Registered nurse jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship remain in high demand. More than a dozen registered nurse specialties are on the Core Skills Occupation List, and state health services and private hospital groups recruit internationally.
You must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through AHPRA before practising. Internationally qualified nurses typically complete a self-check and, if required, an outcomes-based assessment (OBA). For skilled migration, ANMAC provides the skills assessment.
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This guide covers registration, pay, employers and PR. Related: Care Assistant Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsorship No Experience Required and Australia Skills Assessment Guide 2026 – TRA, VETASSESS, ACS, ANMAC and Engineers Australia Explained.
In this guide
Registered Nurse Jobs in Australia at a Glance
| Role | Country | Typical pay | Visa / permit route | Key requirement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | Australia | A$80k–A$110k | 482 Core Skills / 186 | AHPRA registration | Qualified RNs |
| Specialist RN (ICU, theatre) | Australia | A$90k–A$120k | 482 / 186 / 190 | Specialty experience | Experienced nurses |
| Aged care RN | Australia | Award/EA rates | 482 / 186 / Aged Care Labour Agreement | Registration | Aged care nurses |
1. Types of Registered Nurse Jobs in Australia
These are the main registered nurse roles employers advertise in Australia, from entry level to roles that may qualify for sponsorship.
Medical and surgical RN
Hospital wards in public and private hospitals.
Critical care and emergency
ICU and ED nurses.
Perioperative
Theatre and recovery.
Mental health
Inpatient and community mental health.
Aged care RN
Residential aged care facilities.
2. Registered Nurse Salary in Australia for 2026
Nurse pay is set by state enterprise agreements, so it differs between states. Overtime, shift and weekend penalties are extra.
| Level | Hourly | Annual | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate / Year 1 RN | — | A$75,000–A$85,000 | Indicative, varies by state |
| Experienced RN | — | A$90,000–A$110,000 | Indicative |
| Clinical nurse specialist | — | A$105,000–A$125,000 | Indicative |
| Sponsorship minimum | — | A$79,423 | CSIT from 1 July 2026 |
Sources: state health enterprise agreements and Home Affairs salary requirements. Ranges are indicative — check the relevant state’s pay schedule.
3. Work Visas for Foreign Registered Nurses in Australia – Visa Types
Visa options for nurses:
| Visa / route | Who it’s for | Employer needed? | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 482 Core Skills | RN occupations on the CSOL | Yes | Official page |
| 186 Direct Entry / TRT | Permanent | Yes | Official page |
| 189 / 190 / 491 | Points-tested; state nomination | No / state | Official page |
| Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement | Aged care roles | Yes | Official page |
4. Companies Offering Visa Sponsored Registered Nurse Jobs – Where to Check Vacancies
Health employers (no claim of current vacancies or sponsorship):
| Employer | What they do | Official careers page |
|---|---|---|
| NSW Health | Public hospitals NSW | www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers |
| Queensland Health | Public hospitals QLD | www.careers.health.qld.gov.au |
| Ramsay Health Care | Private hospitals | www.ramsayhealth.com.au |
| Healthscope | Private hospitals | www.healthscope.com.au |
| St Vincent’s Health Australia | Not-for-profit hospitals | www.svha.org.au |
| Bupa Aged Care | Aged care | careers.bupa.com.au |
Australian employers must be approved sponsors before nominating you. Ask the employer to confirm its sponsorship status in writing and check the business on ABN Lookup.
5. Employment Agencies to Find Opportunities – International Recruitment
These recruitment agencies and official job boards are real and verifiable. Contact them only through the websites below; we list websites rather than phone numbers because official sites always carry the latest office contacts.
| Agency / service | Focus | Official website |
|---|---|---|
| AHPRA / NMBA | Registration for international nurses | www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au |
| ANMAC | Migration skills assessment | www.anmac.org.au |
| Hays Healthcare | Nursing recruitment | www.hays.com.au |
| Workforce Australia | Government job board | www.workforceaustralia.gov.au |
Legitimate agencies are paid by employers. In Australia, charging a worker for sponsorship or a job offer is unlawful, and labour-hire firms in several states must be licensed.
6. Requirements and Documents for Registered Nurse Visa Applications
- Valid passport.
- Nomination TRN from your approved sponsor (employer-sponsored visas).
- Employment references showing dates, hours, duties and pay, plus payslips.
- Skills assessment where required (e.g. TRA or VETASSESS).
- English test results meeting Home Affairs requirements.
- Health examinations and police certificates (character requirement).
- Health insurance for 482 and 494 visas (condition 8501).
- AHPRA registration (or evidence of progress), ANMAC skills assessment for PR, and English test results meeting NMBA standards.
Visa charges rose around 25% for employer-sponsored visas on 1 July 2026 — check the official pricing estimator.
7. Steps to Get Registered Nurse Visa Sponsorship and How to Apply
- Check the occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List or a labour agreement.
