The six visas most nurses consider
| Visa | Type | Sponsor or nominator | Skills assessment | Permanent? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 Skilled Independent | Points-tested | None; invitation through SkillSelect | Required | Yes |
| 190 Skilled Nominated | Points-tested | State or territory nomination | Required | Yes |
| 491 Skilled Work Regional | Points-tested, provisional | State/territory nomination or eligible relative | Required | Pathway via subclass 191 |
| 482 Skills in Demand | Employer-sponsored, temporary | Approved employer | Depends on circumstances | Pathway via 186 |
| 186 Employer Nomination Scheme | Employer-sponsored, permanent | Employer | Required in Direct Entry stream | Yes |
| 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional | Employer-sponsored, provisional | Regional employer | Generally required | Pathway via subclass 191 |
Not every nurse qualifies for every visa. Eligibility depends on age, English, points, occupation lists, skills assessment, health, character and, for sponsored visas, a genuine position. Only Home Affairs decides visas.
Points-tested or sponsored?
Points-tested visas suit nurses who score well on age, English and experience and want freedom to choose an employer. You lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and wait for an invitation, which is competitive and not guaranteed.
Employer-sponsored visas suit nurses with a job offer. Health and aged care employers have sponsored many internationally qualified nurses. The employer must be an approved sponsor and nominate the position.
Family
Most of these visas let you include your partner and dependent children. See bringing your family.
Official sources to check
- Department of Home Affairs: Visa listing
- Home Affairs: SkillSelect
- OMARA: Register of migration agents
Last checked 10 November 2026. If a rule here conflicts with the official page, the official page is correct. Report an error.