Registered Nurse (Surgical) — Subclass 190 Pathway
Skilled Nominated visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- State / territory nomination required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-14 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 for migration purposes — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Registered Nurse (Surgical) × Subclass 190 — pathway overview
Registered Nurses (Surgical) under ANZSCO 254424 can access the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa. Surgical nursing shortages in Australian hospitals have led multiple states and territories to actively nominate this occupation. State nomination awards five additional points in the points test, helping applicants receive invitations in competitive SkillSelect rounds. State and territory nomination requirements differ and may include minimum employment experience, demonstrated intention to reside in the state, and English language thresholds. Surgical nurses should review each state's occupation list and nomination criteria. Some states prioritise candidates already working or residing locally. A positive ANMAC skills assessment is required before lodging an EOI. After receiving both state nomination and an invitation from SkillSelect, the 190 visa application is submitted to the Department of Home Affairs. NMBA registration is required. Health, character, and English language 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 190. 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 occupation on a state list
- State or territory nomination (each state runs its own program)
- Commitment to live and work in the nominating state
- 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.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 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.