Big Cuts to Australian Migration: 190 & 491 State Nomination reduced by 41%

Major changes to Australian skilled migration have now been officially confirmed — and the impact on the State-nominated Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas is significant.

Across Australia, state and territory nomination allocations have been reduced. While most states received a significant reduction, two states received an increase in the 190 and 491 visa.

At Work Visa Lawyers, we stay up to date with every policy announcement so you can understand how these changes affect your visa options. Below is a full breakdown of the new numbers, what they mean for skilled migrants, and the alternative pathways you may need to consider.

Australian Skilled Migration Cuts: Overall less Australian visas in 2025-26

The Federal Government has announced a 23% overall cut to state and territory nomination allocations for the 2025–26 program year.

But these cuts are not evenly distributed — some states have been hit much harder than others.

While Queensland and the Northern Territory received increases, every other state experienced reduction, with some receiving major cuts.

These changes affect thousands of skilled migrants who have already invested heavily in their journey, including skills assessments, English tests and Expressions of Interest (EOIs).

Australian businesses relying on skilled migrants to fill labour shortages will also fell the impact. 

Even though the Migration Program planning levels for this financial year are the same as last year, the state nomination allocations still dropped.

This strongly suggests that the Government has reduced state and territory allocations because of the large number of visa applications already in the system, ongoing processing backlogs, and the high volume of EOIs submitted over the past year.

In practical terms, this means the number of invitations issued in 2025–26 will be lower, even though the overall program size has not changed.

State-by-State Breakdown: From the Biggest Cut to the Biggest Increase

Below is a clear summary of how each state and territory has been affected.

1. South Australia — 41% Cut

South Australia is the hardest hit jurisdiction in Australia. A 41% reduction in the 190 and 491 visas means far fewer invitations, particularly for competitive occupations. Expect very high competition.

South Australia 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 3,000
• 491 visa: 800
• Total: 3,800

South Australia 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 1,350
• 491 visa: 900
• Total: 2,250

Difference: –1,550

2. Tasmania — 35% Cut

Despite a large cut to its 190 and 491 visas, Tasmania remains transparent with its invitation system, offering clearer expectations for applicants.

Tasmania 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 2,100
• 491 visa: 760
• Total: 2,860

Tasmania 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 1,200
• 491 visa: 650
• Total: 1,850

Difference: –1,010

3. Western Australia — 32% Cut

As expected, WA had a 32% cut. Premier Roger Cook tried to prevent this by asking the Federal Government not to proceed with the reductions, given the state’s strong need for skilled migrants — but the attempt was not successful.

Western Australia 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 3,000
• 491 visa: 2,000
• Total: 5,000

Western Australia 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 2,000
• 491 visa: 1,400
• Total: 3,400

Difference: –1,600

4. Victoria — 32% Cut

Victoria’s reductions in the 190 and 491 visas will now limit options for many general skilled migrants.

Victoria 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 3,000
• 491 visa: 2,000
• Total: 5,000

Victoria 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 2,700
• 491 visa: 700
• Total: 3,400

Difference: –1,600

5. New South Wales — 28% Cut

NSW still runs one of the largest skilled migration programs, but the state allocation cut means fewer opportunities and much tighter competition.

New South Wales 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 3,000
• 491 visa: 2,000
• Total: 5,000

New South Wales 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 2,100
• 491 visa: 1,500
• Total: 3,600

Difference: –1,400

6. Australian Capital Territory — 11% Cut

A smaller reduction, but still an overall decrease in nomination opportunities.

Australian Capital Territory 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 1,000
• 491 visa: 800
• Total: 1,800

Australian Capital Territory 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 800
• 491 visa: 800
• Total: 1,600

Difference: –200

States With 190 and 491 Increases in 2025–26

Northern Territory — 3% Increase

A small but notable rise in a year dominated by cuts.

Northern Territory 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 800
• 491 visa: 800
• Total: 1,600

Northern Territory 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 850
• 491 visa: 800
• Total: 1,650

Difference: +50

Queensland — 117% Increase

The biggest surprise — and the biggest winner.
Queensland’s allocation has more than doubled compared to last year.
While numbers remain competitive, this offers meaningful opportunities for eligible applicants.

