- Destinations
- Study
- Trade Courses to PR
- Automotive Electrician
- Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
- Bricklayer
- Baker
- Boat Builder and Repairer
- Butcher or Smallgoods Maker
- Cabinetmaker
- Diesel Motor Mechanic
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- Small Engine Mechanic
- Sheetmetal Worker
- Metal Fabricator
- Pressure Welder
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter Welder
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
- Stonemason
- Welder (First Class)
- Fitter (General)
- University Courses to PR
- Early Childhood (Pre Primary School) Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Special Needs Teacher
- Nurse Practitioner
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
- Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)
- Registered Nurse (Community Health)
- Telecommunications Network Engineer
- Social Worker
- Civil Engineering Draftsperson
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Electrical Engineering Draftsperson
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- Radio Communications Technician
- Courses with Good PR Prospect
- Architect
- Chiropractor
- Computer Network and Systems Engineer
- ICT Business Analyst
- Industrial Engineer
- Food Technologist
- Electrical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Engineering Technologist
- ICT Security Specialist
- Midwife
- Mechanical Engineer
- Sonographer
- Quantity Surveyor
- Structural Engineer
- Transport Engineer
- Optometrist
- Orthotist or Prosthetist
- Physiotherapist
- Systems Analyst
- Multimedia Specialist
- Analyst Programmer
- Developer Programmer
- Software Engineer
- Software and Applications Programmers (NEC)
- Trade Courses to PR
- Visas
- Skilled Visas
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491
- Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
- Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
- Skills in Demand Visa – Subclass 482
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
- Permanent Residency Pathway – 191 Visa Australia
- Parent Visas
- Partner Visas
- Student Visas
- Graduate Visas
- Business Visas
- Visa Resources
- Book a Consultation
- Skilled Visas
- Services
- Degrees
- Blog
Updated Visa Pathways
PR Pathways
Nursing in Australia
Dreaming of nursing PR in Australia? Explore updated visa pathways, ANMAC skills assessment, SID Visa changes, and occupation lists—everything international nursing students need to turn their qualification into permanent residency.
Why Choose
Edvise Hub?
- Expert Visa Consultation
- Tailored Eligibility Check
- Transparent Pricing
- PR Pathway Planning
Admission
Expert support for Australian university admissions, ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines.
Degree Assessment
Reliable degree assessments to align your credentials with Australian standards, boosting your prospects.
Visa Assistance
Simplified visa application support, guiding you through Australia’s requirements and procedures smoothly.
Migration Services
Strategic migration planning for Australia, paving the way for your permanent residency goals.
If you are an international student with dreams of obtaining permanent residency through a nursing career in Australia, you have landed in the right place. The pathway to permanent residency (PR) can be a complex journey, especially when juggling the demands of a rigorous nursing programme. This guide covers nursing study options, skills assessment requirements, and all current visa pathways to PR as of June 2026.
Important note (June 2026): Healthcare demand in Australia remains exceptionally high. According to the 2025 Occupation Shortage List, registered nurses, midwives, aged care workers, and allied health professionals have topped Australia's shortage lists for five consecutive years, making nursing one of the strongest PR pathways available to international graduates.
Study Nursing in Australia — A Pathway to PR
Australia offers internationally recognised nursing courses across three main qualification levels. Entry requirements may vary between institutions — always verify with your chosen university.
Diploma of Nursing
Duration: 18 months to 2 years. Provides foundational knowledge and practical skills; leads to Enrolled Nurse registration with AHPRA.
Entry requirements:
- Academic IELTS 7.0 with no band below 7.0
- Completion of Australian Year 12 or an overseas equivalent
- Satisfactory medical and criminal record check
Bachelor of Nursing
Duration: 3 years. Prepares graduates for Registered Nurse (RN) registration and is the most commonly used pathway to skilled migration as a Registered Nurse.
Entry requirements:
- Academic IELTS 7.0 with no band below 7.0
- Completion of Australian Year 12 or an equivalent international qualification
- Health and character requirements as specified by the institution
Master of Nursing
Duration: 1.5 to 2 years. Designed for specialisation in a specific area of nursing or for moving into leadership roles.
Entry requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing or a closely related field
- Current nursing registration in Australia
- Academic IELTS 7.0 with no band below 7.0
- Some universities require relevant work experience
Note: The IELTS 7.0 requirement applies to ANMAC Full Skills Assessment and most nursing degree entry requirements. Confirm English language requirements directly with ANMAC (anmac.org.au) and your chosen university, as these may be updated.
