Nursing PR in Australia – Complete Guide for Registered Nurses
Australia is one of the most preferred countries for nurses who want to settle abroad. With a strong healthcare system, high demand for skilled nurses, attractive salaries and great way of life benefits. Australia gives a clear and reliable pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) for qualified nurses. GIEC Global Delhi, India explains and guide you about everything you require to know about Nursing PR in Australia.
- 99% Visa Success Rate
- Efficient Documentation Process
- Registered MARA Agent
- Up-to-date Knowledge
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Why Australia Is the Best Country for Nurses to Get Permanent Residency
Australia faces a continuous shortage of skilled nurses due to an ageing population, growing healthcare services, and growing demand in regional areas. Because of this, nursing occupations are recorded on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists, making nurses highly eligible for PR visas.
Some key reasons why nurses choose Australia include:
- Strong demand for nurses across all states
- High salary packages and job security
- Globally recognised healthcare standards
- Clear PR pathways and points-based system
- Family-friendly immigration policies
- Free or subsidised healthcare and education after PR
What Is the Enrolled Nurse PR Pathway?
Nursing PR in Australia allows qualified nurses to live, work, and settle permanently in Australia. Once you receive PR, you can work for any employer, move freely between states, sponsor eligible family members, and later apply for Australian citizenship.
Nurses can apply for PR through Australia’s skilled migration program after meeting eligibility requirements such as skills assessment, English proficiency, work experience, and points score.
Who Can Apply for PR for Nursing?
You may be eligible to apply for Nursing PR if you are:
- A Registered Nurse (RN)
- An Enrolled Nurse
- A Nurse Practitioner
- A Midwife
- A Mental Health Nurse
- An Aged Care or Critical Care Nurse
Your nursing occupation must be listed on the current Skilled Occupation List, and you must meet the assessment and visa requirements.
High Demand for Nurses in Australia
Australia has a long-term shortage of nurses across public and private healthcare sectors. Demand is especially high in:
- Aged care facilities
- Hospitals and emergency services
- Regional and rural areas
- Mental health services
- Community and disability care
Because of this shortage, state governments actively invite nurses for PR through state nomination programs.
Eligibility Criteria for PR in Nursing in Australia
To apply for Nursing PR in Australia, you must meet the following basic criteria.
Education and Nursing Qualification Requirements
You must hold a recognised nursing qualification equivalent to Australian standards. This usually includes:
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or higher
- Proper clinical training as part of your course
Your qualification will be verified during the skills assessment process.
Work Experience Requirements for Nurses
Work experience strengthens your PR profile and increases your points. While some visas do not require mandatory experience, having at least 1–3 years of relevant nursing experience significantly improves your chances.
English Language Requirements for Nursing PR
You must prove your English proficiency through approved tests such as:
- IELTS Academic or General
- OET (Occupational English Test)
- PTE Academic
Higher English scores help you gain more PR points.
Age Criteria and Points System
Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. Maximum points are awarded to applicants aged between 25 and 32 years.
PR Requirements for Nurses in Australia
- Valid Nursing Qualification
You must have a recognised nursing degree or diploma that matches Australian standards. Your qualification should be relevant to your nursing role. - Skills Assessment (ANMAC)
A positive skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is mandatory. This confirms your education and work experience meet Australian requirements. - English Language Proficiency
Nurses must prove English skills through tests like IELTS, OET, or PTE. Minimum scores are required to ensure safe and effective communication at work. - Registration with AHPRA
You need registration or eligibility to register with AHPRA to work legally as a nurse in Australia. - Work Experience
Relevant nursing work experience improves your PR points and strengthens your application. - PR Points & Age Criteria
You must meet the points test based on age, education, experience, and English ability. - Health & Character Checks
Medical exams and police clearance are compulsory for PR approval.
Specialised Clinical Areas for Nursing PR in Australia
After completing your nursing qualification and meeting AHPRA registration requirements, you can choose from various specialised clinical nursing roles in Australia. These occupations are listed under ANZSCO and are eligible for skilled migration pathways, depending on demand, points score, and visa subclass.
