Registered nursing is arguably the single strongest occupation for Australian migration. Nurses face critical shortages across every state and territory, Home Affairs lists registered nurse codes such as 254499 for subclasses 186, 189, 190, 407, 482, 485, 489, 491 and 494, and invitation scores are among the lowest of all skilled occupations. If you're a qualified nurse considering Australia, the pathway has never been more favourable. Here's everything you need to know.
Quick Facts: Nursing Migration Pathway
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ANZSCO Code | 254499 (Registered Nurse nec), plus specialisation codes |
| Skills Assessment | ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) |
| Registration | AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) |
| Occupation List | MLTSSL and CSOL |
| Visas Home Affairs lists | 186, 189, 190, 407, 482, 485, 489, 491 and 494 |
| Demand Level | Critical shortage — nationwide |
| Typical 189 Score | 65-75 points (lower than most occupations) |
| Official figures checked | 28 October 2026 (Home Affairs occupation list, visa fees and processing times) |
Why Nursing Is the Strongest Migration Occupation
Critical Shortage
Australia's nursing workforce shortage is structural and persistent. Contributing factors include:
- Ageing population increasing healthcare demand
- Nursing workforce itself ageing (many approaching retirement)
- Post-pandemic burnout causing workforce exits
- Expanding aged care requirements following Royal Commission reforms
- Growing regional and remote healthcare needs
Lowest Competitive Threshold
Because of the shortage, registered nurses consistently receive invitations at lower points scores than other occupations. Where a software engineer might need 85+ points for a 189 invitation, a nurse may receive one at 65-75 points.
Every State Wants Nurses
Every state and territory prioritises nurses for state nomination. This means you have maximum flexibility in choosing where to live in Australia.
The Three-Step Pathway
Step 1: ANMAC Skills Assessment
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council conducts the skills assessment for nurses and midwives.
What ANMAC Assesses:
- Your nursing qualification (must be equivalent to an Australian Bachelor of Nursing)
- English language proficiency (specific to healthcare)
- Recency of practice (recent clinical experience)
Documentation Required:
- Certified copies of nursing qualification(s)
- Academic transcripts showing all subjects
- Current nursing registration from your home country
- Evidence of clinical practice (employment references)
- English test results
- Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
- NAATI-certified translations of non-English documents
ANMAC Processing Time: ANMAC does not publish a set processing time; it says processing times vary.
ANMAC Fee: ANMAC lists AUD595 for a full skills assessment (AUD395 modified, AUD545 direct care).
Step 2: AHPRA Registration
To work as a nurse in Australia, you need registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia through AHPRA (the registration body for all health practitioners).
For Migration Purposes: You need a positive ANMAC assessment for your visa application, but full AHPRA registration is required before you can work clinically in Australia. Some applicants complete ANMAC assessment first (for the visa) and AHPRA registration upon arrival. This order only works for some nurses. ANMAC offers a Full skills assessment to registered nurses from Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Singapore, Spain, the UK or the US. Its Modified skills assessment is for nurses already registered in Australia or New Zealand.
AHPRA Registration for Overseas Nurses:
- Ahpra assesses your registration on behalf of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
- Meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board's English language skills registration standard
- May need to complete a bridging/adaptation program depending on your qualifications
- Some countries' nursing qualifications have streamlined recognition pathways
Step 3: Visa Application
With a positive ANMAC assessment, you can proceed with your chosen visa pathway.