Fahad Shamim
Migration & Education Consultant
MARA Registered
MARN 2619225
QEAC
G12906
As a Migration & Education Consultant, I provide expert guidance on Australian visas and international education, helping clients navigate both with ease.
PR Visa Pathways for Nursing Graduates — 2026
Nursing occupations appear on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). In 2026, Australia maintains four key occupation lists:
- MLTSSL — unlocks Subclass 189, 190, and 491
- STSOL — unlocks Subclass 190 and 491 (not 189)
- ROL (Regional Occupation List) — unlocks Subclass 491 only
- CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List) — unlocks Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) and Subclass 186 Direct Entry
Most registered nurse occupations sit on the MLTSSL, giving access to the full range of pathways.
| Visa Subclass | Type | Min Points | Key Requirements for Nurses | PR? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent | Points-tested; no sponsor needed | 65 (85+ competitive) | Occupation on MLTSSL; positive ANMAC assessment; SkillSelect EOI; invitation to apply | Permanent |
| Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated | Points-tested; state/territory nomination | 65 | Occupation on MLTSSL or STSOL; state/territory nomination; positive ANMAC assessment | Permanent |
| Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) | Points-tested; regional | 65 | Occupation on MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL; state nomination or eligible relative sponsor in regional area; must live and work regionally | Provisional — leads to 191 PR after 3 years |
| Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa | Employer-sponsored; replaced TSS 482 from 7 Dec 2024 | N/A | Occupation on CSOL; approved Australian employer sponsor; Core Skills Income Threshold = AUD $76,515/yr (rises to $79,499 from 1 July 2026); up to 4-year stay | Provisional — leads to 186 PR after 2 years |
| Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) | Employer-sponsored; regional | N/A | Regional employer sponsor; minimum 3 years work experience in nominated occupation; positive skills assessment | Provisional — leads to 191 PR after 3 years |
| Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme | Permanent employer-sponsored | N/A | Employer sponsor willing; Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream: 2 years full-time work (reduced from 3 years, Nov 2025); Direct Entry stream: 3 years experience + ANMAC assessment + CSOL occupation | Permanent |
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa — Important 2024/2026 Update
The old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa closed to new applications on 7 December 2024 and has been fully replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa. The subclass number (482) remains the same but the rules, streams, and salary thresholds are different.
The SID Visa operates via three streams:
| Stream | Income Threshold (2025–26) | From 1 July 2026 | Notes for Nurses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills | AUD $76,515/yr (CSIT) | AUD $79,499/yr | Main pathway for registered nurses; occupation must be on CSOL; up to 4-year stay; PR via Subclass 186 TRT after 2 years of full-time work |
| Specialist Skills | AUD $141,210/yr (SSIT) | AUD $146,717/yr | No occupation list required; for senior/specialist nursing roles at high salary; 7-day processing target |
| Essential Skills (formerly Labour Agreement) | Varies by agreement | Rebranding in 2026 | Negotiated labour agreements; relevant to some aged care and regional nursing roles |
Note: Salary thresholds are indexed annually to Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). Employers with nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 may still rely on 2025–26 thresholds.
Skills Assessment — ANMAC 2026
To apply for a PR or employer-sponsored visa as a nurse, you need a positive skills assessment from ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) — the designated authority for nursing and midwifery occupations under Australia's skilled migration programme.
Important distinction: ANMAC assesses your qualifications for migration purposes only. It is separate from AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registration, which is required to practise as a nurse in Australia. Many nurses run both processes in parallel, but they are different applications with different criteria. A positive ANMAC Outcome Letter is valid for 2 years from the date of issue and cannot be extended.
ANMAC Assessment Types — 2026
| Assessment Type | Who It Is For | Fee (AUD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modified Skills Assessment | Nurses currently registered with AHPRA/NMBA (Australia) or the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) | $395 | 6–8 weeks |
| Full Skills Assessment | Internationally qualified nurses from Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Singapore, Spain, UK, or USA — with a bachelor's in nursing and overseas registration, but NOT yet AHPRA-registered | $595 | 6–8 weeks |
| Direct Care Assessment (NEW) | Nursing Support Workers (ANZSCO 423312) and Personal Care Assistants (ANZSCO 423313) with minimum Certificate III and 12 months full-time paid experience; supports DAMA/labour agreement pathways | Contact ANMAC | 6–8 weeks |
Fees confirmed via ANMAC official website (anmac.org.au). Always verify current fees before applying. All documents must be colour scans at minimum 600 DPI. Payment via Visa or Mastercard only at time of application.
