How To Complete AHPRA & ANMAC Skill Assessment
Australia is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for healthcare professionals — and for good reason. With a chronic shortage of skilled nurses, midwives, and allied health workers, Australia actively welcomes internationally qualified practitioners. For UAE-based health professionals, 2026 presents a remarkable window of opportunity. But before you pack your stethoscope, there’s one essential process you must complete: your AHPRA or ANMAC skills assessment.
This guide breaks down exactly what AHPRA and ANMAC are, how they differ, and the precise steps you need to follow to secure your Australian health registration in 2026.
AHPRA vs ANMAC: What's the Difference?
Many applicants confuse AHPRA and ANMAC — and understandably so. Here’s a simple breakdown:
AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) is the national body responsible for registering health practitioners in Australia across 16 regulated health professions, including nurses and midwives. It is your direct route to becoming a registered practitioner in Australia.
ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) conducts skills assessments specifically for nurses and midwives who are applying for migration visas (such as the Skilled Independent Visa 189 or Employer Sponsored Visa 482). ANMAC issues a formal skills assessment outcome letter that you present to the Department of Home Affairs.
In short: if you want to work in Australia, you need AHPRA registration. If you want a migration visa as a nurse or midwife, you typically need ANMAC first. These are two separate but often sequential processes.
Who Needs to Complete These Assessments?
You need an AHPRA and/or ANMAC assessment if you are:
1. A registered nurse or midwife trained outside Australia
2. An allied health professional (e.g., physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist) seeking registration in Australia
3. A healthcare professional in the UAE or GCC currently on a work visa and planning skilled migration to Australia
4. A medical professional applying under Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
Even if you hold a valid license in the UAE or your home country, Australia requires you to meet its own regulatory standards. There are no shortcuts — but with the right guidance, the process is very manageable.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete Your ANMAC Skills Assessment
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure your nursing or midwifery qualification meets ANMAC standards.
Stream A: Qualifications equivalent to Australian standards (most UAE-based international nurses apply here).
Stream B: Requires bridging program or supervised practice.
Step 2: Create ANMAC Account
Register on the official ANMAC portal to submit and track your application.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Key documents include:
Certified qualifications & transcripts
Valid nursing registration
English test results (IELTS/OET/TOEFL)
Minimum 12 months work experience (last 5 years)
Statutory declaration
Passport copy & photos
Application fee payment
Non-English documents must be NAATI translated.
Step 4: Submit Application
Complete and review your form carefully. Errors or missing documents can cause delays.
Step 5: Assessment Processing
Processing usually takes 12–16 weeks, depending on case complexity.
Step 6: Outcome Letter
If approved, you receive a Positive Skills Assessment Letter, required for your Australian visa application.
Step-by-Step: How to Register with AHPRA
After receiving your ANMAC outcome (or if applying directly via employer sponsorship), proceed with AHPRA registration:
Visit the AHPRA website and select Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
Create an online account and start your registration application.
Upload required documents:
Qualifications
English test results (IELTS/OET, if applicable)
Identity documents
Criminal history declaration
Professional indemnity insurance details
Pay the application fee.
Await assessment (AHPRA may request additional documents).
Once approved, you’ll receive your AHPRA registration number and can legally practice in Australia.
Important: English test results must be valid (typically 2–3 years), unless exempt based on approved English-speaking practice history.
English Language Requirements: What You Need to Know
English language proficiency is a non-negotiable requirement for both ANMAC and AHPRA. Accepted tests include:
- OET (Occupational English Test) — Minimum Grade B in all four components. This is the most recommended test for healthcare professionals, as it uses medical scenarios.
- IELTS Academic — Minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components, with an overall band of 7.0.
- TOEFL iBT — Specific minimum scores apply per sub-component.
For Dubai-based professionals, OET preparation courses are available locally, and Abroad Routes partners with accredited test preparation providers to help you achieve the scores you need.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
Based on extensive experience supporting healthcare professionals from the UAE, these are the most common and costly mistakes applicants make:
- Submitting uncertified or incorrectly certified documents — all copies must be certified by an approved authority
- Overlooking the 12-month work experience requirement — gaps in practice or employment in non-clinical roles can complicate your assessment
- Using outdated English language test results — always check the validity date
- Not allowing sufficient processing time — begin the ANMAC process at least 6 months in advance of any visa deadline
- Applying under the wrong stream (A or B) without professional guidance
Timeline: How Long Does the Full Process Take?
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation | 4–8 weeks |
| OET/IELTS Preparation & Testing | 8–16 weeks |
| ANMAC Assessment | 12–16 weeks |
| AHPRA Registration | 4–8 weeks |
| Visa Application (After Assessment) | Varies by visa type |
| Total Estimated Timeline | 6–12 months (end-to-end) |
Starting early and working with experienced immigration consultants can significantly streamline this timeline.
How Abroad Routes Can Help You Navigate AHPRA & ANMAC
At Abroad Routes, we’ve helped hundreds of healthcare professionals in the UAE successfully complete their AHPRA and ANMAC assessments and go on to build fulfilling careers in Australia. Our dedicated skilled migration team provides:
– Comprehensive document review and pre-submission audit to eliminate errors
– Guidance on choosing the right visa pathway (Subclass 189, 190, 482, 494, and more)
– Coordination with our partner law firms and registered migration agents in Australia
– Support with English language test preparation through accredited providers
– End-to-end case management from initial consultation through to visa grant
Australia isn’t just a destination — it’s a new beginning. And Abroad Routes is here to make that journey smoother, faster, and more certain.
Book a free consultation with our skilled migration specialists today. We’ll assess your profile, clarify your pathway, and create a personalized roadmap to Australian registration.
FAQ's:
Q1. Is ANMAC mandatory for all nurses?
ANMAC is required for most skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491). Employer-sponsored applicants (Subclass 482) may proceed directly with AHPRA. The right pathway depends on your profile.
Q2. Can I apply for ANMAC and AHPRA at the same time?
In some cases, yes. However, AHPRA may require additional documents, including employer details. A parallel strategy should be assessed case-by-case.
Q3. How long is ANMAC valid?
A positive ANMAC outcome is generally valid for 3 years from the issue date.
Q4. What if my ANMAC result is unsuccessful?
You may request a review or complete additional training/supervised practice (Stream B), depending on the outcome.
Q5. Does Abroad Routes handle the full migration process?
Yes. Abroad Routes provides end-to-end support — skills assessment, visa application, state nomination, and settlement guidance.
26
Feb
25
Feb
24
Feb