Queensland 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 600
• 491 visa: 600
• Total: 1,200

Queensland 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 1,850
• 491 visa: 750
• Total: 2,600

Difference: +1,400

Check our table below with all the numbers and the comparison from 2024-25 and 2025-26.

We also published this in our Facebook, Instragram, and TikTok accounts. Follow us for on the spot short updates.

What This Means for Skilled Migrants

The 23% overall reduction in state allocations means:

• fewer invitations
• higher competition across all states
• many occupations may not receive invitations at all
• applicants need stronger strategies beyond just lodging an EOI

Most states continue prioritising critical industries, including:

• Health
• Teaching
• Construction and trades

Applicants in these areas may still have good chance.
However, for many other occupations, relying solely on the 190 or 491 visa this year may not be realistic.

What to Do If Your Occupation Is Affected

If you are considering skilled migration but your pathway has become more competitive or your occupation is no longer on the state lists, there are still visa options in Australia including:

• Employer-sponsored visas (482, 186, 494)
• Training visa (407)
• Partner visas if you have an eligible Australian partner
• Regional employer pathways, including DAMAs

At Work Visa Lawyers, we help individuals and businesses navigate these changes and choose the best possible pathway toward permanent residency.

How to Apply for an Australian Visa

If you want to understand which state gives you the best chance or whether you should lodge an EOI, discuss your visa options and apply for an Australian visa or permanent residency, our immigration lawyers and registered migration agents can assist you.

Book a consultation with one of our migration agents or immigration lawyers.
The meeting can be held in our office in Adelaide or through a video call.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

Australian Immigration News – Latest updates

Major visa cuts, backlogs, and new opportunities revealed at the MIA National Migration Conference

Big changes have just been announced in Australian immigration — including potentially visa quota reductions and major updates straight from the Migration Institute of Australia’s National Migration Conference in Melbourne.

Are your migration plans about to change? Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening.

Migration Quotas and State Nomination – Up to a 30% Cut

The Federal Government has confirmed a total of 185,000 permanent migration places for the 2025–2026 financial year — the same overall number as last year.

However, there’s growing concern that state and territory allocations will be significantly smaller, as the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) continues to face backlogs from unprocessed visa applications.

For example, Western Australia’s Premier Roger Cook is fighting to prevent a reduction from 5,000 to 3,400 skilled migration places. He has formally written to the Federal Government, urging them to reconsider the cuts.

If WA faces a 30% reduction, similar cuts may occur across other states — except for Queensland, which is expected to see an increase after receiving a very small allocation of only 1,200 places last year.

At this stage, only small interim allocations have been released, allowing states to issue a limited number of invitations for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas.

Many states have already published their eligibility criteria for this financial year, and some are already open for Expressions of Interest (EOIs).

A detailed update on each state’s 190 and 491 requirements will be published separately soon.

Deportations and Visa Cancellations

According to several news articles, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the first transfer to Nauru under a new agreement has taken place, triggering an upfront payment of AUD 408 million. The deal — expected to cost around AUD 2.5 billion — has faced criticism from human rights groups.

Additionally, the government has made headlines by denying entry to certain individuals, including Dutch athlete Steven van de Velde, a convicted child sex offender, under section 501 visa cancellation powers.

Key Takeaways from the MIA National Migration Conference 2025

In early October, the Migration Institute of Australia’s National Migration Conference was held in Melbourne. Chris Johnston from Work Visa Lawyers attended the event alongside our lawyer Shamsiya Mohammadi, gathering valuable insights about the government’s direction in migration policy.

Visa Processing and Backlogs

According to Damien Kilner from the Department of Home Affairs, the backlog of pending visa applications remains a serious challenge.

As of October 2025, there are:

• 58,000 pending Subclass 186 Employer-Sponsored Visa applications, compared to an annual target of 44,000 places.

• 98,000 pending Partner Visa applications, with an annual target of 40,500.

This means that the partner visa backlog is growing by approximately 25,000 applications per year, and without major reform, waiting times could extend to five years or more.

DAMA Update – More Regional Flexibility Ahead

The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that it favours full-state DAMA agreements rather than fragmented regional ones.

This suggests that:

• Tasmania may soon receive its own state-wide DAMA.

• Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria could move toward full-state DAMAs, replacing the current patchwork approach with more consistent coverage.

