Australia PR for Nurses and Midwives
Nursing is one of Australia's most in-demand professions. As a nurse, your skills are highly valued, and the skilled migration pathway is often more accessible compared to other occupations.
Calculate your nursing PR score with our PR Points Calculator.
Eligible Nursing Occupations
All registered nurse categories are on the MLTSSL, making them eligible for 189, 190, and 491 visas.
ANMAC Skills Assessment
Nurses must have their skills assessed by ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council).
Requirements
- Recognised nursing or midwifery qualification
- Minimum of 3 months post-qualification experience
- English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall, 7.0 in each band)
- Current registration in your home country (if applicable)
Processing
- Standard processing: 6–8 weeks
- Assessment fee: approximately $500–$800 AUD
Calculate your nursing PR score.
Calculate Your PR Points →NMBA Registration
To work as a nurse in Australia, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through AHPRA.
Registration Steps
- Complete your ANMAC skills assessment
- Meet English requirements (IELTS 7.0 each band)
- Apply for registration through AHPRA
- Complete a bridging program if required (for some overseas qualifications)
- Receive your registration
Competitive Scores for Nurses
Nursing has a strong advantage: lower competitive thresholds compared to IT and accounting.
| Visa Type | Typical Score Needed |
|---|---|
| 189 Skilled Independent | 80–85 points |
| 190 State Nominated | 75–80 points |
| 491 Skilled Regional | 65–75 points |
Best States for Nurse Nomination
- All states actively seek nurses due to ongoing healthcare shortages
- Rural and regional areas often have the highest demand and lowest score thresholds
- Aged care nurses are particularly in demand
- Critical care and mental health nurses are also prioritised
Building Your Nursing PR Score
- English: Superior English (20 points) is achievable for many nurses
- Experience: Nursing experience accumulates quickly in high-demand settings
- State nomination: Healthcare states have accessible pathways
- CCL: If you speak a community language, add 5 easy points
Example Nurse Score
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Age (28) | 30 |
| Superior English | 20 |
| Work Experience (5 years) | 15 |
| Bachelor Degree | 15 |
| Single Applicant | 10 |
| Total | 90 |
Tips for Nurse Migration
- Get ANMAC assessment early — it is mandatory for EOI
- Start AHPRA registration — it may be required for some state nominations
- Target regional states — lower scores and higher success rates
- Consider aged care experience — high demand specialty
- Improve English to Superior — 20 points makes a big difference
Calculate Your Nursing PR Score
Calculate your PR points as a nursing professional.
Check Your PR Points Now →Disclaimer
This article provides general information for nurses seeking Australian PR. Verify with ANMAC and the Department of Home Affairs.
Important Notice: The content on this page is for general information only. Australian visa policies and requirements are subject to change at any time. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current and accurate information.