Moving to Australia as a nurse or midwife from overseas

Moving to Australia as a nurse or midwife offers a challenging but highly rewarding experience, with valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Australian healthcare system is known for its high standards, exceptional pay and ongoing strong demand for nurses and midwives.  

Many choose Australia for more than just the career aspects. The mild to warm weather all-year round makes it a great place for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking, surfing or simply socialising in the sunshine.  

1. Sign up with a nursing recruitment agency

Moving abroad and navigating visa and registration processes can be overwhelming. We recommend signing up to an agency that supports you throughout the relocation process, from job search and visa application, all the way to settling in Australia. 

To register for job opportunities with Espirita, you must have the following: 

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• English proficiency 
• Minimum 24 months of recent acute care experience

At Espirita, we go the extra mile. We offer one-to-one mentoring and financial support to help you prepare for the NCLEX-RN, complete your Australian Healthcare Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration and secure your right to work from the NMBA, relocate with your family and find a rewarding role as a nurse or midwife.  

2. Verify your qualifications

Nurses and midwives moving to Australia must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to be able to legally practice. 

Before applying for registration, you’ll need to verify your nursing or midwifery qualifications. This is done by completing a Self-check on the AHPRA website, where you’ll provide details about your education and training. This allows AHPRA to assign you to one of three streams: 

• Stream A: Nurses or midwives who hold equivalent qualifications to Australian nursing qualifications  
• Stream B: Nurses or midwives whose qualifications are not seen as equivalent (requires additional exams) 
• Stream C: Nurses or midwives without relevant nursing qualifications (must complete an accredited nursing programme before proceeding) 

3. Complete the assessment process

Once your stream is confirmed, those in Stream A and B must pay the Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNM) assessment fee of $410 AUD to proceed. This fee covers the cost of verifying qualifications and to complete Orientation Part 1. 

Depending on which stream you fall under, there are different pathways that the NMBA has specified for you to demonstrate your clinical skills and knowledge. The following sections outline and instruct what you’ll need to do at this stage of your registration.  

Orientation Part 1

Firstly, you’ll need to complete Orientation Part 1, which is an online module that introduces you to Australia’s healthcare system and professional standards. It must be completed by all nurses and midwives registering in Australia. You must complete it within 90 days of creating an account after the Self-check. 

Portfolio submission and assessments (Stream B only)

If you’re assigned to Stream B, you’re expected to complete additional steps: 

• Provide a portfolio of evidence (such as qualifications, work history and identification). 
• Complete an outcome-based assessment relating to nursing, consisting of two exams – a multiple-choice question exam, also known as the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).  

Note: Stream A applicants don’t have to take this step and Stream C applicants are required to enrol in and complete an accredited qualification programme before registering. 

4. Take and pass an English language exam (when required)

When applying for initial registration with the NMBA, you must meet the governing body’s English language skills registration standard (introduced in March 2025). It outlines how nurses and midwives can meet the English language requirements for working in Australia’s healthcare system. Depending on your background, there are several pathways and this step must be completed before applying for your nursing or midwifery registration via AHPRA. 

A) Primary language pathway

For nurses and midwives whose first language is English and who were educated in English-speaking countries. 

You’ll need to show: 

• English is your primary language for reading, writing, speaking and listening. 
• You completed at least six years of education (including two years during secondary education) taught and assessed solely in English. 
• Your nursing qualification was also taught and assessed in English in a recognised country (as outlined by the NMBA). 

Countries the NMBA recognises as English-speaking include the UK, USA, Republic of Ireland, Canada and New Zealand. 

B) Extended education pathway

For nurses and midwives who may not meet the primary language criteria but have studied extensively in English. 

You’ll need to show: 

• At least five years of continuous education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country (as defined by the NMBA), including your nursing qualification. 
• Your most recent period of education must have been completed within five years of your registration application. 

C) English language test pathway

This option is best for nurses and midwives who don’t meet the education-based pathways. To fulfil the language requirements, you’ll need to pass one of the following tests: 

You can submit results from one sitting or two sittings within 12 months if all score requirements are met. Costs for these exams vary between tests and testing locations.  

5. Apply for registration  

Once all prior steps have been completed successfully, you’re ready to submit your application to register with the NMBA. The process is handled online, using the application form that is made available on your AHPRA candidate dashboard. 

Supporting documents

As part of your application, you need to pay a fee and provide supporting documents, such as: 

• Course certificates and academic transcripts 
• Proof of identity 
• Proof of English skills (e.g. education taught in English or English language test result) 
• Employer-backed work history 
• Consent to undergo criminal history checks 

Make sure to check if your documents meet the certification and translation guidelines before submitting your application. You may have to provide additional information on matters such as your criminal history, past or current disciplinary action or suspension, or impairments. 

Application outcomes

Together with AHPRA, the NMBA will assess your application within six weeks of receiving all documentation. If successful, you’ll receive the outcome “Registration granted”, allowing you to legally practise as a registered nurse in Australia. 

Note that you must complete the online learning module Orientation Part 2 within six months of being added to the register. Failure to do so will result in your renewal being denied until this step is completed. 

6. Apply for a visa

Holding a valid visa grants you the legal right to live and work in Australia, with some visas allowing you to include your family members in the application.  

The type of visa you’re eligible for depends on your occupation, your skills assessment outcome and, in some cases, whether you commit to moving to a specific state or territory in Australia. 

Common visas nurses and midwives apply for when relocating with Espirta are: 

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) 
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) 
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) 

8. Relocate to Australia

Gaining registration with the NMBA, obtaining the correct visa and securing a job offer are some of the most complex steps in the journey to relocating to Australia as a nurse. Once these are in place, you can begin planning the practical side of your move, including: 

• Booking flights and arranging airport transfers 
• Finding somewhere to live 
• Registering with local schools and healthcare providers 
• Settling into your new community 

Relocation can be costly, but Espirita provides financial support for core parts of the process. We help you to organise and fund travel and transfers, contribute towards your immigration fees, and once you’ve arrived in Australia, we stay in touch with regular check-ins, cultural guidance and referrals to essential services and community groups.