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. In recent years, registered nurses have received invitations at the base 65 points across multiple visa subclasses. However, it's vital to remember that historical data 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
Historical 189 invitation cutoffs for ANZSCO 254411 have been recorded at 65 points. While accessible, competition can be high depending on the round.
→ Subclass 189 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.
→ Subclass 190 guideSubclass 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.
→ Subclass 491 guideYour Registered Nurse Score Across All Three Visa Pathways
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| Historical minimum cutoff | 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 represent historical minimums and are not guarantees.
→ 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).
⚠ 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 | Strong demand for healthcare professionals, though competitive point thresholds can apply. |
| VIC | Yes | Yes | Healthcare is a formally designated target sector under Victoria’s ROI programme. |
| QLD | Yes | Yes | Accessible, but often requires onshore applicants to be currently working in Queensland. |
| SA | Yes | Yes | Highly accessible for international graduates who studied in SA and current onshore workers. |
| WA | Yes | Yes | WA actively targets health workers, often with relaxed criteria compared to other sectors. |
| 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. |
Disclaimer: State occupation lists and eligibility criteria are updated routinely. You must verify current conditions at the relevant state's migration portal.
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.
→ English points guide2. 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.
→ 190 visa guide3. 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.
→ 491 visa guideHow 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