This would provide greater flexibility for employers in regional areas to sponsor overseas workers under the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) program.

Political Debate: Labour vs. Liberal on Migration Policy

The conference also featured a lively political debate between Labour and Liberal representatives.

Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, spoke about rebuilding a coherent migration system after years of inconsistent policies and underinvestment.

Hill confirmed that net overseas migration has fallen by more than 40%, returning to pre-COVID levels, and emphasised the economic importance of international students, who support over 250,000 Australian jobs.

He stated:

“Australia is not facing mass migration — our borders remain tightly controlled.”

Hill also criticised the opposition, saying the Liberals were:

“Both terrified of yet cuddling up to One Nation, calling for ‘massive cuts’ to migration, but never saying how or where that should occur.”

In response, Liberal Senator Paul Scarr, Shadow Minister for Immigration, took a more measured stance.

He argued that:

“Our immigration policy must be in our national interest. But, more than that, the debate in relation to immigration policy must be conducted in a way which is also in our national interest — it must not seek to inflame emotion.”

Scarr called for:

• Greater transparency in the migration program.

• A return to multi-year migration planning (which has not been reintroduced).

• Faster processing times for the new Skills in Demand (SID) 482 visa, which are currently exceeding expectations.

While both sides of politics offered valid points, the ongoing lack of certainty and predictability continues to affect Australian businesses and regional employers struggling with skill shortages — as well as visa applicants themselves seeking confidence in the system.

Where Are the Opportunities for Applicants?

Despite the cuts and backlogs, there are still strong opportunities in key sectors.

Under Ministerial Direction 105, healthcare professionals and teachers are being prioritised for skilled visa processing. 

The federal and state governments are also prioritising construction workers and tradespeople due to the housing crisis. 

For those outside these priority sectors, employer sponsorship or partner visas may be the most practical migration pathways.

Check out our blog “How to find a sponsor”. 

Rising Interest from U.S. Citizens

There has been a noticeable increase in protection visa applications from U.S. citizens between August 2024 and July 2025, according to Department of Home Affairs data.

Work Visa Lawyers has also assisted many U.S. citizens applying for partner visas, reflecting a growing interest in migration pathways to Australia from the United States.

National Innovation Visa Granted – Critical Technology 

The new National Innovation Visa (NIV) continues to show promising results.

In October, Work Visa Lawyers successfully obtained a National Innovation Visa grant for a client working in critical technologies (cyber security).

The processing time was impressively fast, the visa was lodged in August and granted in October, taking just two months.

If you are a global talent or entrepreneur working in high-tech or innovation sectors, you may be eligible for this visa.

You can check your eligibility with our Free NIV Assessment on the Work Visa Lawyers website.

What to Expect Next? 

Australia’s migration landscape is shifting rapidly, with significant cuts to state allocations, extended processing delays, and increasing political debate about migration levels.

While there is uncertainty, opportunities remain strong in healthcare, education, construction, and technology sectors.

At Work Visa Lawyers, we continue to monitor all official updates from the Department of Home Affairs and state and territory governments.

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or YouTube for short updates. 

Applying for an Australian Visa

If you want to discuss your specific situation or visa options, please book an appointment with one of our lawyers.

Our experienced team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents can guide you through your best options.

Contact Work Visa Lawyers today to book a consultation and get personalised advice for your visa pathway.

Book an Appointment

Resicare’s Success Story: How Work Visa Lawyers Helped Solve Regional Workforce Shortages Through the DAMA Program

Finding and keeping skilled staff in regional Australia can be a major challenge, especially in some sectors such as disability care. For Resicare SA, a South Australian disability support provider, this issue became critical when many of their staff began moving back to Adelaide.

Thanks to expert guidance from Work Visa Lawyers, Resicare found a long-term solution through the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) program, helping them rebuild their workforce and continue delivering essential care services across the state.

The Challenge: Regional Workforce Shortages

Resicare had been operating in regional South Australia for several years, but staffing became increasingly difficult.

As Finance and Operations Manager Haroon explained:

“Around two years ago, people started moving back to Adelaide. We had no options to ask them to stay or work for us, and our services were very impacted.”

Without qualified carers in regional areas, Resicare’s ability to support clients was at risk.