ANZSCO 254412
ANZSCO 254413
ANZSCO 254414
ANZSCO 254415
ANZSCO 254416
ANZSCO 254417
ANZSCO 254421
ANZSCO 254418
ANZSCO 254422
ANZSCO 254425
ANZSCO 254423
ANZSCO 254424
ANZSCO 254499
Choosing the right nursing occupation is very important for Nursing PR in Australia, as it directly impacts your skills assessment, PR points calculation, and eligibility under Australia’s skilled migration program.
ANMAC Skills Assessment for Registered Nursing PR
ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) is the official authority responsible for assessing nursing skills for migration purposes.
Documents Required for ANMAC Assessment
Common documents include:
- Passport
- Nursing qualification certificates
- Academic transcripts
- English test results
- Work experience letters
- AHPRA registration (if available)
ANMAC Assessment Processing Time
ANMAC skills assessment usually takes 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the completeness of documents.
AHPRA Registration for Nurses in Australia
AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registration is mandatory for working as a nurse in Australia.
Steps to Get AHPRA Registration
- Check eligibility
- Submit qualification documents
- Provide English test results
- Complete identity verification
- Receive registration outcome
Why AHPRA Registration Is Important for PR
AHPRA registration proves that you meet Australian nursing standards and increases your chances of employment and PR success.
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Best Visa Options for Enrolled Nurse Permanent Residency Australia
Australia offers multiple PR visa pathways for nurses.
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa for Nurses
This is a points-tested PR visa that does not require employer or state sponsorship. It offers complete freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Subclass 190 – State Nomination Visa for Nurses
This PR visa requires nomination from an Australian state or territory. It provides additional points and higher invitation chances.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa for Nurses
This is a provisional visa leading to PR. It requires working in regional Australia and offers strong support for nurses willing to settle in regional areas.
Step-by-Step Process for Australia Nurse PR
Although every candidate’s journey is different, the general PR process usually follows these steps:
- Check Eligibility- The initial step involves verifying if you fulfill Australia’s basic PR criteria. This includes factors like being under 45 years of age, holding a recognised nursing qualification, relevant work experience, and demonstrating English language proficiency. Checking eligibility early helps prevent errors and saves valuable time.
- Complete Skills Assessment- To meet Australian standards, nurses must achieve a successful skills assessment from the ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council). ANMAC reviews your nursing education, training, and work experience to confirm ensure it meets Australian requirements.
- Take English Language Test- You must appear for an approved English test such as IELTS, OET, or PTE. Higher English scores not only meet eligibility requirements but also help you score more PR points.
- Calculate PR Points- Australia utilises a points-based immigration system where points are determined by factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and state nomination. Achieving a higher points score boosts your chances of receiving an invitation.
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)- An Expression of Interest (EOI) is submitted through SkillSelect, where you provide information about your skills, points, and preferred visa options. This is not a visa application but a request to be considered for Permanent Residency (PR).
- Apply for State Nomination (If Required)- To secure visas such as subclass 190 or 491, candidates must seek state nomination. States evaluate and nominate nurses based on specific demand and meeting eligibility requirements.
- Receive Invitation to Apply- If your profile is selected, you will receive an official invitation to apply for the PR visa.
- Lodge Visa Application- Once you receive the invitation, you must submit your complete and accurate visa application, including all necessary documents, medical examinations, and police clearances.
- Get PR Grant- Once your application is approved, you receive your Australia Permanent Residency visa, allowing you to live and work permanently in Australia.
Expression of Interest (EOI) for Nurses
EOI is submitted through SkillSelect, where you provide details about age, education, work experience, and English score. Higher points increase your chances of receiving an invitation.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is an online application that nurses can fill out through SkillSelect if they want to apply for permanent residency in Australia. It is not the actual visa application, but it shows the government that you are interested in moving there as a skilled worker.
