Study Nursing in Australia: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

Study Nursing in Australia: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

By Oz Immi Advisors – The Best Migration Agent Parramatta Sydney

Australia’s healthcare industry continues to thrive, and qualified nurses remain in high demand across the nation. For many international students, studying nursing in Australia is not just a rewarding career choice — it’s also one of the most reliable pathways to Australian Permanent Residency (PR).

At Oz Immi Advisors, the best migration agent Parramatta Sydney, we often receive questions like:

“Can nursing really help me get PR in Australia?”

While no course can guarantee permanent residency, nursing has consistently proven to be one of the strongest PR-oriented fields, offering incredible career prospects and long-term settlement opportunities.


🌏 Why Nursing Is a Strong Pathway to PR in Australia

Australia has faced an ongoing shortage of skilled nurses for more than a decade, and this demand is projected to grow through 2025 and beyond.
Registered nurses, enrolled nurses, and midwives remain on Australia’s Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making them eligible for Skilled Migration Visas.

This means nursing graduates have access to multiple migration pathways, including subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas.

If you dream of building a successful healthcare career and settling in Australia permanently, nursing offers one of the clearest and most achievable routes.


👩‍⚕️ Who Can Apply for Nursing PR in Australia?

Whether you’re an international student in Australia or an overseas-qualified nurse, there are specific pathways for both.

1. International Students Studying Nursing in Australia

You can enroll in:

  • Bachelor of Nursing (3 years) – Offered by most Australian universities.

  • Master of Nursing (2 years) – For students with a background in health sciences.

After completing your course, you can:

  1. Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

  2. Gain Australian work experience.

  3. Apply for a skills assessment and then for PR under a skilled visa category.


2. Overseas-Qualified Nurses

If you’ve completed nursing abroad, you’ll need to:

  • Get your qualification assessed by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

  • Demonstrate English proficiency:

    • IELTS: Minimum 7 in each band, or

    • PTE: 65–72 overall.

  • Complete a Bridging Program or Transition Course (3–6 months) costing approximately AUD 12,000–15,000.

After completing these steps, you can register as a Registered Nurse (RN) and begin working in Australia.


📋 PR Eligibility Criteria for Nurses

To apply for Australian PR as a nurse, you must generally meet the following requirements:

Recognised Nursing Qualification (Bachelor or Master of Nursing)
English Language Proficiency (IELTS 7 or PTE equivalent)
Positive Skills Assessment from ANMAC
AHPRA Registration as a Registered Nurse
Minimum PR Points – At least 65, though 70–80 is more competitive
Work Experience – Local or international experience is beneficial


🪜 Step-by-Step PR Process for Nurses

Step 1: Skills Assessment (ANMAC)

Once registered, apply for your skills assessment through ANMAC. This confirms your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.

Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

You’ll need to lodge an EOI via SkillSelect. Although 65 points is the minimum requirement, Oz Immi Advisors—the best migration agent Parramatta Sydney—recommends having at least 70–75 points to boost your chances.

Step 3: Choose Your PR Visa Subclass

Visa SubclassTypeDescription
189Skilled IndependentNo sponsorship; work anywhere in Australia. Best for applicants with 80+ points.
190Skilled NominatedState-nominated visa; generally requires 70+ points.
491Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)Regional visa; live and work in a regional area for 3 years before applying for PR. 65–70 points is usually enough.

💼 Why Choose Oz Immi Advisors?

Applying for Australian PR as a nurse can be complex — but with expert guidance, the journey becomes much smoother.

At Oz Immi Advisors, the best migration agent Parramatta Sydney, we provide:

  • Comprehensive eligibility assessments

  • Assistance with AHPRA & ANMAC applications

  • Personalized PR strategy planning

  • Visa preparation and lodgment

  • Expert support for regional and state nomination programs

Our MARA-registered migration agent, Priyanka Kansal (MARN 2016611), has helped countless nursing professionals achieve their PR dreams in Australia.


🌟 Final Thoughts

Nursing remains one of the most promising and in-demand careers in Australia, offering both professional growth and a strong pathway to permanent residency.
Whether you are studying nursing in Australia or are an overseas-qualified nurse, your dream of settling in Australia is achievable with the right guidance.

Let Oz Immi Advisors, the best migration agent Parramatta Sydney, guide you every step of the way — from your first nursing course to your PR visa grant.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is nursing still a PR pathway in 2025?

Yes, absolutely! Nursing continues to be on Australia’s MLTSSL, which means it remains a high-demand occupation with multiple PR visa options available.


2. What is the minimum PTE or IELTS score for nurses in Australia?

You’ll need a minimum of 65–72 in PTE or IELTS 7.0 in each band to qualify for AHPRA registration and migration assessment.


3. How many PR points do I need as a nurse?

While the minimum requirement is 65 points, we recommend targeting 70–80 points for a better chance at receiving an invitation.


4. Can I apply for PR directly after completing a nursing degree in Australia?

Yes, you can — but you must first complete your AHPRA registration, obtain a positive ANMAC assessment, and meet the minimum points requirement.


5. How can Oz Immi Advisors help me with my PR application?

At Oz Immi Advisors, the best migration agent Parramatta Sydney, we help you with every step — from skills assessment and EOI preparation to visa lodgment and post-PR support. Our experienced team ensures your application is accurate, compliant, and positioned for success. 

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