Healthcare has become an essential industry in Australia, making nurses a prime occupation for migration to Australia. However, migrating as a nurse isn’t just about booking a flight – it involves a structured process of getting registered, assessed, and finding the right visa. In this guide, we break down each step of the journey, from registration with Australian authorities to securing a visa, so you can confidently plan your move.
AHPRA Registration: The First Step for International Nurses to become a registered nurse
To work as a nurse in Australia, you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This registration process verifies that you are qualified, meet Australian standards, and are safe to practice. Registration must be the first step towards migration to Australia as a nurse.
Key points of the AHPRA registration process include:
✅ Eligibility Requirements: You need an approved or substantially equivalent qualification in nursing. This means holding a nursing degree that AHPRA recognises as comparable to an Australian nursing degree. If your education is not deemed equivalent, AHPRA may require you to complete additional assessments or studies before you can register.
✅ English Proficiency: All applicants must prove English language proficiency. You’ll typically need to pass an English test such as IELTS or OET with results that meet the NMBA’s English language skills standard, which applies to every new nurse registration in Australia
✅ Documentation: Prepare to provide documents, including proof of identity (passport, birth certificate), your nursing qualification certificate and academic transcripts, and evidence of any current nursing registration or license you hold overseas. You’ll also need a certificate of good standing from your current regulatory body, and you must meet standards for criminal history and health (declaring any criminal record or health issues)
✅The Self-Check and Portfolio: AHPRA requires all internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs) to begin with an online Self-Check. You’ll enter details of your training and credentials, and the system will allocate you to a stream (either Stream A or Stream B) based on how your qualification compares to Australian standards.
✅ Orientation Modules: Before sitting for exams or obtaining registration, you’ll complete Orientation Part 1, an online module about the Australian healthcare system (takes ~1 hour). This is required regardless of whether you are assigned to either Stream A or B.
The NCLEX-RN and OSCE: Proving Your Competence
If you’re assigned to Stream B (as many international nurses are), Australia uses a two-part exam process to assess your nursing knowledge and skills, known as the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA). This replaces the old bridging program (phased out in 2020) and consists of:
- NCLEX-RN (MCQ Exam): An acronym familiar to US nurses, the NCLEX-RN is a computer-based multiple-choice exam now used by Australia to test core nursing knowledge. AHPRA coordinates this exam through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and Pearson VUE test centers worldwide
- OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination): The OSCE is a hands-on practical exam to assess clinical skills after completing Orientation Part 1, Portfolio and MCQ exam stages. It simulates real healthcare scenarios to ensure you can apply your knowledge in practice. For internationally qualified RNs, the OSCE consists of 10 stations (clinical scenarios) where you must perform various nursing tasks while assessors observe. The test is conducted in person at Adelaide Health Simulation (AHS) in Adelaide, South Australia or at The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) in Melbourne, Victoria. Hence, candidates are required to travel to Australia to undertake the examination.
Achieving AHPRA Registration as a Registered Nurse in Australia
By passing both the NCLEX and OSCE, you demonstrate that your skills are on par with an Australian-trained nurse. After successful completion, you’ll be eligible for general registration with AHPRA. At this stage, you’ll submit a final registration application (if not already done) and complete identity checks in person. The outcome is a registration (license) as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Australia.
Keep in mind that this OBA process can take several months. It’s not uncommon for the full AHPRA registration journey (from Self-Check to receiving your registration) to take around 9–12 months for most candidates, although with efficient preparation (and passing exams on the first try) some finish sooner.
If you are migrating on a temporary visa, i.e. Skills in Demand (subclass 482), you only need to provide full practice registration within 90 days of first arrival in Australia and prior to your employment commencement. For example, if you arrive in Australia on 3 March 2025 as a Registered Nurse, you must have your registration finalised before 1 June 2025. During this 90-day period, you are not allowed to practice as a Registered Nurse.
