Nurse Migration to Australia: State Lists, Points & ANMAC Assessment
Quick Answer: South Australia and Tasmania are consistently the most accessible states for Registered Nurses to obtain state nomination in 2026. A competitive 190 nomination application requires a base score of 75–80 points plus 5 state nomination points (total 80–85); the 491 pathway is viable from 65 base points with 15 regional points added. The 189 independent visa requires observed scores of 90+ points and has been effectively closed for most applicants. For most internationally trained nurses, the practical first step is either a Subclass 482 employer sponsorship or a 491 regional nomination — not waiting for a 189 invitation.
Cross-State Comparison: Registered Nurse Migration at a Glance
| State/Territory | On 190 List | On 491 List | Typical Points Needed (with nomination) | Notable Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Australia (SA) | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | 80–85 (190); 80 (491) | Strong regional DAMA options; Adelaide-based hospital offers accepted |
| Tasmania (TAS) | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | 80–85 (190) | Genuine intention to reside; regional work highly favoured |
| Western Australia (WA) | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | 80–85 (190) | WA-based job offer or employer link often required |
| Northern Territory (NT) | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | 80 (491/190) | DAMA available; lowest effective threshold in Australia |
| Queensland (QLD) | ✅ Fluctuating | ✅ Active (regional) | 80–85 (190); 80 (491 regional) | Regional QLD 491 more consistent than metro 190 |
| Victoria (VIC) | ✅ Fluctuating | ✅ Active | 80–85 (190) | Quota fills within days of opening; Victorian job offer expected |
| NSW | ✅ Fluctuating | ✅ Active | 85+ (190); 80 (491) | Among the most competitive; Sydney metro harder than regional NSW |
| ACT | Check official latest | Check official latest | — | Check ACT migration unit for current RN status |
(as of 2026-06, source: state migration websites and ANMAC policy data. State quotas open and close without notice — verify before lodging EOI.)
Which Australian state is easiest for Nurses to migrate to?
South Australia is the most consistently accessible state for Registered Nurses seeking nomination, followed closely by Tasmania and the Northern Territory. SA keeps nurses on both its 190 and 491 lists year-round, offers DAMA arrangements in regional areas, and does not demand a pre-existing job offer for every stream — making it the default recommendation for nurses who are flexible about location.
The NT sits at the other extreme: the smallest quota pressure, an active DAMA framework, and the lowest effective points threshold for the Subclass 491. If a nurse is willing to work in Darwin or a regional NT community, this is the single fastest route to permanent residency.
Victoria and NSW are technically open but operationally difficult. Their nomination rounds open briefly — sometimes for 48–72 hours — and fill immediately. Nurses based in Melbourne or Sydney face the highest competition and the longest wait between rounds.
| State | Consistency of Opening | Job Offer Required | DAMA Available | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA | High | Not always | Yes | Easiest overall |
| TAS | High | Residence intent | No | Strong second |
| NT | High | Recommended | Yes | Fastest to PR via 491→191 |
| WA | Medium | Often | No | Good for WA-employed nurses |
| QLD | Medium (regional) | Regional link | Limited | Regional only reliable |
| VIC | Low–Medium | Preferred | No | Wait-and-watch |
| NSW | Low | Often | No | Hardest |
→ Further reading: Skilled Migration overview
Nurses state nomination requirements and points in NSW?
NSW is the hardest state for Registered Nurses to obtain nomination, and applicants should not rely on it as a primary strategy. When NSW does open its skilled occupation list for nurses, it typically seeks applicants with a demonstrated connection to NSW — evidence of living and working in the state, or a confirmed job offer with an NSW employer. The nomination round fills within days and the state's quota for health professionals is competed against a large local pool.
For the Subclass 190 via NSW, a realistic base score is 80 points before the 5-point nomination bonus — meaning applicants need to be self-sufficient at 80 before relying on NSW to push them to 85. For the Subclass 491, NSW regional areas (outside Greater Sydney) are a more realistic target, particularly for nurses willing to work in rural or remote NSW hospitals.
Tip: If you are already working as an RN in NSW on a 482 or 485 visa, register your EOI and monitor NSW Health's nomination portal closely. NSW rounds are unpredictable but do appear — nurses in government hospitals are well-positioned when they open.
One applicant we assisted — an RN working in a Western Sydney hospital — waited 14 months across three NSW rounds before receiving an invitation, ultimately securing nomination with 83 base points plus the NSW 5-point addition.
"I refreshed the NSW nomination portal every week. When the round opened I had my documents ready to upload within hours. That preparation was the difference." — an RN we helped with 190 state nomination in NSW, 2025
(Check the NSW state government's skilled occupation list for current RN status before lodging — as of 2026-06, NSW remains on the fluctuating category.)