Visa Options for Nurses
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
- No nomination or sponsorship needed
- Permanent residency on grant
- Points-tested: nurses typically competitive at 65-75 points
- Ideal for nurses who want maximum location flexibility
Subclass 190 (State Nominated)
- State nomination adds 5 points
- Every state nominates nurses
- Often invited at 65-70 points
- Must commit to living in the nominating state
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
- Regional nomination adds 15 points
- Regional Australia has the most acute nursing shortages
- May be invited at 65 points
- 3-year regional living requirement, then pathway to permanent 191
Subclass 482 (Employer Sponsored)
- Direct job offer from an Australian healthcare employer
- No points test
- Skills in Demand Core Skills stream (up to 4 years, pathway to 186 permanency)
- Many hospitals and aged care facilities actively recruit overseas nurses
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
- Direct permanent residency through employer nomination
- Three streams: Direct Entry, Transition from 482, Labour Agreement
Subclass 494 (Regional Employer Sponsored)
- For regional healthcare employers
- Provisional visa, pathway to 191 after 3 years
English Language Requirements
Nursing has specific and higher English requirements than many other occupations:
For ANMAC Skills Assessment
For a Full skills assessment, you must meet ANMAC's English requirement. Check the accepted tests, minimum scores and result age on the ANMAC page before you book a test.
Important: The OET Option
The Occupational English Test (OET) is specifically designed for healthcare professionals. Many nurses find OET easier than IELTS because:
- The test uses healthcare-specific scenarios
- Reading and listening materials are medically relevant
- The writing task involves a referral letter (familiar format)
- The speaking test simulates a clinical consultation
If you're struggling with IELTS, consider OET as an alternative.
Nursing Specialisations
While 254499 (Registered Nurse nec) is the general code, specialised nursing codes also exist:
- 254211: Nurse Educator
- 254212: Nurse Researcher
- 254311: Nurse Manager
- 254412: Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
- 254413: Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)
- 254417: Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)
- 254418: Registered Nurse (Medical)
- 254421: Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)
- 254422: Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
- 254423: Registered Nurse (Perioperative)
- 254424: Registered Nurse (Surgical)
- 254425: Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)
All the Registered Nurse codes above are on the MLTSSL and CSOL. Nurse Educator and Nurse Researcher are on the STSOL and CSOL, and Nurse Manager is on the STSOL only, so those three cannot be used for the 189. Choose the code that best matches your clinical experience. ANMAC says a specific code (other than 254499) needs a reference showing at least 3 months of paid work in that area within the last 5 years.
Points Calculation for Nurses
| Factor | Typical Nurse Score |
|---|---|
| Age (25-32) | 30 |
| English (Proficient English) | 10 |
| Overseas experience (5+ years) | 10-15 |
| Qualifications (Bachelor's) | 15 |
| Total (without nomination) | 65-70 |
| State nomination (190) | +5 |
| Regional nomination (491) | +15 |
Even with modest scores, nurses are competitive because of the critical shortage-driven lower invitation thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need AHPRA registration before applying for a visa?
It depends on where you are registered now. You need a positive ANMAC skills assessment for your visa application. Registered nurses from Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Singapore, Spain, the UK or the US may be eligible for ANMAC's Full skills assessment. ANMAC's Modified skills assessment is for nurses already registered in Australia or New Zealand and on Ahpra's public register. AHPRA registration is needed before you can work clinically in Australia.
Is a bridging program required?
It depends on your qualifications. Nurses from some countries (UK, Ireland, US, Canada, for example) may have streamlined recognition. Others may need to complete an adaptation program. ANMAC will advise as part of your assessment.
What's the salary for registered nurses in Australia?
Registered nurses in Australia typically earn AUD $70,000-$100,000+ depending on location, specialisation, and experience. Penalties for night, weekend, and public holiday shifts can significantly increase earnings. Regional and remote positions often offer higher base salaries.
Can I work while my visa is processing?
If you're already in Australia on another visa with work rights and have AHPRA registration, yes. If you're overseas, you'll need to wait for your visa to be granted.
Which state is best for nursing migration?
Every state welcomes nurses. South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and regional areas of all states generally have the most accessible pathways due to acute shortages. See our state comparison guide.
How long does the entire process take?
It depends on your visa subclass, your ANMAC and AHPRA steps, and how quickly you can gather documentation. ANMAC does not publish a set processing time. For the visa itself, Home Affairs reports 50% of applications processed within 61 days and 90% within 8 months for the 189 and 50% of applications processed within 4 months and 90% within 16 months for the 190.