ANMAC Skills Assessment: Validating Your Credentials for Migration
While AHPRA handles your ability to practice as a nurse, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) handles your credentials for migration. If your goal is to apply for a skilled migration visa (permanent or provisional) or some employer-sponsored visas such as subclass 186 (Direct stream), you will need a positive skills assessment from ANMAC.
Skills assessment is the next step after registration if you wish to migrate to Australia on a permanent visa. This is generally not required for temporary visa subclasses.
Think of AHPRA registration and ANMAC assessment as two parallel requirements for registration and one for immigration, handled by different bodies. Here’s what you need to know about ANMAC:
- Role of ANMAC: ANMAC is the authority that assesses whether your nursing qualifications and experience meet the criteria for migration
- When to apply: Typically, you would apply to ANMAC after you have your AHPRA registration or at least after you’ve passed the necessary exams and have an “Outcome” from AHPRA. In fact, ANMAC offers different assessment pathways depending on your situation:
- The ANMAC Assessment Process: No matter the pathway, ANMAC will require you to submit detailed documentation online. This usually includes your identity documents, evidence of your nursing qualification (degree certificate, transcripts), proof of your registration and good standing in all countries where you’re licensed, and often proof of work experience (references from employers) if you want that considered.
- Timeline and Outcome: ANMAC’s processing times can vary, but currently,y it typically takes about 6–8 weeks for an assessment to be completed once all documents are submitted
Registration First or Visa First?
One common question is whether to complete your AHPRA registration before applying for a visa, or vice versa. The short answer: Complete your AHPRA registration (or at least get it well underway) before seeking an Australian work visa in the nursing field. Here’s why:
- Separate Processes, Same Goal: The registration and visa applications are entirely separate processes handled by different authorities
- Recommended Pathway: The Nursing Board of Australia recommends securing your registration first. They advise not to make any significant life changes (like moving to Australia or leaving your current job) until you have been approved for registration.
- Visa Application Considerations: For General Skilled Migration visas (like subclass 189 or 190), you must submit a positive ANMAC skills assessment with your visa application. As explained, getting that typically requires having AHPRA registration or being from a comparable country background. So, in practice, you do the AHPRA steps first anyway. In the case of employer-sponsored visas (like a temporary TSS 482 visa or a PR 186 visa), you are technically able to secure a job offer and visa sponsorship before AHPRA registration is complete. However, nearly all healthcare employers will insist you either have AHPRA registration or are extremely close (i.e. you’ve passed NCLEX and just need OSCE) before they hire you. Employers know you cannot legally work as a nurse in Australia until you’re registered.
In summary, start with the AHPRA process and let the visa follow. This sequential approach is smoother and safer.
Keeping Up with Recent Changes in AHPRA & ANMAC Requirements as a Registered Nurse
Healthcare regulations aren’t static – Australia has introduced improvements to attract nurses faster and ensure high standards. Being aware of the latest updates can save you time or open new opportunities:
- OBA Replacing Bridging Programs: If you’ve heard of the old “bridging course” system – that’s history. In March 2020, the NMBA transitioned to the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) model, meaning internationally qualified nurses now prove their competence through the NCLEX-RN and OSCE exams rather than attending a months-long bridging course.
- Streamlined Registration Pathways (2024/2025): Very excitingly, from April 2025, two new pathways are being introduced for certain experienced nurses. In late 2024, Australian Health Ministers approved a new registration standard to recognise the experience of nurses from the following countries: the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario, Singapore, and Spain. Further information can be found here.
- ANMAC and Visa Updates: ANMAC’s fundamental requirements (proof of qualifications, registration, etc.) have remained stable, but the process is now fully online and relatively quick. One thing to note: demonstrating English proficiency is required for both registration and migration. AHPRA and ANMAC each accept certain tests like IELTS or OET.
Staying informed of these changes can significantly impact your strategy – for instance, a nurse from Toronto with a year of experience might wait until April 2025 to apply, to avoid extra exams, whereas another nurse might push to finish NCLEX/OSCE now if they don’t qualify for the new pathway. We continually monitor policy updates to guide our clients on the optimal approach.