Nurses state nomination in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland?
Victoria operates a targeted invitation model: when VIC nominates nurses, it favours applicants already working in Victoria with a strong employment record in the public health system. The Subclass 190 quota for health professions fills within days. The key number to hold is 80 base points — anything below that and there is no realistic chance of receiving an invitation in a competitive round. VIC is not a state to wait for passively; if you are in Victoria, actively signal your connection via the state's Expression of Interest portal.
South Australia is the recommended default for nurses without a fixed state connection. SA's 190 and 491 lists have remained stable, and SA Health is an active employer-sponsor. For DAMA, SA regional zones (outside Adelaide metro) allow employer-supported applications with reduced requirements. Base score threshold: 75–80 points for 190; the SA DAMA pathway reduces English and salary hurdles for sponsored nurses.
"I was based in Adelaide working in aged care. SA nominated me for the 190 within six weeks of my EOI going in. No drama — the occupation was clearly on the list and my points were clean." — an RN we processed for SA 190 nomination, 2024
Queensland for the 190 is inconsistent — metro Brisbane rounds open briefly and close fast. Regional QLD via the Subclass 491 is the more reliable pathway: nurses in Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton or Toowoomba are well-placed for QLD regional nomination. QLD also has limited DAMA coverage in some regional areas. An applicant we helped based in Rockhampton on a 485 visa secured a QLD regional 491 nomination with 65 base points + 15 regional points — no job offer required, though having one accelerated processing.
| State | 190 Status | 491 Status | Effective Threshold | Special Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIC | Fluctuating | Active | 80 base (190) | VIC employment preferred |
| SA | Active | Active | 75–80 base (190/491) | DAMA for regional; Adelaide offers accepted |
| QLD | Fluctuating | Active (regional) | 80 base (190); 65+15 (491) | Regional QLD 491 more reliable than metro 190 |
(as of 2026-06; verify each state's current skilled occupation list before lodging)
Nurses nomination in Tasmania and other states?
Tasmania is the most underrated pathway for Registered Nurses, particularly for those who cannot access SA or NT. TAS keeps nurses on both its 190 and 491 lists consistently, and the primary requirement is a genuine intention to live and work in Tasmania — not a pre-lodged job offer, though one strengthens the application considerably. Points threshold for TAS 190 nomination sits at approximately 80–85 including the 5-point state bonus.
The practical obstacle is Tasmania's small health system: job opportunities are concentrated in Launceston and Hobart, and the state has a relatively small pool of approved employers. Nurses who approach Tasmanian hospitals before applying for nomination are in a significantly stronger position.
Northern Territory is, for nurses willing to relocate, the single easiest nomination environment in Australia. The NT operates DAMA agreements that cover Registered Nurses, reducing English score and salary floor requirements for employer-sponsored applicants. The Subclass 491 from NT, combined with the 2-year regional work obligation, is a direct path to the Subclass 191 permanent visa. Nurses in Darwin's public hospital system have the cleanest pathway to PR of any group in this guide.
Western Australia sits between these extremes. WA nominates nurses for the 190 but strongly prefers applicants already working in WA or with a confirmed WA employer. The state's healthcare system, particularly in regional WA, has genuine demand for nurses — and regional WA roles qualify for 491 nomination with the 15-point regional bonus.
| State/Territory | Nomination Consistency | Job Offer Required | DAMA | 491→191 PR Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAS | High | Preferred, not mandatory | No | ~3 years post-491 grant |
| NT | Very High | Recommended | Yes | ~3 years post-491 grant |
| WA | Medium | Often for 190 | No | Available via regional WA |
(Check official latest for ACT and other territories not listed above)
How does the ANMAC skills assessment for Nurses work?
ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) is the sole skills assessing authority for Registered Nurses — not AHPRA. This distinction matters: AHPRA is the registration body you deal with after migration; ANMAC is the organisation that decides whether your overseas nursing qualification meets Australian standards for a skilled visa. Confusing the two is the most common error we see in nurse migration applications.
The process runs in three stages:
| Stage | What Happens | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation | Gather transcripts, registration certificates, reference letters, English results, NAATI translations | 4–12 weeks (longer for Philippines/India-issued documents) |
| ANMAC submission | Lodge via online portal; pay fee of approximately AUD 700–800 (verify at anmac.org.au) | Day 0 |
| Assessment decision | Standard processing 10–16 weeks; RFI (Request for Further Information) extends this | 10–16 weeks + |
The five most common reasons ANMAC assessments are delayed or refused:
- Reference letters lack clinical detail — ANMAC requires the signatory to describe specific nursing duties, specialty area, and responsibility level
- Using AHPRA registration as a substitute for ANMAC assessment — they are separate processes
- English results older than 24 months at time of submission
- Source-country nursing board documents taking 3–6 months to arrive (common for Philippine and Indian applicants)
- Non-NAATI certified translations being rejected
Tip: An RFI (Request for Further Information) is not a refusal — but your response quality determines the outcome. If you receive one, do not respond without professional guidance.
