Moving to Australia as a nurse from Nigeria

Your likely registration route

Nigerian-trained nurses usually follow the standard IQNM process. Both general nursing diplomas and BNSc degrees occur; your qualification decides your stream.

Your home regulator

You will need verification from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). Some regulators send verification directly to Ahpra or ANMAC, which takes time. Start this first.

Step by step from Nigeria

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 Nigeria

• Request NMCN verification and certificate of good standing early.
• Many Nigerian nurses hold both nursing and midwifery qualifications; decide which registration you are applying for.
• English test results are usually needed for NMBA, even though English is an official language in Nigeria. Check the standard.
• Document all clinical placements clearly.

If you have worked in a comparable country

Nigerian-trained nurses who registered in the UK and practised there for 1,800 hours since 2017 may be 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