The Solution: Partnering with Work Visa Lawyers

That’s when Resicare contacted Work Visa Lawyers for help. After assessing the company’s situation and workforce needs, our team identified the DAMA program as the best solution.

The DAMA allows approved regional employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers under more flexible conditions, including occupations not usually available under standard visa programs.

With our support, Resicare successfully applied for and received DAMA endorsement, enabling them to sponsor skilled disability carers and rebuild their workforce.

Haroon shared:

“The biggest help we received from Work Visa Lawyers was to guide us through the right path — the DAMA program. We built our team, and it’s been more than a year now that we’ve been providing services all over South Australia.”

Expanding Services with Confidence

Resicare’s success under the DAMA has not only solved their immediate workforce shortages but also set them up for growth.

“If we had not received that help from Work Visa Lawyers, we would not be operating in regional areas,” Haroon said. “Now, our plan for this year is to expand our services to Mount Gambier and Naracoorte. We are again working with Work Visa Lawyers for our DAMA renewals.”

When asked if they would recommend Work Visa Lawyers, Haroon commented:

“Absolutely 100%. They are very professional, and we truly believe they can help others just as they helped us.”

About Resicare SA

Resicare SA provides a wide range of disability and community support services, including:

• Supported Independent Living (SIL)
• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
• In-home and respite care
• Community participation and complex needs support

Their services extend across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Work Visa Lawyers and the DAMA Program

Work Visa Lawyers has extensive experience assisting employers across Australia to access skilled overseas workers through the DAMA program. Our team has supported a range of industries — including disability care, agriculture, hospitality, and construction — to meet their staffing needs and grow sustainably.

Here you can learn more about Labour Agreements and DAMAs.

We also have many videos on YouTube explaining the different DAMAs available in each state and territory. Check out our DAMA playlist.

If you or your business need assistance applying for a DAMA, please contact our team of experienced immigration lawyers and registered migration agents.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

Permanent Residency Pathways for Construction Workers - Skilled Occupations That Support Australia’s Housing and Infrastructure Needs

Your skills are in high demand in Australia. As the nation expands its housing and infrastructure, the need for experienced professionals in construction, engineering, and related trades has never been greater. This growing demand creates clear, direct visa pathways to Australian Permanent Residency (PR) for qualified individuals like you.

1. Construction Trades

Carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, tilers, electricians and many other construction workers are essential for residential and commercial building projects. Many of these occupations are included on the skilled occupation lists.

Visa pathways include

1. Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (employer-sponsored)
   • Main Requirements: Must be sponsored by an approved employer, have at least one  year of relevant work experience, have the occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and meet English language criteria. You may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency after two years holding a 482 visa.
2. Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) - 482 visa to 186 PR
   • Main Requirements: The applicant needs to hold a 482 visa for at least 2 years, and the employer must nominate them for permanent residency. Generally, the applicant must also be under 45 years old.
3. Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – PR through employer nomination
   • Main Requirements: Requires a nomination from an Australian employer, a positive skills assessment,at least three years of work experience, have the occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and competent English.
4. Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent, and 190/491 - State Nominated visas
   • Main Requirements: Based on a points system. Requires a positive skills assessment, must be invited to apply, and be under 45 years of age. The Subclass 190 and 491 also require a nomination from a state or territory government. Each state has different criteria and occupation lists.
5. Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
   • Main Requirements: Available in specific regions of Australia. Employers in these areas can sponsor overseas workers, often with concessions for skills, language, and age requirements (up to 55 years old).

Work Visa Lawyers Tip: Our team helps tradespeople prepare for Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) skills assessments and lodge strong skilled visa applications.

2. Engineers

Civil, structural, and electrical engineers are vital for infrastructure development and housing projects.

Visa pathways include

1. Subclass 482 → 186 (TRT) pathway
   • Main Requirements: Begin with an employer-sponsored 482 visa, then transition to the 186 PR visa after working for your employer for a specified period (usually two years).
2. Subclass 186 - Direct Entry pathway
   • Main Requirements: Requires a nomination from an Australian employer, a positive skills assessment, at least three years of relevant work experience, and competent English.
3. Subclass 189/190 - Skilled visas via points or state nomination
   • Main Requirements: A points-based system where candidates need a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia, must meet a points threshold, and be invited to apply. The 190 visa requires state nomination.
4. Subclass 491 - Regional provisional visas leading to 191 PR
   • Main Requirements: Requires nomination by a state/territory or an eligible family member to live and work in a designated regional area. This visa provides a pathway to the permanent 191 visa.

