Australian PR Points for Registered Nurse, ANZSCO 254411
Registered Nurses (ANZSCO 254411) represent one of the most consistently sought-after skilled occupations in Australia's migration programme. Healthcare professionals generally face some of the lowest invitation thresholds in SkillSelect. As a general historical pattern rather than a specific published figure, registered nurses have often sat near the base 65 points across multiple visa subclasses. However, it's vital to remember that this isn't a strict guarantee, your outcome depends on the quality of your EOI and shifting government priorities. This guide breaks down what you need to know about the subclass 189, 190, and 491 pathways.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
Registered Nurse, MLTSSL status
As a general historical pattern rather than an officially published figure, 189 invitation cutoffs for ANZSCO 254411 have sat around 65 points. While accessible, competition can be high depending on the round.
→ Full 189 eligibility guideSubclass 190: State Nominated
With +5 state nomination points
State nomination adds a helpful +5 points to your tally. Almost all states actively recruit nurses, though each has its own eligibility requirements.
→ Explore the 190 pathwaySubclass 491: Regional
With +15 regional bonus points
The +15 regional bonus makes the 491 an attractive option. Regional healthcare roles are heavily prioritised across the country.
→ Explore the regional pathwayYour Registered Nurse Score Across All Three Visa Pathways
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| Indicative competitive range | ~65 pts | ~65 pts | ~65 pts |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL |
| Current demand | High | High | High |
| Assessing body | ANMAC | ANMAC | ANMAC |
Note: Invitation cutoffs vary round-by-round depending on the occupation ceilings and government directives. These figures are indicative ranges based on general historical patterns, not published Department of Home Affairs figures for a specific round.
→ Review our invitation round tracker for recent official dataSkills Assessment for Registered Nurse
Securing a positive skills assessment is a mandatory step before you can lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 254411) is assessed by ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council)
| Assessing body | ANMAC |
| Official portal | anmac.org.au |
| Processing time (Modified) | Typically 4 to 6 weeks |
| Processing time (Full) | Typically 6 to 12 weeks |
| Approximate fee | ~$395 (Modified) / ~$595 (Full) |
| Qualification required | Bachelor degree in nursing or higher |
ANMAC generally provides two pathways: the Modified Assessment (for those already holding current registration with AHPRA) and the Full Assessment (for internationally qualified nurses without AHPRA registration). Keep in mind that AHPRA registration itself imposes strict English language requirements (usually equivalent to IELTS 7.0 or OET B across all bands).
ANMAC assessment ≠ AHPRA registration
These are two separate processes with two separate timelines. ANMAC's skills assessment exists to award migration points and typically takes around 6-8 weeks. AHPRA registration is what actually lets you practise nursing in Australia, and for internationally qualified nurses using the OBA pathway, that process commonly runs 9 to 18 months in total once document preparation, English testing, the NCLEX-RN exam, and OSCE scheduling are factored in. Many applicants underestimate this gap.
⚠ Warning: Your skills assessment must be actively valid at the exact time you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA), not just when you lodge your EOI. ANMAC assessments are typically valid for two years. If your letter is nearing expiry, ensure you apply for a renewal early.
State Nomination for Registered Nurses
State nomination gives your application an edge, but each state government enforces its own residency and employment conditions. Always check the official state portal before assuming you are eligible.
| State | 190 Available? | 491 Available? | State-Specific Context |
|---|
| NSW | Yes | Yes | Registered Nurse (unit group 2544) is named on NSW's published skills list for both visa streams, within its Health priority sector. |
| VIC | Yes | Yes | Health is one of Victoria's named priority sectors for its 2025-26 programme (3,400 nomination places), for both onshore and offshore applicants. |
| QLD | Check current programme | Check current programme | We could not confirm Queensland's current occupation-specific status for this role. Check the Queensland skilled migration portal directly. |
| SA | Check current programme | Check current programme | We could not confirm South Australia's current occupation-specific status for this role. Check the SA skilled migration portal directly. |
| WA | Yes | Yes | Health and medical occupations generally sit on WASMOL Schedule 1, WA's higher-priority schedule. Confirm current criteria on the WA migration portal. |
| TAS | Yes | Yes | Critical nursing shortages make Tasmania an excellent option for onshore applicants. |
| ACT | Yes | Yes | Included on the ACT Critical Skills List, scoring favourably in the Canberra Matrix. |
| NT | Yes | Yes | Very accessible for nurses who are currently living and working in the Territory. |
Because registered nurses are sought after nationwide, it often comes down to where you are currently living and working, rather than struggling to find a state willing to nominate you.
How to Improve Your Points Score
While nurses often receive invitations at lower points, maximising your score is still the best way to secure an outcome quickly.
1. Superior English
Because AHPRA already requires Proficient English (IELTS 7.0/OET B), pushing for Superior English (IELTS 8.0/OET A) is a natural next step that adds a massive 10 points to your EOI.
→ Increase your points score2. State Nomination (190)
Leveraging state nomination provides an extra 5 points. For nurses, state nomination is often a smoother pathway than waiting for a federal 189 round.
→ State nomination in detail3. Regional Work
Working in a designated regional area adds 15 points via the 491 visa. Regional hospitals and clinics desperately need staff, so this pathway is strongly supported by states.
→ More about regional sponsorshipHow the Points Test Reform May Affect Registered Nurses
⚠ Please note: At the time of writing, the proposed changes to the points test have not yet been legislated. The current Schedule 6D system remains fully in effect.
The government’s ongoing review of the migration system heavily emphasises the need for care economy workers. It is widely anticipated that any new points test will continue to prioritise or offer advantages to critical occupations like Registered Nurses. While we wait for the final legislative framework to emerge, healthcare professionals remain in a very strong position within the current programme.
→ Read our analysis on the proposed points test reform