Nursing is one of Australia's most consistently in-demand professions. Here's the full picture on skills assessment, English requirements, AHPRA registration, and which visa fits best.
Can Nurses Migrate to Australia on a Skilled Visa?
Nursing is one of the most consistently in-demand occupations in Australian immigration. Registered Nurses appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), have access to permanent residency pathways, and are among the most actively recruited professionals by Australian hospitals and healthcare systems.
Here is what nurses need to know to navigate the process.
Skills Assessment: ANMAC
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) assesses the qualifications and work experience of internationally trained nurses. A positive ANMAC assessment is required before you can submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
ANMAC assesses:
Whether your nursing qualification is comparable to Australian standards (typically a 3-year undergraduate nursing degree)
Whether you have completed a supervised clinical placement
Your work experience in nursing post-qualification
ANMAC assessments typically take 6 to 14 weeks. They require certified copies of your qualification, transcripts, registration certificates, and employment evidence.
English Language: One of the Highest Bars in Immigration
Nursing has among the strictest English language requirements of any Australian immigration occupation. Standard skilled migration requires Competent English (IELTS 6.0). But for nurses, AHPRA registration — which you need to practise in Australia — requires:
IELTS Academic: 7.0 minimum in each of the four bands (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
OET: Grade B in each component (preferred by many nurses — it is a healthcare-specific test)
The OET (Occupational English Test) is specifically designed for healthcare professionals and tests your English in clinical contexts. Many nurses find it more aligned with their actual skills than IELTS.
Scoring at this level takes preparation. Aim for OET Grade B consistently before submitting your ANMAC assessment.
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AHPRA Registration
AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) is the national body that regulates nursing in Australia. To work as a nurse in Australia, you need AHPRA registration — not just a visa.
AHPRA assesses whether your qualifications and experience meet Australian practice standards. Many internationally trained nurses receive conditional registration initially, requiring a supervised practice period in Australia before full registration is granted.
Your migration consultant and employer work in parallel with AHPRA to manage this process.
Points Score for Nurses
Registered Nurses score well on the points test when they have:
Age of 25–32 (30 points)
OET Grade B / IELTS 7.0 (10 points for Proficient; 20 for Superior at 8.0)
5–7 years work experience (10 points)
Bachelor's degree (15 points)
That gives 65–75 points as a starting position. State nomination (+5) or partner skills (+10) typically bring nurses into the 70–85 range. Recent invitation data shows nurses in most occupation codes receiving invitations in the 80–90 range.
Which Visas Can Nurses Access?
Subclass 189: Independent permanent residency — requires competitive points score
Subclass 190: State-nominated — most Australian states actively nominate nurses
Subclass 491: Regional — excellent option for nurses willing to work outside metro centres
Subclass 482: Employer-sponsored — many Australian hospitals sponsor nurses directly, bypassing the points test
Subclass 186: Employer-nominated permanent residency after 2 years on 482
For many nurses, the most practical pathway is employer sponsorship on a 482 visa, transitioning to a 186 permanent visa after meeting the transition requirements.
Very Important to know:
It is important to note that Registered Nurses looking to migrate to Australia generally require a recognized nursing degree to qualify under registered nursing occupations. However, there may be an alternative pathway available for nurses who have experience in the aged care sector. If you are currently working in aged care or have at least one year of aged care experience within the last five years, you may be eligible to pursue a migration pathway under Aged or Disabled Carer. This pathway has opened doors for many healthcare professionals who may not meet the requirements for registered nursing occupations but have valuable hands-on experience caring for elderly or disabled individuals.