Nursing pathway for overseas-qualified nurses
Australia needs nurses, but you must be registered before you can work as one. Here is how registration works for internationally qualified nurses, and how it connects to your visa.
On this page
At a glance
- Registration body
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), through Ahpra
- Main route
- Outcomes-based assessment: self-check, portfolio, NCLEX-RN, then OSCE
- Faster route
- Expedited pathway for nurses registered in some comparable countries
- For migration
- Skills assessment through ANMAC
To work as a registered nurse in Australia, you need registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), managed by Ahpra. Internationally qualified nurses and midwives usually go through the NMBA's outcomes-based assessment. Separately, if you plan to migrate on a skilled visa, you need a skills assessment from ANMAC.
The outcomes-based assessment
- Self-check: an online check of your qualifications and eligibility.
- Portfolio: you submit documents about your education, registration and experience.
- NCLEX-RN: a computer-based exam that tests your nursing knowledge.
- OSCE: a practical clinical exam held in Australia.
You must also meet the NMBA's English language skills registration standard, for example through an accepted English test.
The expedited pathway
Since late 2024, nurses registered in certain comparable countries, reported to include the UK, Ireland, the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong, can use a faster registration pathway. Check the NMBA website for the current list and conditions.
Another option: study nursing in Australia
Some nurses choose to study an Australian Bachelor of Nursing or a graduate-entry masters instead. This leads to registration after graduation and can also give post-study work rights. See popular courses in Australia.
Visas for nurses
Registered nurses may be eligible for skilled visas or employer-sponsored visas. Your ANMAC skills assessment and registration status affect which options are open.
How Immi Solution helps
We map out the registration route that fits your qualifications, explain the timeline, and plan the visa steps around it. Registration decisions are made by the NMBA and Ahpra, not by us.
Questions people ask
Can overseas nurses work in Australia?
Yes, once they are registered with the NMBA through Ahpra and hold a visa that allows work. Most internationally qualified nurses complete the outcomes-based assessment first.
What is the NMBA OBA?
The outcomes-based assessment for internationally qualified nurses: a self-check, a portfolio, the NCLEX-RN exam and a practical OSCE in Australia.
Do I need an ANMAC assessment?
For skilled migration as a nurse, yes. ANMAC assesses your qualifications for migration, which is separate from NMBA registration.
Official sources
We check this page against the official information below and last reviewed it on 14 November 2026. Rules, fees and processing times change, so confirm the current position before you apply.
