 9-18 months |
| ANMAC assessment | 6-8 weeks |
| EOI + Invitation | 2-6 months |
| Visa application + grant | 6-12 months |
| TOTAL | 18-36 months |
Cost Breakdown
Registration & Assessment Costs
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| English test (IELTS/OET) | $350-550 |
| AHPRA application | ~$610 |
| NCLEX-RN (if required) | ~$550 |
| OSCE (if required) | ~$3,000-3,500 |
| ANMAC assessment | $395-595 |
| Subtotal (without exams) | ~$1,500-1,800 |
| Subtotal (with exams) | ~$5,000-5,500 |
Visa Costs
| Visa | Primary Applicant | Partner | Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | $4,640 | $2,320 | $1,170 |
| 190 | $4,640 | $2,320 | $1,170 |
| 491 | $4,640 | $2,320 | $1,170 |
Additional Costs
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Health examinations | $400-600 per person |
| Police checks | $50-150 per country |
| Document translation (NAATI) | $50-100 per document |
| Qualification assessment (if needed) | $400-800 |
| Migration agent fees | $3,000-8,000 |
Tips for Success
1. Start Early with English
The English requirement is often the biggest hurdle. If you're not confident:
- OET is designed for healthcare workers and may feel more natural
- Consider an OET preparation course
- Writing can now be C+ (OET) or 6.5 (IELTS) from April 2025
For detailed test comparisons and the critical "registration vs migration trap" for OET, see our English Test Comparison Guide.
2. Check Your Country's Status
If you're from UK, Ireland, USA, Canada (BC/Ontario), Singapore, or Spain:
- Wait for April 2025 if possible for streamlined registration
- You may skip NCLEX and OSCE entirely
3. Consider Regional Options
Regional nursing offers:
- Extra 15 points (491 visa)
- Faster processing times
- Pathway to 191 permanent visa
- Often less competitive than metro areas
4. Keep Documents Current
- Nursing registration must stay current throughout the process
- English test results valid for 2 years
- ANMAC assessment valid for 3 years from date of issue
5. Get the Right Experience
Focus on building experience in high-demand areas:
- Aged care
- Critical care and emergency
- Mental health
- Regional and rural nursing
Common Questions
Can I work while waiting for registration?
You cannot work as a registered nurse without AHPRA registration. However, some employers offer "assistant in nursing" or healthcare worker roles while you complete registration requirements.
What if I'm an Enrolled Nurse, not an RN?
Enrolled Nurses (ANZSCO 411411) are also on skilled occupation lists and can apply for migration, though with fewer visa options than Registered Nurses.
Do I need Australian work experience?
No, but it helps:
- Australian experience earns extra points
- Some state nominations prefer local experience
- It's easier to get employer sponsorship with local experience
Can I bring my family?
Yes! All skilled visas allow you to include your partner and dependent children in the application.
What about midwives?
Midwives (ANZSCO 254111) have a similar pathway and are also in high demand. ANMAC also assesses midwifery qualifications.
How First Migration Can Help
Navigating the nursing migration pathway involves multiple government agencies and complex requirements. At First Migration Service Centre, we specialise in skilled migration and can help you:
- Assess your eligibility for different visa pathways
- Plan the optimal sequence of applications
- Prepare your Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Apply for state nomination
- Lodge your visa application
- Coordinate with ANMAC and AHPRA requirements
Ready to start your nursing career in Australia? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.
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