In order work as a Registered Nurse in Australia we will need to have the following items

• A Visa
• The relevant Nursing Registration
• Assessment of Further Qualifications
• Language skills assessed

Visa Information for Registered Nurses

The Australian Government's Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) is ultimately responsible for consideration of your visa application. Outside Australia, the Australian Embassy or High Commission deals with Australian visa applications.

There are 4 types of visa/entry permit that nurses may enter Australia on and legally undertake employment as a registered nurse. These are:

Employer Sponsored work Permit (457)
Dependant Visa
Permanent Resident/Australian Citizen
Working Holiday Visa
Nursing Registration in Australia

The registered nurse (Division 1)

The registered nurse is a first level nurse, educated in pre-registration degree level courses in universities. Nursing courses are broad based and comprehensive and are designed to prepare candidates to work in a wide variety of health care settings. Registered nurses are licensed to practice nursing in the fields in which they are registered without supervision, and assume accountability and responsibility for all their actions and aspects of care.

The enrolled nurse/registered nurse (Division 2)

The enrolled nurse is a second level nurse who provides nursing care within the limits specified by education and the registering authority's license to practice. Enrolled nurses in Australia are primarily educated through advanced certificate or associated diploma level courses in colleges of Technical and Further Education (TAFE). Enrolled nurses work under the direction and supervision of registered nurses, but retain responsibility for their own actions and remain accountable to the registered nurse for all delegated functions.

Registration Requirements

Australia is divided into 6 States and 2 territories, and it is a legal requirement under the Nurses' Act of each state and Territory that nurses must be registered or enrolled in the state or territory that they intend to practice. Each of the States and Territories has a nurse regulatory authority that maintains its own register of registered and enrolled nurses.

Assessing Further Qualifications

If you hold post graduate nursing qualifications, you may be eligible for an allowance in addition to your base salary. Your post graduate qualifications should be assessed by the Australian Nursing Council (ANC) and then presented along with the assessment on, or before your commencement date.

Australian Nursing Council (ANC)
First Floor
20 Chalis Street
Dickson ACT 2602
Tel: +612 6257 7960
Fax: +612 6257 7955
Web: www.anc.org.au

For information about overseas assessments, determinations and applications please contact the Overseas section on the details below:

Tel: +612 6274 9104 or
Email:

Language Requirements

It is essential that nurses have a level of proficiency in English which enables them to communicate competently and safely with clients and colleagues.

In order to waive the English language test, applicants must provide evidence that their initial nursing education program was delivered in English - both theoretical and clinical practice modules. Evidence is also required or recent experience as a registered nurse in a health care agency where the medium of communication used in the practice setting is English.

All other nurses are required to successfully complete one of the following English Language Tests:

• Occupational English Test (OET) for Nurses:
  The required pass level is a B or above in all 4 sections of the test.
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic Test
  The required pass level is a score of not less than 6.5 in each of the 4 sections with an overall score of not less than 7

For further information regarding these tests: