Registered Nurses nec ANZSCO 254499 provide essential nursing care in hospitals, aged care, community health services, and other healthcare facilities. This classification includes nurses who do not fall under specific registered nursing specializations. With high demand for healthcare professionals in Australia, this occupation is listed in various skilled migration programs, offering multiple pathways for registered nurses to work and settle permanently in Australia.
This guide outlines the responsibilities, skills assessment process, and visa pathways available for Registered Nurses nec migrating to Australia.
Role and Responsibilities of a Registered Nurse nec
Registered Nurses nec deliver comprehensive nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings. Their responsibilities include:
- Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care in line with accepted nursing practices and healthcare standards.
- Collaborating with healthcare teams, including doctors, specialists, and allied health professionals, to coordinate patient care.
- Administering treatments, medications, and monitoring patient responses.
- Educating patients and their families on treatment options, recovery plans, and ongoing healthcare needs.
- Promoting public health initiatives through education and preventive care programs.
- Supervising and mentoring enrolled nurses and other healthcare workers.
Skills Assessment for Registered Nurses nec
A skills assessment is a mandatory requirement for skilled migration visas. The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is the designated skills assessment authority for Registered Nurses nec. To obtain a positive skills assessment, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following tests:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7 in each component.
- OET: Minimum score of B in each component.
- PTE Academic: Minimum overall score of 65.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 94 (with minimum section scores of 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing, and 23 in speaking).
2. Educational Equivalence
Applicants must provide:
- Graduation certificates and transcripts for all completed nursing qualifications.
- A transcript specifying the number of hours completed in theoretical and practical training.
3. Professional Practice
Applicants must have worked as a registered nurse within the past five years. Required documentation includes:
- Professional reference letters on official letterhead.
- Letters must be written by a direct supervisor who is also a registered nurse.
- The letter must be dated, signed, and include an official hospital email and phone number (mobile numbers are not accepted).
ANMAC provides professional reference templates and instructional videos to guide applicants through the skills assessment process.
Visa Pathways for Registered Nurses nec
Registered Nurses nec (ANZSCO 254499) are included in Australia’s skilled migration program, offering various visa options, including permanent and employer-sponsored pathways.
1. Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa that does not require employer or state sponsorship. This visa is ideal for nurses who meet the skills assessment requirements and have a competitive points score.
- Permanent residency with full work and study rights.
- No employer or state sponsorship required.
- Requires a minimum of 65 points to be eligible.
2. Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory. Each state has different nomination criteria based on demand for healthcare professionals.
- Requires a positive skills assessment and state nomination.
- Permanent residency with full work and study rights.
- Applicants must commit to living and working in the nominated state for a specified period.
3. Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 491 visa is a regional skilled work visa offering a pathway to permanent residency. It requires nomination by a state/territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member in a regional area.
- Valid for five years, with a pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191).
- Requires state nomination or sponsorship from a regional-based family member.
- Applicants must live and work in regional Australia.
4. Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate Visa (Graduate Work Stream)
The Subclass 485 visa allows recent graduates of Australian institutions to stay and work in Australia temporarily. This is an ideal option for international nursing graduates seeking Australian work experience.
- Valid for up to 2 years with full work rights.
- Requires completion of a CRICOS-registered course in Australia.
5. Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa. It allows registered nurses to obtain permanent residency through employer nomination.
- Requires a job offer from an Australian employer.
- At least three years of post-qualification work experience required.
- Provides immediate permanent residency.
6. Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa
The Subclass 494 visa is a regional employer-sponsored visa that provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years.
- Requires an employer nomination in a designated regional area.
- Applicants must commit to working for the employer for three years.
- Leads to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
7. Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Medium-Term Stream)
The Subclass 482 visa allows Australian employers to sponsor registered nurses on a temporary basis.
- Valid for up to four years.
- Requires employer sponsorship and a job offer in a relevant healthcare role.
- Provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 visa.
Why Choose VisaTasker?
At VisaTasker, we specialize in assisting Registered Nurses in navigating the complex Australian migration system. Our expert team provides end-to-end support for skills assessments, visa applications, and migration pathways. We tailor our services to your unique qualifications and experience, ensuring the highest chance of success. Our MARA-registered migration agents stay updated on policy changes to offer the most accurate guidance.
Contact VisaTasker today to start your journey toward a successful Australian nursing career!