Australia continues to experience a shortage of qualified nurses, which makes Registered Nurses one of the most in-demand occupations for immigration. With an ageing population and increasing chronic health conditions, the demand for qualified nurses across hospitals, aged care, and community settings continues to grow.
This has created real opportunities for overseas Registered Nurses who want to build a long-term career and settle in Australia. However, the complete PR pathways include several steps, including registration, skills assessment, and choosing the right visa, which creates confusion among aspirants.
So, let’s understand the complete Registered Nurse PR pathway for Australia through this guide.
Why Registered Nurses Have One of the Strongest PR Pathways in Australia
Registered Nurses are consistently listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and they also appear on the CSOL list for employer-sponsored pathways. This means:
- Priority processing in many visa streams
- Multiple PR visa options
- Strong demand across all Australian states
- Employer sponsorship opportunities
- Regional migration advantages
Apart from this, the average weekly salary for registered nurses is expected to be around AUD 1,900+, which makes nursing one of the most secure and lucrative PR pathways in Australia.
Step-by-Step: How to Migrate to Australia as a Registered Nurse
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Nursing Qualification
To migrate as a Registered Nurse, you must have:
• Bachelor of Nursing (or equivalent)
• Recognised nursing qualification
• Relevant clinical experience (preferred but not always mandatory)
English Language Requirement
You must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests:
Accepted Tests:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
- CELPIP General
- IELTS
- Michigan English Test (MET)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- LANGUGECERT Academic
Step 2: Apply for AHPRA Registration
To work as a nurse in Australia, you must be registered on the AHPRA national register as one of the following:
- Registered Nurse
- Enrolled Nurse
- Midwife
Your eligibility for registration is assessed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), which sets the professional standards and requirements for nursing practice in Australia.
To obtain AHPRA registration, you must generally meet:
- Approved nursing qualification
- English language requirements
- Identity verification
- Qualification assessment
- Work history verification
- Criminal history check
Only after being granted registration on the AHPRA national register will you be able to legally work as a nurse in Australia.
Step 3: OSKi Exam (If Required)
Some overseas nurses may need to pass a clinical exam as part of the AHPRA/NMBA assessment process.
This is usually required when a nurse is not fully equivalent to Australian standards.
The exam (OSCE/OSKi) tests:
- Clinical skills and decision-making
- Patient safety and care standards
- Communication in a clinical setting
- Understanding of Australian nursing practice
Passing this step is required before moving toward full registration in Australia under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Step 4: Skills Assessment (ANMAC)
You also must apply for the Skills Assessment. For the Nurse occupation, ANMAC (Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council) is the body that does this assessment.
There are 3 main assessment types:
1. Full Skills Assessment
For overseas nurses without Australian registration
Fees: $595
2. Modified Skills Assessment
For nurses already registered in Australia or New Zealand
Fees: $395
3. Modified Plus Skills Assessment
For nurses with AHPRA in-principle approval
Fees: $395
Step 5: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you receive a positive skills assessment, you must submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Your EOI is assessed based on:
- Age
- English proficiency
- Work experience
- Qualification
- Partner points
- State nomination
Higher points increase your chances of receiving a PR invitation.
Step 6: Visa Options & Invitation
Skilled PR Visa Options for Nurses: Registered Nurses have multiple PR visa options depending on eligibility.
- Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa
- Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa
- Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Nursing Specialisations in Demand in Australia
Australia requires nurses across multiple specialisations:
- Aged Care Nurses
- Mental Health Nurses
- Emergency Nurses
- Critical Care Nurses
- Surgical Nurses
- Paediatric Nurses
- Community Health Nurses
- Rehabilitation Nurses
- Medical Nurses
Some specialisations receive priority invitations from states.
PR Points for Registered Nurses
Australia uses a points-based system for skilled migration. Your PR points depend on:
- Age
- English proficiency
- Work experience (Australia and overseas)
- Educational qualification
- Partner qualification
- State nomination
- Regional nomination
Higher points significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for PR.
Currently, many Registered Nurses receive invitations with 65–85+ points, depending on demand and visa category.
Common Challenges for Overseas Nurses
Many overseas nurses face delays due to:
- Incorrect AHPRA strategy
- Low English scores
- Choosing the wrong visa pathway
- Incomplete documentation
- Incorrect skills assessment pathway
These mistakes can delay migration by months or even years and this is why proper planning is critical.
Your Australia Nurse PR Pathway Starts with the Right Strategy
Australia PR for registered nurses requires the right sequence of steps, including AHPRA registration, ANMAC skills assessment, English requirements, and the correct visa choice. Any mistake in this process can delay or affect your outcome, making proper planning essential.
Growmore Immigration provides expert, end-to-end Australian immigration support for nurses, including registration guidance, skills assessment assistance, visa strategy, and complete PR application support. Contact us today for a personalised assessment and a clear pathway to your Australia PR success.
Email: info@growmore.one | WhatsApp: +61 434 202 021 | Phone: +61 3 8764 3334
FAQs
Yes. Overseas Registered Nurses can apply for PR if they meet AHPRA registration, ANMAC skills assessment, English requirements, and visa eligibility criteria.
Yes. You must be registered with AHPRA under NMBA standards to legally work as a Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse, or Midwife in Australia.
Work experience is not always mandatory, but having relevant clinical experience significantly improves your chances for AHPRA registration, ANMAC assessment, and PR invitation.
States like South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania frequently nominate nurses, depending on demand and occupation lists at the time of application.
No. For overseas nurses, AHPRA registration (or at least eligibility for registration) is essential.