Migration Agents for Nurses

Why Nurses Choose Australia

Australia faces a chronic shortage of qualified nurses and midwives, making it one of the easiest healthcare professions to migrate with. Registered nurses consistently appear on all skilled occupation lists, and many states actively recruit international nurses through state nomination programs. Salaries for registered nurses in Australia range from $65,000 to $95,000 per year, with penalty rates for night shifts, weekends, and public holidays often pushing total packages above $100,000.

Visa Options for Nurses

The most common pathways for nurses include the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa, which doesn't require employer sponsorship or state nomination, the Subclass 190 (State Nominated) visa, which gives 5 extra points and is popular in states with nursing shortages, and the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa for nurses with employer sponsorship. Regional nurses can also access the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa with additional points for regional areas.

Skills Assessment for Nurses

All nurses must complete a skills assessment through ANMAC before applying for a skilled visa. The assessment evaluates your nursing qualifications, English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 in each band or OET B in each component), and registration eligibility. Processing times are typically 8-12 weeks. If your qualifications don't directly meet Australian standards, you may need to complete a bridging program through a modified skills assessment pathway.

Why Use a Migration Agent for Nursing Visas

Nursing visa applications involve coordination between multiple bodies — ANMAC for skills assessment, AHPRA for registration, and the Department of Home Affairs for the visa itself. A migration agent experienced in healthcare visas can navigate the sequencing of these applications, ensure your qualifications are presented correctly for ANMAC assessment, advise on the best visa pathway based on your points score and experience, and help with state nomination applications if you're targeting specific states.

How Much Does a Migration Agent Cost for Nurses?

Migration agent fees for nursing visa applications typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 for a standard Subclass 189 or 190 application. This usually includes initial assessment, skills assessment guidance, visa application preparation, and lodgement. Some agents offer package deals that include skills assessment support, state nomination applications, and the primary visa application. Always get a written cost agreement before engaging an agent.

Registration with AHPRA

After arriving in Australia, nurses must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) before they can practise. Some visa pathways require AHPRA registration as part of the application process. Your migration agent should advise on the timing of AHPRA registration relative to your visa application, as getting this wrong can cause significant delays.

Relevant Visa Pathways

Find Agents by State

Browse migration agents who handle nurses & midwives visa applications in each Australian state and territory.

Frequently Asked Questions