- Check the pay: from 1 July 2026 a 482 Core Skills nomination needs at least A$79,423 or the market rate, whichever is higher (salary requirements).
- Complete your skills assessment and English test early.
- Apply to real employers through official careers pages, Workforce Australia or named agencies.
- Employer is approved as a sponsor and lodges your nomination.
- Lodge your visa in ImmiAccount with the nomination TRN.
- Complete health checks and biometrics; do not resign or travel before the grant.
- Check your work rights in VEVO after the grant.
8. Permanent Residence Pathways for Registered Nurses in Australia
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is the main employer-sponsored PR visa. Nurses often have strong PR options: 186 via their employer, or 189/190 given high occupation demand.
| Pathway | Key requirement | Official page |
|---|---|---|
| 482 → 186 Temporary Residence Transition | 2 years with your sponsor in the last 3 years | Subclass 186 |
| 186 Direct Entry | Skills assessment + 3 years’ experience | Subclass 186 |
| 494 → 191 | 3 years living and working regionally | Subclass 191 |
| 189 / 190 / 491 skilled visas | Points-tested; 190/491 need state nomination | Subclass 190 |
| Labour agreement → 186 | Only if the agreement includes PR | Labour agreements |
9. Meeting the Eligibility Requirements
Use this checklist to confirm you can meet the rules for registered nurse roles before you apply:
- Nursing qualification assessed by NMBA.
- AHPRA registration before practising.
- English: NMBA English language skills standard (IELTS, OET, PTE or TOEFL).
- ANMAC assessment for skilled migration.
- Health, character and working-with-children checks.
10. Applying at the Embassy – Work Visa Verification and Embassy Contacts
Australian work visas are lodged online; there is no visa label. Your grant letter and VEVO record are your proof.
- Department of Home Affairs: 6 Chan Street, Belconnen ACT 2617; 131 881 in Australia, +61 2 6196 0196 from overseas (official page).
- Australian embassies: DFAT missions directory.
- Verify a visa in VEVO.
- Verify an employer on ABN Lookup (abr.business.gov.au) and via its official website.
- Verify a migration agent on the OMARA register.
- Report scams to Scamwatch and underpayment to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
11. Mistakes to Avoid During the Process – Immigration Errors
- Paying anyone for a job offer, sponsorship or nomination — this is unlawful.
- Choosing an occupation code that doesn’t match your real duties.
- Lodging before your skills assessment or English test is ready.
- Working outside your visa conditions or staying unsponsored for more than 180 days.
- Applying for jobs before checking NMBA registration eligibility.
12. Settlement Benefits and Relocation Planning
Sponsored workers earn at least the award or nominated salary plus 12% superannuation. The National Minimum Wage is A$26.44/hour from 1 July 2026. Partners can usually work, children can attend school, and Medicare is available on PR (or earlier under a reciprocal agreement).
| First-month cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application charge | Check Home Affairs | Employer pays nomination and levy |
| Overseas Visitor Health Cover | Compare on privatehealth.gov.au | Required on 482/494 |
| Rental bond | Often 4 weeks’ rent | Lodged with the state bond authority |
| TFN, bank, SIM | Free / low cost | TFN via ato.gov.au |
Official Websites to Apply for Sponsorship Visas
- Skills in Demand visa (482)
- Regional visa (494)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
- ImmiAccount
- Workforce Australia
- PALM scheme
FAQs: Registered Nurse Jobs in Australia With Visa Sponsorship
Can international nurses get visa sponsorship in Australia?
Yes. Registered nurse specialties are on the CSOL, and public and private health employers sponsor nurses on the 482 and 186.
Do I need AHPRA registration first?
You must be registered with the NMBA via AHPRA before practising. Start the self-check early.
What is the OBA?
The outcomes-based assessment for internationally qualified nurses, with a multiple-choice exam and an OSCE.
How much do nurses earn in Australia?
Experienced RNs commonly earn A$90,000–A$110,000 depending on state, plus penalties and superannuation.
What is ANMAC?
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council, which assesses nurses for skilled migration.
Can nurses get PR quickly?
Many nurses qualify for 186 Direct Entry or receive invitations for 189/190 visas.
Which states recruit internationally?
Most state health services have international recruitment programs; check each state’s official careers site.
How do I avoid recruitment scams?
Apply through official health service portals and never pay for a job.
Conclusion
Registered nurse jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship are among the strongest migration options available. Start NMBA registration early, prepare your ANMAC assessment, and apply through official state health and private hospital careers sites.
Next, read Registered Nurse Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsorship 2026 – Health and Care Worker Visa, NHS Pay and ILR, or browse all Healthcare & Care guides and Jobs in Australia.
Disclaimer: ConvertKind Jobs publishes independent career guides. We are not an employer, recruiter, immigration adviser or law firm, and we never charge fees. Nothing here guarantees a job, sponsorship or visa. Rules, salary thresholds and fees change often, so always confirm on the official government website before you apply.