Australia is one of the most popular destinations for internationally qualified nurses seeking better career prospects, quality of life, and permanent residency. However, navigating the process to work and settle in Australia as a nurse can be confusing, especially when it comes to assessments and approvals.
Two key authorities often mentioned are ANMAC and AHPRA. Both play vital but very different roles in your journey to becoming a registered nurse in Australia.
Many nurses ask:
Do I need to apply to both ANMAC and AHPRA?
Which one comes first?
Are they for PR or for work?
What documents do they need?
If you’re a nurse planning to migrate to Australia, this detailed guide will help you clearly understand ANMAC vs. AHPRA – their purpose, differences, and how each fits into your migration pathway.
Why Nurses Need Assessments Before Migrating to Australia
To work in Australia as a nurse and eventually apply for permanent residency (PR), you need to go through several steps. Two of the most crucial are:
- Skills Assessment (required for PR visas)
- Professional Registration (required to practice as a nurse)
- This is where ANMAC and AHPRA come in.
Think of it like this:
ANMAC helps the Australian government decide if you’re a suitably skilled nurse for migration.
AHPRA ensures you’re qualified and safe to practice as a nurse in Australia.
Now, let’s explore both in detail.
What is ANMAC?
ANMAC stands for the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. It is the designated assessing authority for the Department of Home Affairs when it comes to skilled migration applications for nurses.
✅ Purpose:
ANMAC conducts a Skills Assessment to verify whether your qualifications, work experience, and English language skills meet Australia’s standards for skilled migration.
👩⚕️ Who Needs an ANMAC Assessment?
If you are planning to apply for a visa under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program (like subclass 189, 190, or 491), then you must get a positive skills assessment from ANMAC.
🧾 Documents Required:
- Nursing qualification certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of nursing registration/license in your home country
- Employment references (if applicable)
- English language test results (IELTS, OET, PTE or TOEFL)
🗓️ Processing Time & Fees:
Standard processing time: 12–16 weeks
Cost: AUD $515–$550 (as of 2025; subject to change)
💡 Note:
ANMAC does not give you the right to work as a nurse. It’s purely a migration requirement.
What is AHPRA?
AHPRA stands for the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. It is responsible for the registration of health professionals, including nurses and midwives, in Australia.
🎯 Purpose:
AHPRA ensures that all practicing health professionals meet the standards of safety, competence, and ethics.
For nurses, AHPRA works in conjunction with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
🧑⚕️ Who Needs AHPRA Registration?
If you plan to work as a nurse in Australia, you must be registered with AHPRA. This is required even if you're already in Australia or have received a PR visa.
📝 Documents Required:
- Proof of nursing qualifications
- Evidence of registration in your home country
- Criminal history check
- Proof of English proficiency
- Resume and CV
- Statement of Service (employment evidence)
- Identity documents
🔄 Bridging Program (if applicable):
Some overseas nurses may need to complete a bridging program like the Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA) if their qualifications are not deemed equivalent to Australian standards.
🕒 Processing Time & Fees:
Processing time: 8–12 weeks (can vary depending on background)
Cost: Varies by registration type; approx. AUD $300–$600
ANMAC vs. AHPRA – The Key Differences
Here's a side-by-side comparison of ANMAC and AHPRA to make it easy to understand:
| Feature | ANMAC | AHPRA |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council | Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency |
| Purpose | Assess skills for PR visa | Register nurses to work in Australia |
| Needed For | Skilled Migration (PR) visa | Employment and practice as a nurse |
| Type of Assessment | Skills assessment (education + English) | Registration (practice readiness, safety) |
| Assessment Outcome | Migration assessment letter | Nursing registration/license |
| Link with Visa | Required before applying for skilled visa | Not required for visa, but essential to work |
| When to Apply | Before visa application | After visa / when planning to work |
Do You Need Both ANMAC and AHPRA?
Yes – most overseas nurses will need to go through both, depending on their circumstances.
Here are some common scenarios:
Scenario 1: Nurse applying for PR from overseas
- Must apply to ANMAC for skills assessment
- Once visa is granted, apply to AHPRA for registration to work
Scenario 2: Nurse with job offer on temporary visa
- May apply directly to AHPRA for registration
- Can apply for PR later with ANMAC assessment
Scenario 3: International student nurse completing studies in Australia
- May not need ANMAC if applying for PR through graduate stream
- Needs AHPRA registration to work post-study
Step-by-Step Migration Strategy for Nurses
Here’s a simplified roadmap:
- Confirm your eligibility for General Skilled Migration (check points, age, English, etc.)
- Get your English test done (IELTS/OET/PTE/TOEFL)
- Apply for ANMAC Skills Assessment
- Submit EOI (Expression of Interest) through SkillSelect
- Wait for visa invitation (subclass 189/190/491)
- Lodge your PR visa application
- After PR grant, apply to AHPRA for registration
Start working as a registered nurse in Australia!
❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common pitfalls nurses make during the assessment process:
Confusing ANMAC with AHPRA
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Not meeting English test requirements (especially OET/IELTS)
- Failing to get proper employment references for ANMAC
- Delaying AHPRA registration until last minute after arrival
- Being well-prepared and informed can save months of time and stress.
✈️ Benefits of Migrating to Australia as a Nurse
- High demand across all states and territories
- Competitive salaries: AUD $65,000 – $100,000+
- Clear PR pathways via skilled migration
- Access to healthcare, education, and permanent residency benefits
- Work-life balance and global recognition of qualifications
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply for ANMAC and AHPRA at the same time?
Yes, but they are independent processes. Many nurses apply for ANMAC first to get their PR, then apply to AHPRA once in Australia.
Q2. Does ANMAC give me the right to work?
No. ANMAC is only for skilled migration. You cannot work as a nurse in Australia until you are registered with AHPRA.
Q3. What English test is accepted by both ANMAC and AHPRA?
Both accept IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT. Each has its own score requirement – usually IELTS 7 in each band or OET B.
Q4. How long are assessments valid for?
ANMAC skills assessments are valid for 2 years. AHPRA registration must be renewed annually.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between ANMAC and AHPRA is crucial for any nurse planning to migrate to Australia. In summary:
- ANMAC helps you migrate
- AHPRA helps you work
Get your English test done, gather your documents, and apply to the right authority based on your goals. By planning each step carefully, you can turn your dream of living and working as a nurse in Australia into reality.
