Australia's largest independent migration law firm. Open 7 days! Book here.
Need help? Our lawyers and migration agents are available 7 days a week to assist.
Family & Parent Visas
Other Visas
Need help? We are available to speak to you 7 days a weekRead More
Need help? Talk to us, we are available 7 days!
Need help? We offer support in your language.
도움이 필요하세요? 한국어 지원이 제공됩니다.
お困りですか？日本語での対応可能です。
请問需要帮助吗？我们可以提供中文服务。
¿Necesitas ayuda con tu visa? Podemos ayudarte en español.
Tại đây chúng tôi có hỗ trợ tiếng Việt.
1300 150 745
Contact
2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards Nominee
Open 7 days
1300 150 745
%402x.svg){kind=icon}
Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (ANZSCO 254412)
Australian Migration Law and Nursing Registration Standards
Registered Nurses in aged care must meet both migration requirements and professional registration standards before working in Australia. This occupation falls under ANZSCO skill Level 1, which typically requires a bachelor degree or higher qualification, and may also require relevant experience or on-the-job training.
Registration requirements include obtaining a positive skills assessment and certification with the national regulator.
Understanding how migration law interacts with healthcare regulation is essential to ensure lawful employment and successful visa outcomes.
Australian Migration Lawyers’ legal professionals deliver extensive expertise and proven experience, guiding you confidently through these complex legal and bureaucratic processes to achieve a successful outcome.
Winner of Most Trusted Australian Migration Law Firm 2023-2026
Ranked 1st for migration law in 2023, 2024 & 2025
Ranked in the top migration lawyers 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026
Ranked the best migration law firm 2024 & 2025
Claim your consultation
Tell us about your situation, and we will get back to you shortly.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Claim your consultation
Tell us about your situation, and we will get back to you shortly.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
The Australian Migration Lawyers difference
Fixed price
There are no hidden costs for our services. Our fees are clearly set out in a fee agreement.
Deal direct with a lawyer
From the first same-day response to the granting of your visa, you’ll have direct access to a lawyer.
Clear communication
Our experienced lawyers will give you regular updates and clear explanations of visa pathways.
Satisfaction guarantee
We offer a client satisfaction guarantee in relation to our visa application services.
Installments available
3 - 6 months installment options available on some visa types.
.jpg)
What is a Registered Nurse (Aged Care)?
A Registered Nurse (Aged Care) provides clinical care and support to elderly patients in residential aged care facilities, community settings, and healthcare institutions. Alternative titles for this occupation may include 'Aged Care Registered Nurse' and similar roles.
This occupation is classified under ANZSCO 254412 Registered Nurse Aged, which is part of group 2544 Registered Nurses under the ANZSCO classification. The role is commonly found in community settings, residential aged care, and other health care environments, and is subject to the registration and regulatory requirements applicable to 2544 Registered Nurses.
Role & Responsibilities
Registered Nurses (Aged Care) are responsible for:
- Providing nursing care to patients across a range of health care facilities, including hospitals, residential aged care, retirement villages, and other health care facilities
- Facilitating patients' recovery and independence, including support for patients recovering from illness or surgery
- Providing medical intervention and assisting surgeons during surgical intervention, as well as supporting critically ill patients in high dependency units or emergency settings
- Delivering health promotion, health counselling, and early intervention services, including care for mental health, mental health illness, and emotional difficulties
- Working collaboratively with other health professionals and other health care professionals in multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care
Role & Responsibilities
Registered Nurses (Aged Care) are responsible for:
- Providing nursing care to patients across a range of health care facilities, including hospitals, residential aged care, retirement villages, and other health care facilities
- Facilitating patients' recovery and independence, including support for patients recovering from illness or surgery
- Providing medical intervention and assisting surgeons during surgical intervention, as well as supporting critically ill patients in high dependency units or emergency settings
- Delivering health promotion, health counselling, and early intervention services, including care for mental health, mental health illness, and emotional difficulties
- Working collaboratively with other health professionals and other health care professionals in multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care
- Providing specialized care to elderly in community settings, retirement villages and health, and general practice environments
- Supporting children of school age with health assessments, early detection, and early intervention tailored to their developmental needs
- Assessing and monitoring patient health conditions
- Administering medications and treatments
- Developing and implementing care plans
- Supervising enrolled nurses and care staff
- Supporting patients with chronic conditions, dementia, and end-of-life care
- Maintaining accurate medical records and ensuring compliance with healthcare standards
Skills Assessment Authority
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
For migration purposes, applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
ANMAC assesses whether an applicant’s qualifications, registration, and work experience meet Australian standards for skilled migration. This is a mandatory requirement for most skilled visas, including Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas.
{visa type} visa checklist
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
Heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
AHPRA Registration Requirements
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
To legally practise as a nurse in Australia, applicants must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
AHPRA registration requires:
- Recognised nursing qualifications
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Meeting professional standards and competency requirements
- Satisfying criminal history and fitness-to-practise checks
Without AHPRA registration (or eligibility), applicants cannot work as a Registered Nurse in Australia, even if a visa is granted.
Australian Visa Options for Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
Registered Nurses (Aged Care) may be eligible for several visa pathways depending on their qualifications, experience, and circumstances. Some of these visa pathways require nurses to live and work in regional Australia to qualify.
