International nursing registration information · Sources checked 3 November 2026.
Understand registration before arranging an examination visit.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), supported by Ahpra, regulates nursing registration in Australia. Your qualifications, registration history, practice and the current registration standards affect the pathway that applies to you.
TSIE can help you consider the visa and migration questions connected with your nursing plans and any relevant ANMAC assessment. Registration eligibility and examination decisions remain with the responsible authorities.
| Your goal | Responsible authority | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Enter or stay in Australia | Department of Home Affairs | The visa pathway, visit purpose and visa conditions. |
| Australian nursing registration | NMBA, supported by Ahpra | The registration pathway and required assessment stages. |
| A nursing migration skills assessment | ANMAC | Whether your visa pathway needs an assessment and the appropriate assessment type. |
Do not assume every nurse follows the same pathway.
The NMBA has additional registration pathways for eligible internationally qualified registered nurses connected with approved comparable jurisdictions. Other applicants may need the internationally qualified nurse assessment process, including examinations where required. Check the current standard and your own assessment outcome before choosing a preparation course or making travel plans.
Complete the NMBA Self-check yourself.
The NMBA states that its Self-check cannot be completed by a third party or agent on your behalf. Read the official instructions and enter your qualification details accurately. The Self-check identifies assessment stages; it does not guarantee registration.
Check the applicable English standard.
The NMBA’s English language information records changes to minimum test scores from 23 April 2026. Registration, an ANMAC assessment and a visa can have different English requirements. Check the authority, test date and evidence rules relevant to each purpose.
Ask TSIE about PTE preparation ↗ or open the PTE practice portal ↗. Practice results do not replace an official test result or an authority’s assessment.
If an OSCE is part of your pathway.
Follow the current Ahpra examination correspondence about eligibility, payment, allocation and any visa evidence. Confirm the actual venue and arrangements through the IQNM examination team. Read the current candidate handbook; do not rely on an older social post for examination procedures.
Plan the migration questions alongside registration.
An overseas nurse may need to consider an examination visit, professional registration, an ANMAC assessment and a later skilled or employer sponsored visa at different stages. Work rights and visa eligibility require separate checking. A job offer or registration outcome does not guarantee a visa.
Tell us where you are in the process.
In your first enquiry, give your current country, qualification and registration countries, and your broad Ahpra or examination stage. Keep documents and sensitive personal details for an agreed assessment.