Best Visa for Nurses to Work in Australia (2026 Guide)
Published 2026-02-14
Why Australia Needs Nurses
Nursing is one of Australia's most in-demand occupations and has been on the skilled occupation lists for many years. Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 254499) and its specialisations consistently appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making nurses eligible for the widest range of visa pathways. Australia faces a chronic nursing shortage, particularly in regional and rural areas, which means strong demand and multiple visa options for qualified nurses.
Which Visa Should Nurses Apply For?
The best visa depends on your circumstances. Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) is ideal if you have a high points score (typically 65-80 for nurses) — no sponsor or nomination required and grants permanent residency. Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) requires state nomination (adds 5 points) and is excellent if your points are slightly below 189 invitation levels. Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) is the easiest pathway if you are willing to work in regional Australia — adds 15 points and has lower competition. Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) is best if you have a direct job offer from an Australian hospital or healthcare provider. Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) provides direct permanent residency through employer sponsorship. Visit our /visa/employer-sponsored-visa/ page for full details on employer-sponsored options.
Skills Assessment for Nurses
All nursing visa applicants must obtain a skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). The assessment verifies your qualifications and determines your eligibility for registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). The ANMAC assessment costs approximately $680 for a full assessment and takes 8 to 12 weeks to process. You will need to provide certified copies of your nursing qualifications, transcripts, registration documents, and evidence of English proficiency.
English Language Requirements for Nurses
Nurses must meet both the visa English requirements and the AHPRA registration English requirements. AHPRA requires one of the following: IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 7.0 in each band, OET with a minimum of B in each component, PTE Academic with a minimum of 65 in each component, or TOEFL iBT with minimum scores of 24 in listening, 24 in reading, 27 in writing, and 23 in speaking. These scores must be achieved in a single sitting. The English requirements for nursing are among the highest of any profession, so prepare thoroughly.
AHPRA Registration Process
To work as a nurse in Australia, you must be registered with AHPRA. The registration process involves verifying your identity, qualifications, English proficiency, and criminal history. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks once all documents are submitted. Registration costs approximately $185 for initial registration. You cannot begin working as a nurse until AHPRA registration is confirmed. Some employer-sponsored visa applicants can obtain provisional registration while their full registration is being processed.
Processing Times and Costs Summary
Typical timeline from start to working in Australia: ANMAC skills assessment (8-12 weeks, $680), English language test preparation and sitting (varies, $395-$410), visa application processing (3-12 months depending on subclass), AHPRA registration (4-8 weeks, $185). Government visa fees: subclass 189/190 ($4,640), subclass 491 ($4,240), subclass 482 ($1,455-$3,035), subclass 186 ($4,640). Migration agent fees for nurses typically range from $3,000 to $6,000. A migration agent experienced in healthcare migration can streamline this process significantly — use our directory to find one who specialises in skilled migration.
Need Professional Help?
Find a MARA-registered migration agent who can assist with your application.
Browse Agents