189 visa – Skilled Independent Visa
A points-tested permanent visa allowing nurses to live and work anywhere in Australia without employer or state sponsorship.
Subclass 190 visa – Skilled Nominated Visa
A state or territory nominated permanent visa, requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
Subclass 491 visa – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
A provisional regional visa allowing nurses to live and work in designated regional areas, with a pathway to permanent residency.
485 Visa – Graduate Temporary Visa (Graduate Work Stream)
Allows recent graduates of Australian institutions to gain work experience in nursing-related roles.
Subclass 491 Family Sponsored visa – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
A pathway where applicants are sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area.
Subclass 186 visa – Employer Nomination Scheme
A permanent employer-sponsored visa for nurses nominated by an Australian employer.
407 Training Visa
A temporary visa allowing nurses to undertake structured workplace training in Australia.
Subclass 494 visa – Skilled Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
A regional employer-sponsored visa with a pathway to permanent residency.
482 SID visa – Skills In Demand visa - Core Skills Pathway
A temporary employer-sponsored visa enabling nurses to work in Australia where there is a skills shortage.
Eligibility Criteria Under Migration Law
Candidates must:
- Obtain a positive ANMAC skills assessment
- Meet English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, OET, or equivalent)
- Satisfy health and character requirements
- Meet points test thresholds (for points-tested visas)
- Hold or be eligible for AHPRA registration
- Demonstrate relevant qualifications and work experience
Additional requirements may apply depending on the visa subclass.
Employment Outlook & Salary Expectations in Australia
Registered Nurses (Aged Care) are in high demand across Australia, particularly in regional and rural areas. The ageing population and increased demand for aged care services continue to drive workforce shortages.
Salary expectations vary depending on experience, location, and employer but typically range from:
- AUD $70,000 to $100,000+ per year, with higher salaries in regional or specialised roles
Employment opportunities exist in:
- Residential aged care facilities
- Hospitals and health services
- Community and home care settings
Visa application process
Applying for a visa to Australia can be complex. With help from an Australian Migration Lawyer, we can untangle this complexity, and help you apply for the right visa.
1. Consultation and engagement
Organise a consultation time to speak with one of our lawyers. You can meet with us in person, via Zoom or telephone. Following this, we will send you paperwork that confirms our engagement to represent you.
2. Preparation and support
We will prepare written submissions in support of your visa application. This will be based on your individual circumstances, and supported by evidence where appropriate.
3. Submission and communication
We submit your application to the relevant body (Department of Home Affairs, courts or tribunal). We will continue to update you concerning the status of your application.
4. Representation and success
We will keep you informed about your application, and notify you of the outcome. If you receive an unfavourable outcome and we can reapply, we will!
How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Assist
Australian Migration Lawyers provide comprehensive legal assistance for Registered Nurses seeking to migrate to Australia. We can assess your eligibility across multiple visa pathways, guide you through the ANMAC skills assessment and AHPRA registration process, and prepare a strong visa application aligned with current migration law. Our team also assists with employer sponsorship, state nomination strategies, and complex cases to maximise your chances of success.
Meet your Australian Migration Lawyer
We’re a diverse team of professionals with decades of combined experience. We care about your situation and will make sure you always get the support and advice you need.
%20(1).webp)
%20(1).webp)
.jpg)
%20(1)%20(1).webp)
%20(1).webp)
%20(1)%20(1).webp)
%20(1).webp)
%20(1).webp)
%20(1).webp)
%20(1).webp)
%20(1).webp)
%20(1).webp)
Locations
We offer professional migration advice and support, no matter where you are based. Those located in Australia have the choice of meeting with us at one of our offices or online, and for those offshore, we are available to you online.
Melbourne
Learn more
Sydney
Learn more
Perth
Learn more
Brisbane
Learn more
Adelaide
Learn more
Canberra
Learn more
Darwin
Learn more
Hobart
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
Is Registered Nurse (Aged Care) on the Skilled Occupation List?
Yes. Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (ANZSCO 254412) is included on relevant Skilled Occupation Lists, making it eligible for several skilled migration visas.
Is ANMAC assessment mandatory?
Yes. A positive skills assessment from ANMAC is required for most skilled migration visa applications.
Do I need AHPRA registration before applying for a visa?
In many cases, you must demonstrate that you are registered or eligible for registration with AHPRA before visa approval, particularly for employer-sponsored roles.
What English test scores are required?
Applicants must meet minimum English standards, typically through tests such as IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT, with specific score requirements set by ANMAC and AHPRA.
Can overseas work experience count towards migration points?
Yes. Relevant overseas work experience can contribute to your points score under the skilled migration points test, provided it meets assessment criteria.
Can my family be included in my visa application?
Yes. Most skilled visas allow you to include eligible family members, such as your partner and dependent children, in your application.
About the content author
Perry Q Wood is Immediate Past President of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law and one of Australia’s leading administrative, immigration and human rights lawyers.
Claim your free consultation!*
Tell us a little about your situation, and one of our migration lawyers will contact you as soon as possible.
Leaving without permanent residency?
Our experienced migration lawyers are here to help —risk-free. Ask about our No Visa, No Fee options and we'll guide you through every step of your journey.
No Visa, No Fee T's and C's apply
