Registered Nurse (Medical) — Subclass 186 Pathway
Employer Nomination Scheme visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,770 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~6-15 months (median)
Key facts at a glance
Data compiled from official sources. Always verify on the relevant authority’s website before acting.
- SkillSelect points cutoff(Subclass 189)
- 75 points— November 2025 roundView all rounds →
- Skills assessment fee
- AUD 400–500via Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council· ~8-16 weeks processing
All figures are indicative. Fees and points cutoffs change frequently — always verify on immi.gov.au and the relevant state/authority website before lodging.
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Registered Nurse (Medical) for migration purposes is handled by: ANMAC.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Registered Nurse (Medical) × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Registered Nurses specialising in medical care (ANZSCO 254418) are eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, with this occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream requires employer nomination, meaning an approved Australian employer must sponsor the application and demonstrate a genuine vacancy that cannot be filled by local workers. Labour market testing must be completed prior to lodgement. A skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is mandatory. ANMAC evaluates the applicant's qualifications, clinical training, and professional registration against Australian standards. Applicants must hold or be eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). English language proficiency requirements apply, with minimum scores set across IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. The 186 visa grants permanent residence, allowing the holder to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Health and character assessments are required for all applicants. Application fees are payable to the Department of Home Affairs, and processing timeframes vary. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 186. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at application (with limited exemptions)
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Nominated by an approved Australian employer
- Positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation (Direct Entry stream)
- At least three years of relevant work experience (Direct Entry stream)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Registered Nurse (Medical)
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Registered Nurse (Medical)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.