Registered Nurse (Surgical) — Subclass 482 Pathway
Skills in Demand visa · 1-4 years (Specialist Skills, Core Skills, or Essential Skills stream)
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $1,455 short-term / from $3,035 medium-term (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~1-4 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.
Skills assessment is only required for some occupation/passport combinations — the assessing body is the same one listed for the ANZSCO code.
Registered Nurse (Surgical) × Subclass 482 — pathway overview
Registered Nurses specialising in surgical care (ANZSCO 254424) qualify for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa under the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Australian public and private hospitals frequently use the 482 program to sponsor surgical nursing staff when local recruitment has not produced sufficient candidates. An employer with Standard Business Sponsorship must nominate the surgical nursing position. Labour market testing is required to confirm the genuine shortage. The applicant must have at least two years of surgical nursing experience. Salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold. Skills are assessed by ANMAC. NMBA registration is required to work as a nurse. English language proficiency standards apply under the Medium stream. Health and character checks must be satisfied. The 482 visa is valid for up to four years and can act as a bridge to the permanent 186 ENS visa. 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 482. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Nominated by an approved Australian sponsor
- Position pays at least the relevant Core Skills Income Threshold
- At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Positive skills assessment if required for the occupation/passport combination
- Vocational English (IELTS 5.0 in each component or equivalent)
- 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.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 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.