Who hires
| Employer type | What to know |
|---|---|
| State and territory public health services | Large employers; pay set by state enterprise agreements; some run international recruitment campaigns |
| Private hospital groups | Recruit across states; may sponsor; pay set by their own agreements |
| Aged care providers | Strong ongoing demand; some sponsor internationally qualified RNs |
| Regional and remote health services | Often recruit actively; regional visa options may apply |
| Recruitment agencies | Connect nurses to employers; check the fees and contract terms |
When employers will consider you
Most employers want you to hold NMBA registration, or to be close to it, before making a firm offer. Some recruitment programs start interviewing while your registration is in progress.
Where to look
- State health department careers websites
- Hospital group careers pages
- Major job boards, filtered for visa sponsorship
- Specialist nursing recruiters
Warning: you should not have to pay an employer for a job or sponsorship. In Australia it is generally unlawful for sponsors to ask for payment in return for sponsorship. Report anyone who asks.
Aged care nursingDemand, roles, sponsorship
ICU and emergencyCritical care roles
Mental health nursingSpecialist pathway rules
Regional nursingWork and visa advantages
Sponsorship jobsHow to find a sponsor
Official sources to check
Last checked 10 November 2026. If a rule here conflicts with the official page, the official page is correct. Report an error.