Skilled professionals, from various places, are attracted to Australia as it is characterized by its sunny beaches, busy cities, and world-class medical care. The population grows old and the healthcare sector expands, consequently, nurses are highly sought after. Migrating to Australia as a nurse is a superior chance for those who wish to advance and be part of new success. Accessing comfy, good working conditions as well as a fantastic lifestyle is among the benefits.
This complete guide has been prepared to guide and support you on your exciting journey as a nurse or as a registered nurse in Australia. We’re going to show you the pathways through the different visas being provided, the process of registration, and finally, the exciting career prospects that are in store for you as a nurse in this country.
Australian Visa Options For Nurses
The Australian government provides several skilled visas for skilled professionals, among which are the options available for nurses. You should select the type of visa that is most suitable for the country. The visa you are most qualified for largely depends on your specific situation, including your experience and education level as well as if there is someone available to sponsor you. However, here are a few different types of visas that are generally presumed to be the most frequently used when moving from other countries to Australia:
General Skilled Migration Visa (Subclass 189)
Subclass 189 visa is an independent points-based visa in which points are awarded to you depending on such things as your age, your qualifications, relevant work experience, and your level of English. Nurses with strong qualifications and work experience can manage to secure a high score and then apply for permanent residence in Australia.
Calculate Your Points: Australia Immigration Points Calculator.
Skilled Regional State Sponsorship Visa (Subclass 190)
Unlike Subclass 189, work visas’ goal is to give out points to those, who are qualified and are employed in a particular state, but still, each state or area must donate them the job. For international medical workers who agree to work in less populated areas of Australia, a 190 visa Australia could be one of the pathway options.
Skilled State Sponsorship Visa (Subclass 491)
Australian 491 visa lets you apply for a state or territory government once nominated for a particular job on the official list of skilled jobs. It brings you a chance for permanent residency following employment in the rural area, specified for the time being.
Employer-Sponsored Skilled Visa (Subclass 482)
This visa allows you to receive a job offer from an Australian employer and work in a specific profession in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). The SOL includes that of nursing specialists and is famous among nurses.
Employer Nominated Skilled Visa (Subclass 186)
Like Subclass 482, this Subclass 186 visa accepts the nomination from an employer but guarantees a chance for permanent settlement. Qualification for the visa is based on skills and occupational experience that are in line with the nominated occupation and validation from a state or territory government.
Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
This visa is designed to attract skilled workers to regional areas of Australia where there may be a shortage of nurses. It offers a pathway to permanent residency and often has faster processing times compared to other skilled migration visas.
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
This visa would enable you to come to Australia and take certain training or development courses that progress your nursing career. Not only it could be a jolly good trip for nurses to get a taste of the healthcare system of Australia but would also provide a sort of nesting phase before they go in for permanency to spread their wings.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
This Subclass 485 visa allows international graduates who have completed a qualified nursing program in Australia to stay and work for a temporary period after graduation. It can provide valuable work experience and help you transition into permanent residency.
Requirements for Nursing Registration in Australia
To practice nursing in Australia, you’ll need to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This process involves meeting the following requirements:
- Nursing Skills Assessment: Enroll at the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and get the evaluation after completion. The only purpose of this assessment is to confirm whether your qualifications are applicable to the Australian nursing standards or not.
- English Language Skills: You must show that your English language skills are very impressive by performing one among the many approved English language tests such as IELTS or OET, both given by Pearson.
- Nursing Registration Portfolio: You will need to provide evidence to show that you are qualified to practice nursing by taking admission to a nursing school or fighting off a lawsuit that aims to restrict you from practicing nursing.
Helpful For You: IELTS Preparation Guide.
Nursing Skilled Occupations List for Australia
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) includes a wide range of nursing occupations in high demand across Australia. Some of the most common nursing specializations on the SOL include:
| Occupation | Code |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Adult) | 254418 |
| Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | 254422 |
| Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) | 254413 |
| Registered Nurse (Midwifery) | 254111 |
| Registered Nurse (Perioperative) | 254423 |
| Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | 254412 |
| Registered Nurse (Community Health) | 254414 |
| Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) | 254415 |
| Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) | 254416 |
| Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation) | 254417 |
| Registered Nurse (Medical) | 254418 |
| Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) | 254425 |
| Registered Nurse (Surgical) | 254424 |
| Registered Nurse (NEC – Not Elsewhere Classified) | 254499 |
How Much Does It Cost to Migrating to Australia as a Nurse?
In Australia’s hospitals, registered nurses earn good money with the world’s best high salaries. Still, if no other reviews are made to the terms of the salary for the services the Australian nurse performs, the patient pays a miserable amount of money. The average salary of a registered nurse in Australia is about AUD $85,000 per year (data as of 2024 May). This may still differ based on your experience in that field, inpatient life, and the specialty of your nursing practice.
Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Move to Australia From Pakistan?
Conclusion
One of the most exciting things about becoming a nurse in Australia is that it provides an extraordinary chance to develop a great career, live in a great area, and help a world-class health system grow. By planning well, completing thorough research, and remaining optimistic, you can successfully complete the immigration process and start a new life in Australia,
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FAQs
Which Nursing Occupations May Qualify For An Australia Skilled Visa?
Nursing occupations such as Registered Nurse (Aged Care), Registered Nurse (Medical), and Registered Nurse (Surgical) may qualify for an Australia Skilled Visa.
Is Nursing on the MLTSSL Skilled Occupations List?
Yes, nursing occupations are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Is Nursing on the STSOL Skilled Occupations List?
Yes, certain nursing occupations are also listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
What Is the Job Outlook for Nurses in Australia?
The job outlook for nurses in Australia is strong, with high demand across various healthcare settings, driven by an aging population and ongoing healthcare needs.
What Skill Assessment Do Nurses Need?
Nurses need a skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) to qualify for an Australian skilled visa.
