Visa Options for Nurses (Australia)

Nurses sponsored by an employer

Temporary Business (Long Stay) visa (subclass 457)

For registered nurses to work in Australia for an approved business sponsor, for up to four years. Your accompanying family members can work and study in Australia.

Employer Nomination Scheme

Overseas nurses under 45 years of age with qualifications and work experience as a registered nurse, may be eligible for a permanent visa under this scheme.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

Overseas nurses with qualifications equivalent to an Australian diploma level qualification (two years full-time study) or higher may be eligible for a permanent visa. Under this scheme, nurses will be sponsored by an Australian employer to work and live in regional Australia.

Skill Matching visa (subclass 134)

For nurses whose skills are in demand, seeking to be nominated by a State or Territory government or an employer. You must satisfy certain criteria for skills, age and English language ability.

Nurses sponsored by a relative

Skilled - Australian Sponsored visa (Subclass 138)

Nurses who can nominate a close relative living in certain regions of Australia to be their sponsor,and provide financial support, should consider this permanent visa option.

Nurses without a sponsor

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 136)

A permanent visa for nurses who do not have a sponsor or choose not to be sponsored. You must pass a points test that considers a range of factors including skills, age, English language ability, specific work experience and occupation. Additional points are awarded if you have Australian qualifications and work experience.

Working Holidays

Working Holidays

If you are between 18 and 30, you may be able to come to Australia temporarily for a working holiday. This visa allows you to stay for 12 months and work as a nurse with any one employer for a maximum of six months, provided your work remains incidental to your holidays.

Improving your skills

Nurses who do not have the qualifications to work as a nurse in Australia can do a bridging program to improve their skills. There are some temporary visa options available for you to do this.

Occupational Trainee visa

For nurses to undertake a supervised, workplace-based training program in Australia. This option is good for training programs of three months or longer.

Business (Short Stay) visa (subclass 456)

Ideal for nurses to undertake an approved bridging or pre-registration program for less than three months. Nurses who successfully complete the course may be able to apply in Australia for a Business Long Stay visa.

Student visa

To obtain a student visa, your nursing course must be registered.
See: Australian Course and Education Institution Search

Further information on student visas is available.
See: Student Visa Options