A nurse we assisted — an RN from the Philippines with 8 years of ICU experience — received an RFI requesting more detailed clinical documentation from her reference letters. With revised letters specifying her ventilator management and medication administration responsibilities, ANMAC approved her assessment within 4 weeks of response.
"My first reference letter just said I was a 'good nurse who worked hard.' ANMAC needed clinical specifics. Once we rewrote it with procedure-level detail, the assessment came through." — an RN we helped with ANMAC assessment, 2025
→ Further reading: Skilled Migration overview
How many points does a Nurse need? Real invitation cut-offs
The honest answer is that 90 points are required to have a realistic chance at a Subclass 189 invitation in 2025–26, and even at that score invitations are rare and unpredictable. The 189 is not a practical planning target for most internationally trained nurses.
For the Subclass 190, the functional threshold is 80–85 points (including 5 state nomination points). Most successful 190 applicants hold 75–80 base points before state nomination.
For the Subclass 491, the pathway becomes viable at 65 base points because the 15 regional nomination points bring the total to 80 — sufficient for most state nomination rounds.
| Visa | Points Required (base) | With Nomination Bonus | Realistic? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | 90+ | N/A | No (very rare invitations) |
| 190 | 75–80 | 80–85 | Yes (SA, TAS, WA, NT active) |
| 491 | 65 | 80 (65+15) | Yes — recommended for most |
How most nurses reach 75–80 base points:
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25–32 | 30 |
| Overseas Bachelor degree | 15 |
| 3–5 years skilled work experience | 10 |
| Competent English (IELTS 7.0 each) | 0 |
| Proficient English (IELTS 8.0 each) | 10 |
| Superior English (IELTS 8.0+ all bands) | 20 |
| Australian study (2+ years) | 5 |
| NAATI CCL (Community Languages) | 5 |
| Skilled partner | 5 |
An applicant we helped — an RN aged 29 with a Philippines degree and 4 years overseas experience — sat at 65 base points. Adding NAATI (5), Australian study (5) and proficient English (10) brought her to 85 before any state nomination bonus.
"Getting superior English was the single biggest points move available to me. I retook OET twice to get there — it added 20 points in one hit." — an RN we assisted with EOI strategy, 2025
One applicant in our community shared openly on a forum:
"Is 80 points enough for RN aged care 189? I'm planning to retake English to get superior English for 90 points." — an RN applicant weighing 189 feasibility, 2025
The answer: 80 is insufficient for a 189 invitation. Retaking English to reach superior (90 total) is the right instinct — but even then, 190/491 is a faster, more reliable use of those same English results.
→ Further reading: 189 vs 190 vs 491 comparison
What are the English options (IELTS/OET) for nurses?
English requirements for Registered Nurses are non-negotiable and have no exemption pathway. A single subtest below the threshold invalidates the entire result, and no waiver exists regardless of how long you have worked in an English-speaking country.
| Test | Required Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 in every band (L/R/W/S) | One band below = invalid result |
| OET | B grade in every component | OET is designed for health professionals; often preferred by nurses |
| PTE Academic | 65 in every communicative skill | Accepted by ANMAC and DIBP |
(as of 2026-06, source: ANMAC English requirements)
OET vs IELTS — the practical difference for nurses:
OET uses healthcare scenarios (patient consultations, clinical handovers, discharge summaries) that reflect actual nursing work. Many nurses find the reading and writing tasks more intuitive in OET than in IELTS Academic. The trade-off is that OET costs more per sitting and is offered less frequently in some countries.
For points purposes, the distinction matters more:
- IELTS 7.0 each band = Competent English = 0 bonus points
- IELTS 8.0 each band = Proficient English = 10 bonus points
- IELTS 8.0 each band (all four) = Superior English = 20 bonus points
- OET B in all = Competent; OET A in all = Superior (20 bonus points)
The 20-point jump from competent to superior English is the largest single controllable lever in the points system. For nurses currently at 65–70 base points, investing in English before lodging EOI is almost always the highest-return action.
Tip: English results must be no older than 24 months at the time of ANMAC submission — not the visa grant date. If you sat IELTS 22 months ago and ANMAC processing takes 14 weeks, your results may expire mid-assessment. Sit the test early.
A mental health nurse we worked with — 9 years of experience in Australia — initially scored IELTS 7.0 across all bands. After two further attempts targeting 8.0, she achieved superior English and moved from 70 to 90 base points, making her 189-eligible without any state nomination requirement.
