Registered Nurse (Surgical) — Subclass 189 Pathway
Skilled Independent visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- No sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-15 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 (Surgical) for migration purposes is handled by: ANMAC.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — the one listed for the nominated ANZSCO code on this site.
Registered Nurse (Surgical) × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Surgical Registered Nurses (ANZSCO 254424) may apply for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, which is available because surgical nursing is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The 189 visa offers a points-tested permanent pathway to Australia without requiring employer sponsorship or state government nomination. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation to apply. Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, skilled employment experience, qualifications, and other factors. Surgical nursing experience in both public and private hospital settings strengthens the employment history component of the points test. ANMAC must issue a positive skills assessment before the EOI is submitted. Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia is required. English language proficiency must be demonstrated through IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. Health and character assessments are mandatory. 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 189. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated MLTSSL occupation
- Submit Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and meet pass mark (currently 65, effective competitive minimum 90+)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Registered Nurse (Surgical)
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 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 (Surgical)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.