Registered Nurse PR Points in Australia
Points are awarded based on:
- Age
Age plays an important role in the Australia PR points system. Nurses between 25 and 32 years receive the highest points. As age increases, the points gradually reduce. Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to be eligible for PR. - English Language Proficiency
English ability is a key factor in scoring PR points. Nurses can appear for IELTS, OET, or PTE. Higher English scores mean more points. For example, proficient or superior English levels can significantly improve your total PR score and increase your chances of receiving an invitation. - Work Experience
Points are awarded for both overseas and Australian nursing work experience. The more years of skilled nursing experience you have, the higher the points you can claim. Australian work experience generally attracts more points than overseas experience. - Educational Qualifications
Your nursing qualification also contributes to your PR points. A recognised Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing earns points under the skilled migration system. Higher qualifications may help improve your overall profile. - Australian Study or Work Experience
If you have completed nursing studies or worked in Australia, you may be eligible for additional points. Australian experience shows that you are familiar with local healthcare standards and workplace practices. - State Nomination
State or territory nomination provides extra points and improves your chances of receiving a PR invitation. Many Australian states actively invite nurses due to high demand.
How to Improve Your PR Points
Improving English test scores, gaining more nursing experience, or applying for state nomination can significantly boost your nursing pr points in Australia and strengthen your Nursing PR application.
Documents Required for Registered Nurse PR
Key documents include:
Valid Passport
A valid passport is the key document for your Nursing PR application. Your passport needs to be valid and should work for the whole time your visa is being processed. It helps to check who you are, your country of origin, and your personal information.
Positive Skills Assessment
Nurses need to provide a positive skills assessment from ANMAC, which is the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. This document shows that their nursing education and work experience meet the standards in Australia and are appropriate for skilled migration.
English Language Test Results
You need to have approved English test results like IELTS, OET, or PTE. These results are required. Your test scores must still be valid when you apply for your visa. Getting higher English scores can also give you more points towards your permanent residency in Australia.
Employment Reference Letters
You need to get work experience reference letters from your current or past employers. The letters should clearly state your job title, what you did on the job, how many hours you worked each day, and how long you were employed there. This helps prove your experience in nursing.
Medical Examination Reports
All applicants need to have a medical check-up done by a doctor from an approved panel. The medical reports show that you are healthy enough to meet Australia’s health standards and don’t present a risk to public health.
Police Clearance Certificates
Police clearance certificates are required from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more. These documents prove good character and are essential for PR approval.
Processing Time for Nursing PR
Following are the expected processing time for Nursing PR in Australia:
- Processing time depends on the visa subclass you apply for, such as 189, 190, or 491.
- On average, Nursing PR applications take 6* months to 18* months to be processed.
- Applications with state nomination may be processed faster due to high demand for nurses.
- Processing time can increase if documents are incomplete or incorrect.
- Delays may occur due to pending medical examinations or police clearance certificates.
- High English scores and a strong PR profile can improve overall processing efficiency.
- Submitting a complete and accurate application helps reduce delays and speeds up the PR process.
Cost of Nursing PR Visa and Assessments
- The overall cost for Nursing PR in Australia varies depending on which visa category you select and how many family members are part of your application.
- Skills assessment fees are given to ANMAC to verify your nursing qualification and work experience.
- English language tests like IELTS, OET, or PTE have fees, and the cost depends on which test you take.
- Visa application charges are paid to the Australian Government and form the major part of the total cost.
- In order to meet the health and character requirements, you also need to pay for a medical exam and a police background check.
- Additional costs may apply for document translations or professional assistance.
Get the complete details from an Australian Immigration Consultant and start your process today!
Benefits of Getting Permanent Residency in Australia as a Nurse
PR benefits include:
- Unlimited Work Rights
With Australian Permanent Residency, nurses can work for any employer in Australia without any limits. You have the freedom to switch jobs, work as much or as little as you want, and find better job opportunities in hospitals, elderly care centers, or community health services. - Access to Medicare
People who hold a PR in Australia can get Medicare, which is the country’s public healthcare system. This means you and your family can get free or cheaper medical treatment, hospital care, and important health services. - Free Public Education for Children
Children of people who hold PR can attend government public schools with little or no cost. This greatly lowers the cost of education and helps ensure they get a good quality education. - Social Security Benefits
Permanent residents can access certain social security benefits, including unemployment support, family benefits, and maternity benefits, after meeting eligibility conditions. - Pathway to Australian Citizenship
Australian PR is the first step toward citizenship. After meeting residency requirements, nurses can apply for Australian citizenship and enjoy full rights and long-term security.
