START HERE · AUSTRALIA
Nursing in Australia: separate the four decisions first
AHPRA registration, ANMAC assessment, English evidence and visas are related, but they are not the same process. Start with the decision in front of you and verify it with the responsible authority.
Important scope
I am a registered nurse, not a Registered Migration Agent or Australian legal practitioner. Visa content on this website is general educational information only. It does not assess your circumstances, calculate your points, recommend a visa or replace professional migration or legal advice. For help with an individual visa matter, consult a Registered Migration Agent or Australian legal practitioner.
Four current guides
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
AHPRA and NMBA
Use the IQNM Self-check to identify the official registration route. A comparable jurisdiction or nationality alone does not guarantee Pathway 1 or 2.
MIGRATION SKILLS ASSESSMENT
ANMAC
Compare Modified, Full, Direct Care and the seasonal GradReady assessment. Modified PLUS is no longer a current option.
ENGLISH EVIDENCE
Accepted English tests
AHPRA, ANMAC and Home Affairs use different score profiles and effective dates. Compare the organisation that needs your result.
IMMIGRATION INFORMATION
Visa families
Understand employer-sponsored and points-tested subclasses without treating a general article as a personal visa recommendation.
What each organisation decides
| Process | What it decides | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing registration | Whether you can practise as a registered nurse | NMBA / Ahpra |
| Skills assessment | How your skills and evidence are assessed for migration purposes | ANMAC |
| Visa | Whether you meet immigration requirements | Home Affairs, states or territories |
| Employment | Whether you meet the requirements of a particular role | Employer |
Important boundary
These guides explain public processes and link to official sources. They do not guarantee registration, an ANMAC outcome, a points score, state nomination, a visa or a job.
Not sure where to begin?
The free wizard now gives an educational starting point only. It cannot verify documents or decide your pathway.
Reviewed 30 July 2026