Points-tested skilled visas
If you meet the relevant requirements, you may be able to apply for skilled migration without employer sponsorship.
EMC Australia / Occupations / ANZSCO 254311
Nurse Manager
Nurse Manager (254311): Manage health service units and nursing staff and resources.
Are you a qualified nurse manager considering working or settling in Australia? Nurse Manager is an occupation recognised under Australia’s skilled migration program. Depending on your qualifications, experience and personal circumstances, you may be eligible for permanent residency through skilled migration or an employer-sponsored visa. Whether you studied overseas, recently graduated in Australia or already have professional experience, EMC Australia can help you understand which visa pathways may be suitable for you.
ANZSCO
254311
Assessing authority
Skills assessments for Nurse Manager (254311) are handled by ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council), which assesses nursing and midwifery qualifications, registration status and practice history for migration.
Occupation lists
STSOL
Industry
Health & nursing
Can I migrate to Australia as a nurse manager?
Yes. Nurse Manager is an eligible occupation for several Australian skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas. However, being a nurse manager does not automatically make you eligible for a visa. Your options will depend on factors such as your qualifications, English language ability, age, work experience and skills assessment. Some visas also require an invitation from the Australian Government, state or territory nomination, or sponsorship from an eligible employer. The first step is to identify which pathway best suits your circumstances.
What visa options are available for nurse managers?
Australian nurse managers may have several visa options, depending on their personal and professional circumstances.
Employer-sponsored visas
If you have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you, other visa options may be available.
Other pathways
If you have recently completed studies in Australia or are undertaking structured workplace training, other temporary visas may be worth exploring, depending on your eligibility.
Which Australian states nominate nurse managers?
State or territory nomination may provide another opportunity to pursue skilled migration through subclass 190 or 491. Each Australian state and territory has its own nomination requirements. These can depend on your occupation, current location, employment, qualifications and other circumstances. Some states prioritise applicants who are already living or working locally, while others may consider eligible applicants from overseas. As nomination requirements and available places can change throughout the year, it is important to check the current program before deciding where to apply.
EOI and state nominationHow do I get my nurse manager skills assessed?
For points-tested skilled migration, you generally need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. Nurse Manager skills assessments can be undertaken by one of the recognised assessing authorities: Skills assessments for Nurse Manager (254311) are handled by ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council), which assesses nursing and midwifery qualifications, registration status and practice history for migration.. The assessing authority will review your educational qualifications, the relevant subjects you completed and whether you meet its English language requirements. If you completed your qualifications overseas, you may still qualify, provided they meet the applicable assessment standards. If your studies do not cover all the required areas, you may need additional study before obtaining a positive assessment. Work experience may be assessed separately where relevant, including when you intend to claim points for skilled employment. Understanding these requirements early can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and delays.
How skills assessments workWhat affects my eligibility for skilled migration?
For points-tested skilled visas, several factors influence your eligibility and points score. The minimum points threshold is 65, although achieving this score does not guarantee an invitation.
Age
Your age affects your migration points. Points-tested skilled visa applicants generally need to be under 45 when invited to apply.
English
You must meet the applicable English language requirements. Higher English test results may also help you claim additional migration points. The English requirements for your skills assessment may be different from those for your visa.
Skilled employment
Relevant Australian or overseas experience in this occupation may help you claim additional points. Your employment history and supporting evidence must satisfy the applicable requirements.
Qualifications
Recognised educational qualifications can contribute to your points score. Your qualifications and the subjects you studied are also important for your skills assessment.
Australian study and partner
Eligible Australian study, partner qualifications and other recognised factors may increase your points score.
Nomination
State or territory nomination can provide additional points for subclasses 190 and 491. Each nomination program has its own eligibility requirements.
Does my experience match ANZSCO 254311?
Not everyone working in a related position will necessarily qualify under Nurse Manager. For migration purposes, your actual job responsibilities matter more than your position title. Choosing the correct occupation is important before applying for a skills assessment or visa.
- Provide clinical care in the nominated field, not only administration
- Work to the professional standards of the relevant board or college
- Document assessments, treatment and handover
- Hold, or be able to hold, the registration that sits beside the skills assessment
Frequently asked questions about nurse manager migration
ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) is the assessing authority for Nurse Manager under code 254311. It assesses nursing and midwifery qualifications, registration status and practice history for migration.
Our current data places 254311 on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). This links to visa subclasses 190, 491, 482, 494 and 407. Lists change, so EMC Australia confirms the position at the time you apply.
Prepare nursing registration and management experience in a nursing unit. Reference letters should describe duties such as: plan nursing rosters and skill mix for the unit.
Yes, if your actual duties match. Assessors look at what you did — for Nurse Manager, that means work centred on managing nursing units, staff and resources — rather than your employer's title. If your duties fit a neighbouring code in unit group 2543 better, nominate that instead.
Nurse Managers are commonly employed by hospitals, aged care and community health services. Regional employers may also open 491 or 494 options for 254311.
Not sure which Australian visa is right for you?
Your qualifications and experience may provide opportunities for skilled migration or employer sponsorship, but choosing the right pathway requires careful consideration. At EMC Australia, we can help you understand your available options, identify potential eligibility issues and plan your next steps. Tell us a little about your background through our free visa assessment, or book a consultation to discuss your circumstances with our migration team.