Last updated: 1 April 2026

Australia PR for Nurses: Complete Pathway Guide

Nursing is one of the most consistently in-demand occupations on Australia’s skilled migration lists. The country faces a structural shortage of registered nurses across hospitals, aged care facilities, mental health services, and community health centres. For qualified nurses considering permanent residency, Australia offers multiple visa pathways, strong state nomination opportunities, and a skills assessment process that is well-established and predictable.

This guide covers every step of the PR process for nurses: which ANZSCO codes apply, the ANMAC skills assessment, visa pathway options, points estimates, state nomination strategies, costs, and a realistic timeline from start to finish.

Can Nurses Get Australia PR?

Yes, and nurses are among the strongest candidates in the Australian skilled migration system. Registered nursing occupations have been on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) continuously for over a decade. This means nurses are eligible for all major skilled visa pathways: the subclass 189 visa (Skilled Independent), the subclass 190 visa (State Nominated), the subclass 491 visa (Skilled Work Regional), and the subclass 186 employer-sponsored visa.

Australia’s nursing workforce shortfall is projected to exceed 100,000 positions by 2030. This shortage drives consistent demand for overseas-qualified nurses, which translates into regular invitation rounds, active state nomination programs, and employer sponsorship opportunities. Unlike some occupations where invitation cutoffs fluctuate unpredictably, nursing occupations have historically received invitations at or near the minimum points threshold of 65.

The key requirements are a positive skills assessment from ANMAC, meeting AHPRA registration standards, a competitive English language score, and a points total that meets current invitation thresholds. Nurses who meet these requirements have a strong probability of receiving an invitation within 2 to 4 months of lodging their EOI.

ANZSCO Codes for Nurses

Your ANZSCO code determines which visa pathways and state nomination programs you can access. The following nursing occupations are on the skilled occupation lists as of the 2025-26 program year.

If your nursing specialisation does not match a specific code, 254499 (Registered Nurses not elsewhere classified) is the appropriate nomination. Enrolled nurses have a more limited pathway through the 491 regional visa only.

Which Visa Pathway Suits Nurses?

Nurses have access to more visa pathways than most occupations. The right choice depends on your points score, whether you have an employer willing to sponsor you, and whether you are open to regional living.

The subclass 189 is the most straightforward pathway if your points score is competitive. Nursing occupations typically invite at lower scores than IT or accounting, making the 189 more accessible for nurses than for many other professions. The subclass 190 adds 5 points through state nomination and is a strong option if you are willing to commit to a specific state. The 491 regional pathway is excellent for nurses who are comfortable working in regional hospitals or health services, where demand is highest.

For nurses already working in Australia on a 482 temporary skill shortage visa, the transition to the 186 through the Temporary Residence Transition stream is a well-established pathway that does not require a points test.

Skills Assessment for Nurses

The assessing authority for all nursing occupations is the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). You can find the full process in our ANMAC skills assessment guide.

What ANMAC assesses:

• Your nursing qualification is equivalent to an Australian Bachelor of Nursing (or higher)
• You have completed the required clinical placement hours (typically 800 hours for registered nurses)
• You meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s registration standards
• Your English language proficiency meets AHPRA requirements

Assessment types:

Documentation required:

• Certified copies of nursing qualifications and transcripts
• Evidence of clinical placement hours
• Employment references detailing your nursing duties
• English language test results (IELTS 7.0 in each band or PTE 65 in each communicative skill)
• Passport identification pages
• AHPRA registration documentation (if applicable)

Allow 3 to 4 months from the time you begin gathering documents to the time you receive a positive assessment outcome. Start the ANMAC process before your English test if possible, as the assessment can proceed concurrently with test preparation.

Points Estimate for Nurses

A typical registered nurse applicant aged 28 with 5 years of overseas experience and proficient English can expect the following score breakdown.

This profile reaches the minimum 65 points without state nomination and 70 with a 190 nomination. Nurses who achieve Superior English (IELTS 8.0 / PTE 79 in each band) gain an additional 10 points, reaching 75-80 which is well above typical invitation cutoffs.

Key points levers for nurses: English is the single biggest variable. The jump from Proficient (10 points) to Superior (20 points) adds 10 points to your total. Australian work experience, if you enter on a 482 visa first, builds additional points over time.

