Health
Registered Nurse immigration to Australia & Canada
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care across healthcare settings. Among the most in-demand occupations in both Australia and Canada; registration and English requirements are strict.
Australia pathway
Skilled migration (189 / 190 / 491)
ANMAC assesses nursing qualifications for migration. Separately, AHPRA registration through the Nursing and Midwifery Board governs your right to practise, and internationally qualified nurses usually complete the Outcome-Based Assessment pathway. A positive skills assessment is required before an Expression of Interest. Points cover age, English, education, and experience; state nomination (190) or regional (491) can add points.
Canada pathway
Express Entry & 2026 category draws
2026 category: Healthcare and social services occupations
Nursing is in the renewed healthcare and social services category for 2026, historically one of the most frequently drawn categories. IRCC increased the minimum experience requirement for renewed categories to one year. You will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and qualifying language scores. We help optimise your CRS and prepare a document-ready profile.
Why Registered Nurse applications most often stall
The English requirement, not the assessment, is what stops most nursing files. Registration bodies apply a higher English standard than the visa itself, and results generally must come from a single sitting. Applicants plan around the visa threshold and then cannot register.
Based on files ImmiPace has reviewed. Last reviewed 2026-08-29.
Registered Nurse migration — common questions
Is Registered Nurse eligible for Australian skilled migration?
Registered Nurse is assessed by ANMAC for Australian skilled visas (subclass 189 Skilled Independent, 190 State Nominated, and 491 Regional). ANMAC assesses nursing qualifications for migration. Separately, AHPRA registration through the Nursing and Midwifery Board governs your right to practise, and internationally qualified nurses usually complete the Outcome-Based Assessment pathway. Occupation lists and state nomination criteria change, so always confirm current eligibility with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant assessing authority.
Which Canada Express Entry category does a Registered Nurse fall under in 2026?
Registered Nurse generally falls under Healthcare and social services occupations. Nursing is in the renewed healthcare and social services category for 2026, historically one of the most frequently drawn categories. IRCC increased the minimum experience requirement for renewed categories to one year. For renewed categories IRCC requires at least one year of experience in an eligible occupation. Category eligibility can matter more than raising your CRS score, because category rounds frequently invite below the general cut-off.
Do I need registration or a licence to work as a Registered Nurse in Australia?
AHPRA registration is required to work as a nurse in Australia and is a separate process from the migration skills assessment. Both need to be planned together — a positive ANMAC outcome does not let you practise. Registration and the migration skills assessment are separate processes with separate requirements, and passing one does not satisfy the other.
Why do Registered Nurse skilled migration applications get refused or delayed?
The English requirement, not the assessment, is what stops most nursing files. Registration bodies apply a higher English standard than the visa itself, and results generally must come from a single sitting. Applicants plan around the visa threshold and then cannot register.
What documents does a Registered Nurse need for a skills assessment?
Typically: degree certificates and transcripts, detailed employment reference letters matching the duties of the nominated occupation, CV, English test results, and identity documents. ImmiPace reviews your documents and prepares a submission-ready file.