ANMAC Application Process — Step by Step
- Step 1 — Identify your ANZSCO code: Match your nursing specialisation to the correct ANZSCO occupation code. This determines which skilled occupation lists apply and which visa subclasses are available.
- Step 2 — Check eligibility and select assessment type: Use ANMAC's online self-check tool to determine whether you need a Full, Modified, or Direct Care assessment based on your registration status and country of qualification.
- Step 3 — Gather documents: Academic transcripts, nursing degree certificates, proof of registration (your home country regulator must send this directly to ANMAC), identity documents, English test results (Full Assessment only), and professional reference letters as required.
- Step 4 — Apply online and pay: Complete your application via the ANMAC Skilled Migrant Application Portal and pay. Payment must be completed at time of submission — the assessment will not commence until full payment is received.
- Step 5 — Receive Outcome Letter: Assessment is entirely document-based — no face-to-face test. Processing takes 6–8 weeks. A positive Outcome Letter is valid for 2 years.
- Step 6 — Submit EOI in SkillSelect: Once you have a positive ANMAC outcome, lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and await an invitation to apply for your chosen visa subclass.
Nursing Occupations on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (2026)
The following nursing occupations remain on Australia's Skilled Occupation Lists. MLTSSL occupations can access Subclass 189, 190, and 491. STSOL occupations access Subclass 190 and 491 only (with state/territory nomination). All listed occupations are also on the CSOL for the SID Visa (Subclass 482).
| Nursing Occupation | SOL Classification |
|---|---|
| Enrolled Nurse | STSOL |
| Midwife | MLTSSL |
| Nurse Educator | STSOL |
| Nurse Manager | STSOL |
| Nurse Practitioner | MLTSSL |
| Nurse Researcher | STSOL |
| Nursing Clinical Director | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Community Health) | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation) | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Medical Practice) | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Medical) | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Perioperative) | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Surgical) | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse nec (Not Elsewhere Classified) | MLTSSL |
Note: Occupation list classifications are subject to periodic review by the Department of Home Affairs. Always verify current status at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging an Expression of Interest.
Document Requirements for PR Applications
Each PR pathway has its own specific document prerequisites. Common documents required across most skilled nursing PR pathways include:
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts and nursing degree certificates (certified copies)
- Positive ANMAC Skills Assessment Outcome Letter (valid for 2 years from date of issue)
- AHPRA registration certificate (where applicable)
- English language proficiency evidence (IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge)
- Professional reference letters meeting ANMAC's Professional Reference Letter Requirements
- Police clearance certificates from all countries where you have resided for 12 months or more
- Health examination results completed by an approved panel physician
- Birth certificate
- For employer-sponsored visas: signed employment contract and employer's Standard Business Sponsorship approval
- For state-nominated visas: state nomination certificate
Document requirements vary depending on your visa subclass, assessment stream, and individual circumstances. Consult a registered migration agent (MARN) for advice specific to your situation.
FAQs
1. Is nursing still one of the best PR pathways in Australia in 2026?
Yes. Nursing continues to be one of Australia's most in-demand professions. Many registered nursing occupations remain on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), providing access to skilled migration visas such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491, as well as employer-sponsored pathways.
2. Can I get permanent residency immediately after completing my nursing degree?
Not automatically. After graduating, you must meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen visa pathway, which may include obtaining AHPRA registration, completing an ANMAC skills assessment, achieving the required English language scores, and meeting the minimum points or employer sponsorship requirements.
3. Which nursing qualification is best for PR?
A Bachelor of Nursing is the most common pathway because it leads to registration as a Registered Nurse (RN), which offers the widest range of skilled migration options.
4. What English test score do I need?
Requirements vary depending on the visa and assessment pathway. For most nursing courses and ANMAC Full Skills Assessments, applicants generally need an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 in each band or an equivalent score in another approved English language test.
5. How many points do I need for a skilled migration visa?
The minimum eligibility score is generally 65 points, but invitations are usually issued to applicants with much higher scores. Competitive scores often range from 85 points or above, depending on the occupation and invitation rounds.
Expert guidance for your migration and study abroad journey. We specialize in navigating complex visa pathways to secure your future seamlessly.
Skilled Migration
- 189 Skilled Independent
- 190 Skilled Nominated
- 887 Skilled Regional
- 491 Skilled Regional
- 191 Skilled Regional
