Registered Nurse (Perioperative) — 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 (Perioperative) 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 (Perioperative) × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Registered Nurses specialising in perioperative care (ANZSCO 254423) are eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, with the occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Perioperative nursing encompasses scrub, scout, and anaesthetic nursing roles in surgical environments, and Australian hospitals actively seek qualified specialists in this area. The Direct Entry stream of the 186 visa allows employer nomination of overseas perioperative nurses without requiring a prior temporary skilled visa. Sponsoring employers must demonstrate a genuine need for the position and complete labour market testing to confirm local workers are unavailable. A positive skills assessment from ANMAC is required. Qualifications, clinical experience in perioperative nursing, and professional registration eligibility are all assessed. Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia is mandatory. English language proficiency, health checks, and character requirements must all be met. 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 (Perioperative)
- 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 (Perioperative)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.