Choosing the Best Visa Pathway for International Nurses
Selecting the right visa is crucial and depends on your personal circumstances and goals. Here’s a quick overview of the best visa pathways for nurses migrating to Australia and what makes each attractive:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This points-tested permanent residency (PR) visa doesn’t require employer or state sponsorship. It’s highly coveted for flexibility – you can live and work anywhere in Australia. For a nurse, 189 visa is achievable because “Registered Nurse” features on the Medium-Long Term Skills List (MLTSSL) and has been on the priority list for migration
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): This is also a points-tested PR visa, but you need an Australian state or territory nomination. In return, you commit to living and working in that state for at least 2 years. Each state has its criteria for nominating nurses – some might require you to have a job offer in that state, and others might invite you if you have certain specialities or experience. For this financial year 2024-25, all states and territories in Australia include Registered Nurses in their respective occupation lists.
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): This is a 5-year provisional visa that requires either state nomination for a designated regional area or sponsorship by an eligible family member in a regional area. “Regional” in Australia is quite broad – it includes many large towns and even cities like Gold Coast, Adelaide, or Perth’s outskirts. For nurses, a 491 is often Plan B if 189/190 are out of reach. In some cases, it’s easier to obtain because certain regional areas have slightly more relaxed criteria or less competition. The 491 gives you a path to PR (Subclass 191) after 3 years, provided you live and work in a regional area and meet income requirements.
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482): If an Australian employer is ready to sponsor you (for example, a hospital that has offered you a job), the SID visa is the main temporary work visa. For nurses on the Medium-Term list, this visa can be valid for up to 4 years and can be renewed, and after 3 years on a 482 visa, you may become eligible for employer-sponsored PR (Subclass 186). The advantage here is that it’s not points-based – you just need the job offer and to meet the skill level (which your AHPRA registration + experience covers) and English requirements. You are not required to pass a skills assessment for the purpose of this visa. Additionally, another perk of this visa is that it allows you to arrive in Australia after visa grant and have your registration finalised within 90 days of arrival and prior to work commencement.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): This is a direct PR visa via employer sponsorship. You typically need at least 3 years of work experience and an employer willing to sponsor you into a permanent role to be eligible. Some Australian healthcare employers will nominate standout candidates for PR from the outset, especially for senior or highly specialised nursing roles. The 186 visa assures you stability from day one, and you bypass the points test entirely. The employer does need to commit to a permanent position for you, which is a big ask, so often, nurses might work on a 482 first and then transition to a 186.
In choosing a pathway, consider factors such as how many points you can claim (if going the skilled route), whether you have a preferred location, and job offers. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is an optimal strategy for you, and that’s where tailored advice is invaluable.
How can Migration Affairs help?
Migrating to Australia as a registered nurse is a journey with multiple milestones – from securing AHPRA registration and acing the NCLEX/OSCE to obtaining a positive ANMAC assessment and finally getting that desired visa grant. Each step has complexities, but Australia eagerly welcomes more qualified nurses into its health workforce. The key is careful planning and staying informed at every stage.
This is where we can help. As a migration-focused law firm, we have supported many international nurses through this process. Our knowledge extends beyond migration law to the practical steps for registration and visa applications. We stay updated with the latest AHPRA pathways and visa policies, ensuring you have clear guidance from your initial inquiry to starting your nursing career in Australia.
Ready to take the next step? If you’re a health practitioner dreaming of an Australian career, let’s make it happen. Reach out to us today for personalised guidance on your migration plan. We’ll help you navigate the process smoothly – handling the paperwork and championing your application – so you can focus on preparing for your exciting new chapter.
You can also check out our managing director’s interview on visas relevant to Healthcare Professionals HERE.
For advice and visa support, contact Migration Affairs at info@migrationaffairs.com.au or www.migrationaffairs.com.au/contact.
📧 info@migrationaffairs.com.au
📞 +61 2 8226 8777
Changes to the migration program can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.
Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice on the circumstances and eligibility.
Have more specific questions about your visa pathways? Get in touch with Migration Affairs today.
