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 254499
Registered Nurses nec
Registered Nurses nec (254499): Provide nursing care for patients in hospitals, aged care and community settings.
Are you a qualified registered nurses nec considering working or settling in Australia? Registered Nurses nec 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
254499
Assessing authority
Skills assessments for Registered Nurses nec (254499) 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
MLTSSL · CSOL
Industry
Health & nursing
Can I migrate to Australia as a registered nurses nec?
Yes. Registered Nurses nec is an eligible occupation for several Australian skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas. However, being a registered nurses nec 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 registered nurses necs?
Australian registered nurses necs 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 registered nurses necs?
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 registered nurses nec skills assessed?
For points-tested skilled migration, you generally need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. Registered Nurses nec skills assessments can be undertaken by one of the recognised assessing authorities: Skills assessments for Registered Nurses nec (254499) 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 254499?
Not everyone working in a related position will necessarily qualify under Registered Nurses nec. 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 registered nurses nec migration
ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) is the assessing authority for Registered Nurses nec under code 254499. It assesses nursing and midwifery qualifications, registration status and practice history for migration.
Our current data places 254499 on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This links to visa subclasses 189, 190, 491, 482, 186, 494, 485 and 407. Lists change, so EMC Australia confirms the position at the time you apply.
Prepare nursing registration and experience in your nursing specialty. Reference letters should describe duties such as: provide registered nursing care in a specialty not separately coded, such as oncology or renal nursing.
Use Registered Nurses nec only when your role is genuinely within Registered Nurses but is not described by any specific occupation in unit group 2544. Your evidence should explain your specialisation — for this code, registered nursing in a specialty not separately coded.
Professionals under this code are commonly employed by hospitals and specialist health services. Regional employers may also open 491 or 494 options for 254499.
Other occupations you may want to consider
Depending on your qualifications and the type of work you perform, another occupation may be more suitable.
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.