Australia’s healthcare system is expanding rapidly, and the demand for qualified nurses is higher than ever. In 2025, foreign-trained nurses have a unique opportunity to secure visa-sponsored nursing jobs in Australia, with salaries starting from $85,000 AUD per year, full-time employment, and pathways to permanent residency (PR).
Why Nurses Are in High Demand in Australia
Australia is facing a national nursing shortage due to an aging population, increased healthcare needs, and workforce burnout from the pandemic era. According to the Australian Government’s National Skills Commission, nursing remains one of the top occupations on the Skilled Occupation List.
Hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health services are offering visa sponsorship to attract qualified nurses from overseas to fill urgent staffing gaps, especially in regional and remote areas.
Types of Nursing Roles in Demand (2025)
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Average Salary: $85,000 – $110,000 AUD/year
Overview: RNs provide direct patient care, administer medications, coordinate with healthcare teams, and handle critical clinical decisions. Specialties in aged care, emergency, mental health, and ICU are especially in demand.
2. Enrolled Nurse (EN)
Average Salary: $65,000 – $80,000 AUD/year
Overview: ENs support RNs in day-to-day clinical tasks, including wound care, vital signs monitoring, and patient support. Many ENs work in aged care or rehabilitation settings.
3. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Average Salary: $100,000 – $130,000 AUD/year
Overview: NPs are advanced practice nurses with authority to diagnose, prescribe, and manage care plans. They are especially valuable in remote areas with limited doctor access.
4. Mental Health Nurse
Average Salary: $90,000 – $120,000 AUD/year
Overview: Specializing in psychiatric care, these nurses work in hospitals, mental health clinics, and community centers. The role includes counseling, medication administration, and crisis intervention.
5. Aged Care Nurse
Average Salary: $85,000 – $95,000 AUD/year
Overview: Focused on supporting the elderly, aged care nurses work in residential homes or community settings, often in rural or regional towns.
Visa Sponsorship Options for Nurses in Australia
There are several ways for overseas nurses to work legally in Australia with visa support. The most common visa options are:
1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- Employer-sponsored
- Valid for up to 4 years
- Offers a pathway to PR after 3 years
- Nurses must have an approved job offer from an Australian healthcare employer
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Requires state or territory nomination
- Grants permanent residency immediately
- Nurses must meet the nomination criteria of the specific state
3. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Based on points system
- No job offer or sponsorship needed
- Grants permanent residency
- Ideal for nurses with high qualifications, experience, and English proficiency
4. Regional Work Visa (Subclass 491)
- Requires a job offer in a designated regional area
- Offers a PR pathway after 3 years
- Applicants often benefit from priority processing
Steps to Get a Nursing Job with Sponsorship in Australia
Step 1: Verify Your Qualifications via AHPRA
You must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This involves verifying your education, licensing, and professional experience.
Step 2: Complete English Language Test
Most nurses need to prove their proficiency through:
- IELTS (minimum 7.0 in all bands), or
- OET (minimum B in all bands)
Step 3: Get Credential Assessment via ANMAC
The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) will assess your qualifications for migration purposes.
Step 4: Apply for Jobs Offering Sponsorship
Target employers such as:
- Public hospitals (NSW Health, Queensland Health, etc.)
- Private hospitals (Ramsay Health Care, Healthscope)
- Aged care providers (Bupa Aged Care, Regis, Japara)
- Regional health services
Step 5: Receive Sponsorship & Lodge Visa Application
Once you receive a job offer, the employer can nominate you under Subclass 482 or support you through a PR-linked stream like Subclass 186 or 190.
Best States in Australia for Foreign Nurses
New South Wales (NSW)
Home to Sydney, NSW offers competitive salaries, modern hospitals, and ongoing recruitment for RNs in all specialties.
Queensland
Offers visa sponsorship for nurses in both metropolitan and rural settings. Excellent support for overseas-trained nurses.
Victoria
The Victorian Government runs regular sponsorship rounds through the Skilled Migration Program, making it a great option for PR seekers.
South Australia & Tasmania
Smaller states with fewer applicants. Easier to get nomination and faster processing for regional visas.
Permanent Residency Pathways for Nurses
Once you start working in Australia on a sponsored or skilled visa, there are multiple ways to transition to PR:
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) after 3 years on a 482 visa
- Direct PR via Subclass 190 if nominated by a state
- Subclass 189 if you qualify under the points-tested General Skilled Migration program
- Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence for Regional Provisional visa holders) after working in a regional area under a 491 visa
After holding PR for at least 1 year (and living in Australia for 4 years), you can apply for citizenship.
Benefits of Working as a Nurse in Australia
- $85,000+ starting salary with growth potential
- Free or subsidized healthcare under Medicare
- Family inclusion on visas (spouse and children)
- Work-life balance with generous leave policies
- Free public education for dependent children
- Permanent residency and citizenship eligibility
- Access to housing support, superannuation, and job security
Australia’s healthcare system is ranked among the best globally, and the country actively supports foreign nurses in settling and growing their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need Australian work experience to apply?
No. If you’re registered with AHPRA and meet licensing requirements, you can apply directly from overseas and secure a job offer.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Most nursing visas allow you to bring your spouse and children, who will have work and study rights.
What is the processing time for nursing visas?
Typically between 3 to 9 months, depending on visa type and completeness of your application.
Can I work in rural areas first and move to a city later?
Yes. Regional visas like Subclass 491 require you to work in rural areas initially. After fulfilling your obligations, you can apply for PR and later move freely.
What if my English test score isn’t high enough?
You can retake the test or consider bridging programs to meet the requirements for registration and visa eligibility.
Conclusion
Australia is one of the few countries that offers high-paying nursing jobs, visa sponsorship, and permanent residency options in one complete package. With salaries starting at $85,000 AUD/year, generous benefits, and a structured migration system, 2025 is the best time to pursue your nursing career in Australia.
If you’re a nurse with international qualifications, start your AHPRA registration today and apply for jobs that offer sponsorship and settlement support. Your new life in Australia awaits.
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