Registered Nurse (Aged Care)

ANZSCO: 254412 | MLTSSL Migration Pathway

Critical Future Demand

Very High Job Security

MLTSSL SOL Status

ANMAC Assessing Body

PR Pathway Overview

Study

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Graduate

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485 Visa

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Work

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Skills Assess

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EOI

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Invitation

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Visa Grant

Most applicants aim for 80+ points. Regional Advantage: Studying or working in regional Australia provides a significant advantage and grants an additional +5 points to your total. The estimated total timeline from course commencement to permanent residency grant is typically 4 to 6 years...

Occupation Overview

Required Qualification: Bachelor of Nursing (3 years full-time Study).

Registration: Mandatory registration with AHPRA (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia).

Legislative Driver: ★★★★★ (Royal Commission mandated 24/7 RN presence in all aged care facilities).

Salary Range: AUD $72,000 – $105,000 per year.

Investment: AUD $30,000 – $45,000 per year (Indicative).

Entry Req.: Year 12 completion (or equivalent international qualification); Academic IELTS overall score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 7.0 (or equivalent OET/PTE scores) for professional registration.

Intakes: February, July.

Registered Nurse providing professional care

Job Description & Industry Insight

Core Role: Provides comprehensive nursing care to elderly patients within residential aged care settings. Nurses manage complex chronic health needs, administer medications, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.

Market Trends: Since July 2023, Australian law requires at least one RN to be on-site 24/7 in every aged care home. This has created a massive, sustained national shortage.

Business Opportunities: High potential for agency nursing startups, home care service provision, and residential facility management roles.

Simple 4 Step Process

Enrol to a Course

Firstly, you must enrol in the right course/courses – one that trains you for a position on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

FIND A COURSE

Apply for 485 visa

After graduation, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work visa called 485 Graduate Visa.

Undertake a Full Skill Assessment

Nursing graduates apply to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) for a Modified Skills Assessment after gaining formal registration with NMBA/AHPRA.

Apply for 189, 190, 491 visas

Finally... you may be eligible to apply for General Skilled Migration Visas: The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), State Nominated (Subclass 190) or Regional Nominated (Subclass 491) Visas.

Visa & PR Pathways

Skilled Independent

Subclass 189

Direct Permanent Residency
Highest Priority Invitation
No sponsorship required

Skilled Nominated

Subclass 190

Permanent Residency
State/Territory nominated
Full access for MLTSSL roles

Regional Skilled

Subclass 491

5-year provisional visa
+15 Points for Regional
Pathway to 191 Permanent Residency

Employer Sponsored

Subclass 482

Temporary Skill Shortage
Medium-term stream
Immediate sponsorship available

Regional Employer

Subclass 494

Regional Employer Sponsored
Priority Processing
Direct PR pathway available

MLTSSL Status grants full access to all priority skilled visa streams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the course entry requirements for a Registered Nurse program?

Academic admission generally requires successful completion of Year 12 (or equivalent international qualification). To satisfy professional and university entry standards, an Academic IELTS overall score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 (or equivalent PTE/OET score) is required.

What are the standard course intakes for nursing?

The primary intakes for the Bachelor of Nursing across most Australian higher education institutions are scheduled in February and July of each calendar year.

What is the typical course duration?

A standard Bachelor of Nursing degree in Australia spans a duration of 3 years of full-time intensive study, which includes mandatory clinical placement components.

Does studying regionally add points to my immigration profile?

Yes. Completing your qualification or working within a designated regional area of Australia grants a regional advantage, contributing an additional +5 points toward your immigration points total.

Is the Registered Nurse (Aged Care) role in high demand?

Yes, the role is in critical demand. Government mandates requiring 24/7 registered nurse coverage inside residential aged care centers have created a highly secure and massive national workforce gap.

Do I need a license or registration to practice in Australia?

Yes, registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is legally mandatory before practicing as an RN.

What is the average salary expectation for Aged Care Nurses?

The average salary expectation generally ranges from $72,000 AUD to $105,000 AUD per year, scaling heavily based on shift penalites, clinical senior status, and location parameters.