- Unlimited Work Rights
Common Challenges in Nursing PR Applications
- Incorrect Documentation
One of the biggest problems in nursing PR applications is when the documents are not correct or not complete. If there’s missing information, the wrong format, or unclear work reference letters, it can cause delays or result in the visa being refused.
- Low English Scores
English language scores are important for both meeting requirements and earning points for permanent residency. If your scores in tests like IELTS, OET, or PTE are low, it can lower your total points and make it harder to get an invitation.
- Insufficient PR Points
Australia uses a points system to decide who can get permanent residency. If your points are low because you’re old, have not worked much, or don’t have good qualifications, your application might not be as strong as others.
- Delays in Skills Assessment
Skills assessment delays may happen if the documents are not complete or don’t meet ANMAC standards. This can make the whole PR process take longer.
- Need for Professional Guidance
Professional guidance helps prevent these mistakes by making sure documents are correct, strategies highlight strong points, and the process goes smoothly, which leads to better public relations results.
Get the full information from the most reliable PR visa consultant in Delhi.
Why Choose a Registered Migration Agent for Nursing PR
A registered migration agent ensures:
- Accurate eligibility assessment:
Applying for Permanent Residency (PR) as a nurse can be confusing and stressful. A registered migration agent helps make the process easier, safer, and more successful. - Accurate eligibility assessment:
A licensed migration agent thoroughly reviews your education, job history, language test results, and professional registration. This process ensures you meet the requirements for a Nursing Permanent Resident visa before you submit your application, helping you save time and prevent expensive errors. - Correct documentation:
PR applications need a lot of documents, like skill assessments, proof of employment, and health checks. A migration agent helps make sure all the documents are accurate, fully filled out, and properly formatted, which helps avoid delays or rejection. - Strategic PR planning:
Every nurse’s situation is unique. A registered migration agent helps create a clear plan for permanent residency based on your background, picks the best visa option, and increases your chances of getting approved. - Reduced rejection risk:
With expert guidance and legal knowledge, a migration agent helps avoid errors, ensures compliance with immigration rules, and significantly lowers the risk of application rejection.
- Accurate eligibility assessment:
GIEC Global Delhi, India is the most trusted and the Best Australia & Canada PR Visa Consultants in Delhi NCR who can help you to get your visa approval with zero errors.
How GIEC Global Delhi, India Helps Nurses Get Australia PR
GIEC Global provides end-to-end support, including:
- Eligibility assessment
- ANMAC and AHPRA guidance
- PR points strategy
- Visa filing and follow-ups
Apply for Nursing PR in Australia with Expert Guidance
If you are a nurse planning to settle in Australia, now is the right time to start your PR journey. Get expert guidance, avoid mistakes, and improve your chances of success with professional Registered Visa Agents in Delhi.
Get a free eligibility assessment today and take the first step towards Nursing PR in Australia.
FAQs
The best consultant is one who is registered, experienced, and has strong knowledge of Australian nursing PR pathways. Many nurses prefer GIEC Global Delhi, India for its transparent process, expert guidance, and high success rate in nursing PR applications.
To apply for PR, nurses must complete a skills assessment with ANMAC, meet English language requirements, register or be eligible for AHPRA, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and apply for the relevant PR visa once invited.
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) are considered the most common and straightforward PR pathways for eligible nurses, depending on points and state demand.
Key requirements include a recognised nursing qualification, positive ANMAC skills assessment, English proficiency, AHPRA registration, sufficient PR points, and health and character checks.
The minimum required score is 65 points, but higher points significantly improve the chances of receiving an invitation for PR.
