Australia visa requirements for nurses and midwives
With Espirita, you have a trusted partner to guide you through every step of your relocation to Australia. We support you in applying for and identifying the most appropriate visa for your situation, helping you to move there smoothly in a way that suits both you and any dependants you may have.
Types of Australian visas for nurses and midwives
The nurses and midwives we help to relocate to Australia will apply for one of three skilled visa options:
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent workers visa allows healthcare professionals to work and live in Australia. This visa is a popular choice as it doesn’t require sponsorship or state approval and allows you to work anywhere in Australia.
Eligibility criteria:
- Occupation on the skilled occupation list
- Pass a skills assessment
- Meet qualification standard
- Satisfy the points system to be invited to apply for the visa
Benefits:
- Provides permanent residency
- No job offer needed for visa application
- Work and study in Australia
- Access to Australia’s public health care scheme
- Ability to sponsor visa applications of relatives
- Provides a pathway to citizenship
Disadvantages:
- Applicants must be aged 45 or under
- Processing times can take up to 12 months
- Competitive pathway with 2025/26 cap of 16,900
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand visa is a temporary work visa designed for skilled professionals, including nurses and midwives, who have a job offer from an approved Australian employer. It allows you to live and work in Australia for up to four years while filling critical workforce shortages in healthcare.
Eligibility criteria:
- Occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
- Pass a skills assessment
- Meet qualification standard
- Secure job offer from an approved employer
- Satisfy the points system to be invited to apply for the visa
Benefits:
- No age limit
- Shorter 3 to 6-month processing time
- Dependents can accompany you and work or study
- Access to Australia’s public health care scheme
- Pathway to permanent residency through employer sponsorship
Disadvantages:
- Temporary visa (not immediate permanent residency)
- Job offer needed before applying
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
The Working Holiday visa is a temporary visa that allows young people to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months. While not specifically designed for healthcare professionals, nurses and midwives can use this visa to gain short-term work experience in Australia while exploring the country.
Eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must be aged 18–30 or 35 for some countries
- Hold passport from eligible country
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have sufficient funds to support initial stay
- No dependent children accompanying you
Benefits:
- Live and work in Australia for up to 12 months
- Opportunity to travel and experience Australian culture
- Option to extend for a second or third year by completing specified work in regional areas
- Flexible work arrangements
Disadvantages:
- Age restrictions apply
- Temporary visa (no direct pathway to permanent residency)
- Must meet regional work requirements for extensions
How do I choose the right visa?
We help identify the most suitable visa based on your qualifications, goals and personal circumstances. If you’re pursuing a healthcare career in Australia through Espirita, our dedicated team of recruitment experts and immigration advisers will guide you every step of the way.
Key factors we assess before helping you with your visa application include:
- Your professional background and qualifications
- How long you intend to stay in Australia
- Registration or licensing requirements for your role
- Expected visa processing times
- English language proficiency tests
- Whether you’re seeking permanent residency or citizenship
- Any dependants such as a partner or children
Begin your Australia visa application journey with Espirita
If you’re a nurse or midwife, looking to build a new life in Australia, Espirita offers expert support throughout your relocation journey and access to rewarding healthcare roles across the country. From visa applications and professional registration to arranging travel and welcoming you upon arrival, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Register your interest