With ongoing shortages across the health sector, Australia is actively welcoming internationally qualified nurses to help meet workforce needs, particularly in aged care, mental health, and regional services. If you’re a nurse from overseas looking to practise in Australia, there are clear steps to take—from registration and credential checks to choosing the right migration pathway. This guide walks you through what’s required, what’s changed recently, and how you can successfully transition into Australia’s healthcare system.
Why Australia Needs More Nurses
Australia’s health system is under pressure. By 2035, projections show a shortfall of over 70,000 full-time nurses. Demand is especially high in:
- Regional and rural locations
- Aged care services
- Mental health and community settings
The government is responding with targeted visa streams and faster processing for qualified health professionals.
AHPRA Registration: Your First Essential Step
To work in Australia, nurses must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The registration process confirms your skills and ensures your training is aligned with local standards.
What’s involved:
- Verifying identity
- Submitting proof of qualifications
- Meeting English language standards
- Providing a criminal history check
As of 2024, registration processing has sped up significantly for nurses from comparable countries (UK, USA, NZ, Canada, Singapore, Spain, etc.) Some applicants are now registered within a month.
Skills Assessment: ANMAC Requirements
For visa purposes, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) conducts a skills assessment. This verifies whether your qualifications and experience meet national benchmarks for migration.
There are three main assessment types:
- Full Assessment: For nurses without AHPRA registration
- Modified: For those already registered with AHPRA
- Modified PLUS: For those seeking further qualification equivalency
You’ll need to provide academic transcripts, employment references, and evidence of professional standing.
Meeting English Language Standards
To protect patient safety, AHPRA and ANMAC require nurses to prove English proficiency. You can do this via:
- IELTS Academic: 7.0 in most bands (6.5 in writing accepted)
- OET: Grade B minimum
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 65
Exemptions apply for nurses who trained and registered in English-speaking countries like New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, or the US.
Visa Options for Nurses: What’s Available?
Australia offers multiple skilled visa pathways designed specifically for healthcare workers:
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
No sponsorship needed. Permanent residency. Based on points (age, experience, English level).
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
State or territory nominated. PR visa. Commitment to live in sponsoring region.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
Provisional visa for those happy to live/work in regional Australia. Pathway to PR via Subclass 191.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
- Subclass 482 (TSS): Temporary work visa tied to an employer.
- Subclass 186 (ENS): Permanent residency for sponsored employees.
- Nurses who start on the 482 can often transition to PR under the 186 if supported by their employer.
Job Offers: Not Always Required, But Helpful
While not mandatory for all skilled visas, a job offer:
- Strengthens your application
- Can fast-track employer sponsorship
- Helps you align with the state nomination program (190 or 491)
Many hospitals and aged care providers actively recruit international nurses and are familiar with the sponsorship process.
The Application Journey at a Glance
- Check eligibility (country of training, qualifications)
- Prepare and submit AHPRA registration
- Apply for ANMAC skills assessment
- Sit required English language test (if needed)
- Secure job offer (optional but strategic)
- Choose visa pathway and apply
What’s Changing in 2025?
- Faster registration for certain nationalities
- Broader access to employer-sponsored permanent residency (Subclass 186)
- Increased demand in rural areas due to policy focus and healthcare reform
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international nurses work independently in Australia?
Yes—after successfully registering with AHPRA, overseas-trained nurses can practise independently, subject to any visa restrictions.
How long does registration or visa processing take?
AHPRA registration can now take as little as one month (for priority countries). Visa processing times vary, but most skilled or sponsored visas range from 4 to 12 weeks.
Is English testing mandatory?
Yes, unless you trained and registered in an exempt English-speaking country. Most applicants will need to complete IELTS, OET, or PTE.
Do I need a job offer to apply for a skilled visa?
Not always. Subclass 189 and 491 visas don’t require job offers, though they can improve your points score or strengthen a nomination application.
What’s the best visa for permanent residency?
For nurses, the 189 (independent skilled) and 186 (employer-sponsored) visas offer the most direct routes to permanent residency.