Work Visa Lawyers Tip: We assist engineers with Engineers Australia skills assessments and points-tested visas.

3. Surveyors & Architects

Surveyors and architects support the planning and design side of housing and urban development. These roles are also recognised on the skilled lists.

Visa pathways include

1. Subclass 482 - Employer sponsorship
   • Main Requirements: Requires sponsorship from an approved Australian employer, relevant qualifications, and English language proficiency.
2. Subclass 186 - ENS PR pathway
   • Main Requirements: Can be accessed via the Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition stream. Requires a positive skills assessment and relevant work experience.
3. Subclass 189/190 - Skilled PR visas
   • Main Requirements: A points-tested pathway requiring a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing body, an invitation to apply, and meeting the points threshold.
4. Subclass 491 - Regional provisional visa
   • Main Requirements: Requires nomination from a state or territory to live and work in a regional area, providing a pathway to permanent residency.

Work Visa Lawyers Tip: We provide advice for surveyors and architects navigating migration and state nomination requirements. Check our Employer-Sponsored Visa Services.

4. High-Demand Construction Occupations & Recent Invitation Rounds

Recent Subclass 189 invitation rounds have highlighted the strong demand for construction trades. In the last three 189 visa  rounds, many of these occupations received invitations with a minimum of just 65 points. This demonstrates a clear opportunity for skilled tradespeople seeking permanent residency in Australia.

Examples of occupations invited include:

• Carpenters and Joiners (with 65 points)
• Bricklayers (with 65 points)
• Plumbers (with 65 points)
• Electricians (with 70 points)

Work Visa Lawyers Tip: We stay on top of migration trends and can advise you on your points score and chances of receiving an invitation.

Building Australia’s Future

From trades and engineers to surveyors and project managers, skilled professionals are central to Australia’s housing and infrastructure development. If you’re qualified in these areas, there are clear visa pathways available.

How Work Visa Lawyers Can Help

At Work Visa Lawyers, our Adelaide-based team—founded by Immigration Lawyer Chris Johnston in 2011—specialises in Australian visa pathways for skilled workers.

Since 2011, we’ve helped thousands of skilled workers, families, and businesses with their migration matters. Whether you’re a carpenter, engineer, or architect, we can help you plan your pathway to Australia.

Book a consultation to explore your visa options.

Book an Appointment

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Australia

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for nurses around the world. With its high-quality healthcare system, strong demand for healthcare workers, and excellent career opportunities, many internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs) are choosing to build their future here.

If you're exploring how to become a registered nurse in Australia, this guide offers a complete breakdown of pathways, visa options, and registration procedures.

Applications for registration and renewals can be completed online through the Ahpra portal.

The portal allows applicants to create or log in to an account to start an application, update contact details, request a certificate of good standing or certificate of registration, and manage updates such as changing the principal place of practice or reporting a notifiable event.

Registration and Immigration – Two Separate Processes

If you want to work as a nurse or midwife in Australia, you need to go through two different applications:

Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) via Ahpra – to legally practice as a nurse or midwife.

• This checks qualifications, English skills, and whether the applicant meets professional standards.
• Without NMBA registration, you cannot legally work as a nurse/midwife in Australia, even if you have a visa.

Visa with the Department of Home Affairs – to live and work in Australia.

• This allows you to enter, live, and work in Australia.
• Without a visa, you cannot stay or be employed in the country — even if you have NMBA registration.

NMBA’s Registration Standards

Before you can work, you must meet the NMBA’s registration standards. These include:

• Criminal history check → Authorities review your past records to ensure suitability for healthcare roles.
• English language skills → Proof of English proficiency is required via one of the following:
  • IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0, with 7.0 in each band.
  • OET (Nursing): B in each band.
  • PTE Academic: Overall 65, with 65 in each band.
  • TOEFL iBT: Total 94 (L:24, R:24, W:27, S:23).
    Results may be from one sitting or two within six months (minimum criteria apply).
• Recency of practice → You must show recent clinical experience.
• Professional indemnity insurance (PII) → You need to be covered for professional practice incidents.

