Registered Nurse (Medical) — Subclass 494 Pathway
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa · 5 years provisional → PR pathway via Subclass 191
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 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
- ~9-18 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 494 — pathway overview
Registered Nurses specialising in medical care (ANZSCO 254418) may be sponsored under the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, with this occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The 494 visa is an employer-sponsored points-tested pathway for skilled workers willing to work in regional Australia. Employer sponsorship is required, with the sponsoring business operating in a designated regional area and holding Standard Business Sponsorship approval. The employer must nominate the position and demonstrate labour market testing has been completed. The 494 visa is granted for five years, during which the holder must remain employed with the sponsoring employer in the regional area. After three years of regional work and meeting income requirements, holders may apply for permanent residence via the Subclass 191 visa. A skills assessment from ANMAC is mandatory, with registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia required. English language proficiency standards apply. Health and character requirements must be satisfied. 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 494. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at application
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation
- Three years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Nominated by an approved regional employer in a designated regional area
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Registered Nurse (Medical)
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 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.
State nominations for Registered Nurse (Medical)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.