How Can I Migrate to Australia as a Registered Nurse?
(2026 Complete Guide)

Australia continues to face a critical shortage of qualified nursing professionals, making registered nurses one of the most in-demand occupations under Australia’s skilled migration program. With competitive salaries, excellent working conditions, and clear permanent residency pathways, Australia remains a top destination for overseas nurses in 2026.

If you are a registered nurse planning to migrate to Australia, you must meet professional registration, skills assessment, English language, and visa requirements. This guide explains every step of the process, the best visa options, and how The Global Axis Immigration Consultants can help you migrate with confidence.

Why Australia Is Actively Recruiting Overseas Nurses

Australia’s ageing population, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and workforce shortages have led to strong and ongoing demand for registered nurses across hospitals, aged care facilities, and regional healthcare centres.

Key benefits of migrating to Australia as a nurse include:

• High demand and job security across all states

• Competitive salaries and regulated working hours

• World-class healthcare system and safe work environment

• Clear pathways to Permanent Residency (PR)

• Family inclusion with access to education and healthcare

• Strong demand in regional and metropolitan areas

Core Requirements to Migrate to Australia as a Nurse

To legally work and migrate to Australia as a registered nurse, you must meet both professional and immigration requirements.

Mandatory Professional Requirements

• Registration with NMBA (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) via AHPRA

• Positive ANMAC skills assessment

• Recognised nursing qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)

• English language proficiency (IELTS / OET / PTE)

Immigration Requirements

• Eligible visa pathway (skilled or employer-sponsored)

• Age under 45 (for skilled migration visas)

• Relevant work experience (minimum 1 year recommended)

• Health and character clearance

Australia Immigration Pathways for Registered Nurses (2026)

Registered nurses can migrate through two main routes:

1. Skilled Migration (Points-Based)

2. Employer-Sponsored Migration

Each pathway suits different profiles depending on experience, English scores, and job offers.

Skilled Migration Visa Options for Nurses

Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189

The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa that does not require employer or state sponsorship.

How it works:

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

• Invitations are issued based on points ranking

Key Benefits:

• Direct Australian Permanent Residency

• No employer or state restrictions

• Full work rights across Australia

• Access to Medicare and social benefits

Best suited for:
Highly qualified nurses with strong English scores and work experience.

Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190

The Subclass 190 visa offers permanent residency with state or territory nomination.

How it works:

• Submit an EOI

• Secure nomination from an Australian state or territory

Key Benefits:

• Permanent Residency upon grant

• Extra points for state nomination

• High approval rates for nurses in priority occupations

Important condition:
You must live and work in the nominating state for a specified period.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491

Subclass 491 is a points-based regional visa leading to PR through Subclass 191.

How it works:

• State/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship

• Live and work in designated regional areas

Key Benefits:

• Additional points for regional nomination

• 5-year visa validity

• PR eligibility after 3 years

• Lower competition compared to metropolitan visas

Employer-Sponsored Visa Options for Nurses

Skill in Demand Visa (SID) – Subclass 482

Subclass 482 allows Australian healthcare employers to sponsor overseas nurses to fill workforce shortages.

Key Features:

• Employer sponsorship required

• Full-time work rights

• Can transition to PR through Subclass 186

Best suited for:
Nurses with a confirmed Australian job offer.

Employer Nomination Scheme – Subclass 186

Subclass 186 provides direct Permanent Residency through employer sponsorship.

How it works:

• Employer nominates the nurse

• Apply under Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition stream

Key Benefits:

• Immediate PR

• Long-term job security

• Medicare and social benefits

Eligibility Criteria for Nurses Migrating to Australia

To qualify, nurses must meet the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (or equivalent)

• NMBA/AHPRA registration

• Positive ANMAC skills assessment

• English language proficiency:

  • IELTS: 7.0 in each band

  • OET: B in each component

• Minimum 1 year of nursing experience

• Medical fitness and police clearance

• Valid passport

Step-by-Step Process to Migrate to Australia as a Nurse

Step 1: Profile Evaluation

Assess eligibility based on qualifications, experience, and English scores.

Step 2: AHPRA / NMBA Registration

Complete Australian nursing registration requirements.

Step 3: ANMAC Skills Assessment

Choose the correct pathway (Modified / Full / Outcomes-Based).

Step 4: English Language Test

Meet required scores through IELTS, OET, or PTE Academic.

Step 5: Choose the Right Visa

Select skilled migration or employer-sponsored pathway.

Step 6: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Required for Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas.

Step 7: Visa Application

Lodge visa application after receiving an invitation or employer nomination.

Step 8: Health & Character Checks

Complete medical exams and police clearance.

Step 9: Visa Grant & Relocation

Move to Australia and begin your nursing career.

Why Choose The Global Axis Immigration Consultants?

At The Global Axis Immigration Consultants, we specialize in healthcare migration and provide end-to-end support for nurses migrating to Australia.

Our Advantages:

• Licensed and experienced immigration consultants

• In-depth expertise in AHPRA, ANMAC, and nursing pathways

• Personalized visa strategy for faster PR outcomes

• Transparent process with no hidden costs

• Support for family visas and settlement planning

• Strong success record with nurse migration cases

We don’t just file applications — we plan your long-term future in Australia.

States with High Demand for Registered Nurses

• New South Wales

• Victoria

• Queensland

• Western Australia

• South Australia

• Tasmania

• Northern Territory

Regional states often offer faster nominations and higher invitation chances.

Final Thoughts

Australia remains one of the best countries in the world for registered nurses seeking career growth, stability, and permanent residency. With the right guidance, proper documentation, and a strategic visa approach, migrating as a nurse in 2026 is highly achievable.

Book a free consultation with The Global Axis Immigration Consultants today and let our experts guide you step by step toward your Australian nursing career.