Qualification Criteria

Qualifications are assessed for equivalence to Australian standards. The NMBA checks:

1. Recognition for registration – Must be officially recognised in your home country.
2. Accreditation – Programs must be accredited and include clinical placements.
3. Academic level – Equivalent to:
   • Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree for registered nurses/midwives.
   • Level 5 Diploma for enrolled nurses.

Country Classifications

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) has reviewed nursing and midwifery qualifications from different countries and grouped them into three categories. This classification helps determine the likely pathway you will follow toward Ahpra registration and is critical for internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs) pursuing careers in Australia.

Likely to Meet Standards (Fast-Track Recognition)

If you trained in one of the following countries, your qualification is usually considered equivalent to Australian standards:

• Canada
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Republic of Ireland
• Hong Kong (nursing only)

These candidates often follow a faster registration process with limited additional assessment.

May Meet Standards (Case-by-Case Assessment)

If you studied in one of the following countries, your qualifications may be accepted, but they’ll be assessed individually:

• Belgium (Flanders)
• Denmark
• Finland
• Germany
• Hong Kong (midwifery)
• Israel
• Malaysia
• Netherlands
• Norway (nursing)
• Pakistan
• Portugal
• Singapore
• South Africa
• Republic of Korea (South Korea)
• Spain
• Sweden

A detailed review will determine whether additional testing or bridging is needed.

Unlikely to Meet Standards (Additional Steps Required)

Qualifications from the countries below are generally not considered equivalent. Most applicants in this group will need to complete the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) or undertake an approved bridging or transition program in Australia.

• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Argentina
• Austria
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Belgium (Walloon region)
• Bhutan
• Bosnia
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Cyprus
• Egypt
• Estonia
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
• France
• Georgia
• Ghana
• Greece
• India
• Iran
• Iraq
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kenya
• Lebanon
• Lithuania
• Macedonia
• Malawi
• Malta
• Morocco
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• Oman
• Occupied Palestinian Territory
• Papua New Guinea
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Romania
• Russia
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Saudi Arabia
• Serbia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• Sri Lanka
• Swaziland (now Eswatini)
• Switzerland
• Sudan
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Tonga
• Turkey
• Uganda
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
  

Applicants in this category typically need to complete the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) pathway, which includes:

• NCLEX-RN-style multiple-choice exam
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) conducted in Australia

Alternatively, you may complete an Approved Program of Study in Australia, such as a bridging or transition program to meet the NMBA’s registration standards.

Step-by-Step Pathway to Becoming a Nurse in Australia

1. Review NMBA registration standards
2. Complete the Self-Check on Ahpra’s website
   This determines if you fall under Stream A, B or C.
3. Follow the pathway:
   • Stream A: Equivalent → Orientation + documentation
   • Stream B: Relevant but not equivalent → OBA (exams + portfolio)
   • Stream C: Not equivalent → Bridging or further study
4. Apply for NMBA registration via Ahpra, ensuring you meet all requirements
5. Apply for an Australian visa through the Department of Home Affairs
   • Skilled Migration, Employer-Sponsored, or Student Visa
6. Secure employment
   • Registration is required before starting work.
7. Relocate and begin work in Australia

ANMAC vs NMBA – Know the Difference

• ANMAC assesses your qualifications/work experience for visa/migration purposes.
• NMBA (via Ahpra) handles professional registration.

You must pass both if you plan to migrate and practice.

Fees for Nurses and Midwives (October 2025)

Application Fees

• General registration: AU$ 332
• Recent graduates (approved Australian programs): AU$ 97
• Non-practising: AU$ 39
• Fast-track application: AU$ 60

Annual Registration Renewal

• General: AU$ 193 (NSW: AU$ 189)
• Non-practising: AU$ 39

IQNM Fees

• Assessment & Orientation: AU$ 410
• NCLEX-RN Score Transfer: AU$ 250
• OSCE: AU$ 4,000
• Preliminary review: AU$ 575
• Tertiary review: AU$ 2,500

If you need assistance with your nursing visa, employer sponsorship, or other work-related visa options, get in touch with our team of experienced immigration lawyers and registered migration agents at Work Visa Lawyers.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer