Healthcare is one of Australia’s most in-demand sectors — and for nurses and allied health professionals, one of the clearest routes to permanent residency. More than 10,000 sponsored skilled visas were granted to the health and social assistance sector in 2025, and the industry is projected to add hundreds of thousands of jobs over the coming decade.
This guide explains the two approvals every nurse needs, the visa pathways available in 2026, and how to give yourself the best chance of a successful application.
“Healthcare is one of Australia’s most in-demand sectors — and one of the clearest routes to permanent residency.”
Migrating as a nurse involves two separate approvals that people often confuse. You need both.
For the points-tested skilled visas (subclass 189, 190 and 491), you need a positive skills assessment from ANMAC, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. This confirms that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for migration purposes.
Separately, before you can legally work as a Registered or Enrolled Nurse in Australia, you must be registered with AHPRA, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. AHPRA assesses your qualifications, English and professional history. Allow time for this — the assessment commonly takes around four to six weeks, and demand peaks over the Australian summer.
Both ANMAC and AHPRA require evidence of English proficiency through an approved test such as IELTS, OET, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT. Requirements are updated periodically, so always check the current minimum scores before booking your test.
Nurses are well served by Australia’s migration system. The main routes are:
With around twenty nursing roles on the 2026 skilled occupation list and healthcare among the country’s fastest-growing industries, qualified nurses are in a strong position.
We have guided healthcare professionals to Australia since 1996. We will help you line up the ANMAC assessment, AHPRA registration and the right visa in the correct order, so the pieces fit together and nothing stalls your move.
Complete our free, no-obligation eligibility assessment below and we will send you our e-brochure. Even if a particular route is not right for you, a short conversation is the surest way to confirm your options.
This article is general information about Australian migration as at 2026 and is not personal migration, legal, financial or tax advice. Registration and visa rules change frequently — always check the latest position with AHPRA, ANMAC and the Department of Home Affairs and obtain advice tailored to your circumstances.