State Nomination Options for Nurses

Every Australian state and territory nominates nursing occupations. This breadth of options is unusual and gives nurses significant flexibility in choosing where to live and work.

South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory are the most accessible for nurses with lower points scores. These jurisdictions actively recruit nurses and have nomination criteria that are achievable for applicants with 65-70 points. NSW and Victoria are more competitive but process higher volumes.

Cost and Timeline

The end-to-end cost and timeline for a nurse applying for PR through the skilled migration pathway.

These costs do not include migration agent fees (typically $2,000 to $5,000 if used) or relocation expenses. The timeline assumes you already hold a valid English test score and begin the ANMAC assessment promptly.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Check your occupation is listed. Confirm that your nursing specialisation corresponds to an ANZSCO code on the MLTSSL or relevant occupation list. Use the Department of Home Affairs occupation search tool.

2. Sit your English test. AHPRA requires IELTS 7.0 in each band (or PTE 65). If you are aiming for Superior English for maximum points, target IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79. Book your test early and allow time for re-sits if needed.

3. Apply for ANMAC skills assessment. Gather certified copies of your qualifications, transcripts, clinical hour evidence, and employment references. Submit your application online through the ANMAC portal.

4. Apply for AHPRA registration if you do not already hold it. While not strictly required for the EOI, most state nomination programs and employers expect it.

5. Calculate your points score. Include only points you can document. Be honest about your English score, work experience duration, and qualifications.

6. Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. Select the visa subclass (189, 190, or 491) and your nominated occupation. Your EOI enters the invitation pool.

7. Apply for state nomination if targeting the 190 or 491. Each state has its own application portal and requirements. Some states require a job offer or evidence of employment in the state.

8. Receive an invitation and lodge your visa application. You have 60 days from invitation to lodge. Submit all supporting documents including health checks and police clearances.

9. Await visa grant. Processing times are typically 6 to 12 months for straightforward nursing applications. Continue working (if on a temporary visa) while your application is processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can nurses get PR in Australia without Australian experience? Yes. Nurses can apply for the subclass 189 or 190 visa with only overseas experience. You need a positive skills assessment from ANMAC and a competitive points score. Australian experience is not mandatory, but it adds points and strengthens your profile. Many nurses enter on a 482 visa first to gain local experience before transitioning to PR through the 186 TRT stream.

How long does the ANMAC assessment take? ANMAC full qualification assessments typically take 8 to 12 weeks from the date they receive a complete application. Modified skills assessments for applicants already registered with AHPRA can be faster, often 4 to 6 weeks. Delays occur if documentation is incomplete or if ANMAC requests additional evidence of clinical hours or English proficiency.

Do nurses need AHPRA registration for PR? AHPRA registration is not a formal requirement for submitting an EOI or receiving a visa invitation. However, ANMAC requires evidence that you meet the registration standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, and most employers and state nomination programs expect current or pending AHPRA registration. In practice, obtaining AHPRA registration is a necessary step.

Which Australian state is best for nurse PR applications? All states and territories nominate nursing occupations, so your options are broad. South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory tend to have lower competition and more accessible nomination criteria. NSW and Victoria process the highest volumes but have stricter requirements. Western Australia actively recruits nurses for regional hospitals. The best state depends on your specific nursing specialty and willingness to work in regional areas.

What English score do nurses need for Australian PR? Nurses must meet AHPRA’s English language requirements, which are separate from points test English scores. AHPRA requires an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each band (or PTE 65 in each communicative skill). For the points test, this qualifies as Proficient English and adds 10 points. Achieving Superior English (IELTS 8.0 / PTE 79 in each band) adds 20 points.

Can enrolled nurses get PR in Australia? Enrolled nurses (ANZSCO 411411) are on the Regional Occupation List, which means they are eligible for the subclass 491 regional visa but not the 189 or 190. The pathway to PR is through the 491 to 191 transition after 3 years of regional work and meeting the income threshold. Registered nurses have broader visa options including the 189 and 190.

Is nursing on the Australian skills shortage list? Yes. Registered nursing occupations are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which means they are eligible for the 189, 190, 491, and 186 visas. Nursing has been on the list continuously for over a decade and demand continues to grow.

Next Steps

• Australian permanent residency overview
• Australia PR requirements
• ANMAC skills assessment guide
• Subclass 189 visa details
• Subclass 190 visa details
• Subclass 491 visa details
• Fastest way to get PR in Australia