Moving to Australia as a nurse from Nepal

Your likely registration route

Nepali-trained nurses generally follow the standard IQNM process. PCL diploma and B.Sc. or BNS qualifications can lead to different streams.

Your home regulator

You will need verification from the Nepal Nursing Council. Some regulators send verification directly to Ahpra or ANMAC, which takes time. Start this first.

Step by step from Nepal

1. Check whether you meet the streamlined standard through registration in another country; if not, complete the Self-check.
2. Meet the NMBA English standard: book IELTS Academic, OET, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT, unless an exemption applies.
3. Complete your stream steps, which may include the NCLEX-RN and OSCE.
4. Choose a visa: points-tested (189, 190, 491) or employer-sponsored (482, 186, 494).
5. Apply for the right ANMAC assessment if your visa needs one.
6. Gather visa documents, including police certificates and health examinations.

Tips for nurses from Nepal

• Obtain verification from the Nepal Nursing Council.
• Ensure your transcript lists theory and clinical hours.
• If your qualification may be placed in Stream C, research Australian study options before paying any agent.
• Plan English test preparation early; NMBA section minimums are demanding.

If you have worked in a comparable country

Nurses who later register and practise in a comparable jurisdiction may become eligible for Pathway 2.

Common difficulties

• Slow verification from the home regulator or university
• Name or date inconsistencies across documents
• English section scores just below the minimum
• Using unregistered agents who promise guaranteed outcomes