Do all nursing specialisations qualify for migration?
Most nursing specialisations qualify, but selecting the correct ANZSCO code is critical — wrong code selection is one of the leading triggers for assessment refusal or EOI complications. The ANZSCO unit group for nurses contains multiple codes; ANMAC assesses you against the code you nominate.
| ANZSCO Code | Specialisation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 254411 | Registered Nurse (General) | Default code; broadest scope |
| 254412 | Registered Nurse (Critical Care & Emergency) | ICU, ED, HDU — requires demonstrated specialty experience |
| 254413 | Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | High demand; active on most state lists |
| 254414 | Registered Nurse (Child & Family Health) | Paediatric-focused; check state list inclusion separately |
| 254415 | Registered Nurse (Community Health) | Primary care settings |
| 254416 | Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) | Disability sector; NDIS-relevant |
| 254417 | Registered Nurse (Medical) | Medical ward generalist |
| 254418 | Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | Psychosocial/psychiatric specialisation |
| 254421 | Registered Nurse (Perioperative) | Theatre/recovery — separate unit group |
| 254499 | Registered Nurse (NEC) | "Not Elsewhere Classified" — catch-all; some states treat differently |
(as of 2026-06, source: ANZSCO classification and ANMAC assessment framework)
The NEC question is the most common source of confusion. 254499 (NEC) is appropriate when a nurse's experience spans multiple areas or does not neatly fit a specialty code. However, some state nomination rounds have different occupation-list inclusions for NEC versus specific specialty codes — an RN assessed under 254418 (Mental Health) may find different state list outcomes than one assessed under 254411 (General).
One applicant raised this directly:
"I was assessed as RN NEC but worked mental health for a year. Was I supposed to get a separate mental health assessment?" — an RN applicant, post-189 invitation, 2025
The answer: if the majority of your documented experience is in a specialty, ANMAC may assess you under that specialty code even if you applied as General. Always verify with ANMAC before submitting if your experience is mixed.
Midwives (254111) are assessed by ANMAC separately and face their own qualification pathway — a diploma of nursing does not automatically bridge to midwifery registration in Australia. The pathway for overseas midwives deserves a separate guide.
Tip: Enrolled Nurses (ANZSCO 411411) are assessed by ANMAC under a different framework and are not on the MLTSSL — their skilled migration options are more limited than for Registered Nurses.
Employer Sponsorship as an Alternative: The 482 Route for Nurses
Employer sponsorship via the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa is, for many internationally trained nurses, the most practical immediate pathway — particularly for those who cannot reach 75+ points or are waiting for state nomination rounds to open. The 482 does not require a points score; it requires an approved employer sponsor and a salary at or above the TSMIT of $73,150 (as of 2026-06, source: Department of Home Affairs).
Registered Nurses routinely earn above the TSMIT. Award wages for RNs in the public sector typically start around $70,000–$75,000 for new graduates and exceed $85,000–$110,000 for senior or specialist nurses — meaning the salary floor is rarely an obstacle.
Common 482 sponsors for nurses:
- Public hospital networks (state health systems)
- Private hospital groups
- Residential aged care facilities
- Regional and rural health services
- Community health centres
After 2 years of employment with the same sponsor, a 482 holder becomes eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme via the Temporary Residence Transition stream — a direct pathway to permanent residency without any points requirement.
The NT and parts of QLD and SA also have DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) arrangements for nurses, which can reduce the English and salary requirements for employer-sponsored applicants in regional areas.
"I got a 482 with a regional aged care facility in SA. After two years I went straight to the 186. No points stress, no waiting for nomination rounds." — an RN we assisted with employer sponsorship and ENS, 2024
→ Further reading: Employer Sponsorship hub
CTA
Your next step depends on your current score and location flexibility.
If you are above 75 base points and willing to consider SA, TAS or NT, a 190 or 491 nomination is achievable in 2026. If you are below 75 points or need to move quickly, a Subclass 482 sponsorship with a regional employer is the most reliable route to permanent residency.
At VJ Consulting, we work with Registered Nurses at every stage — from ANMAC document preparation and EOI strategy to state nomination monitoring and employer sponsorship. We track state nomination rounds in real time and will tell you plainly which pathway makes sense for your score, age and location.
Book a strategy session to get a clear points calculation, an honest state-by-state recommendation, and a realistic timeline to PR.
Talk to a MARA-registered agent at VJ Consulting →
This guide reflects state migration policy and Department of Home Affairs data as of June 2026. State nomination quotas, occupation list inclusions and invitation scores change without notice. Verify all figures with the relevant state migration authority and the Department of Home Affairs before lodging any visa application.
