Registered Nurse Jobs With Sponsorship In Australia

While that joke might elicit a chuckle, the reality is that nurses are the lifeblood of Australia’s healthcare system. With an ageing population and increasing healthcare demands, Australia is experiencing a significant shortage of registered nurses. This shortage has opened doors for internationally qualified nurses seeking employment opportunities with visa sponsorship.

In 2025, the Australian government implemented streamlined processes to attract skilled healthcare professionals from abroad. This guide provides comprehensive information on registered nurse jobs with sponsorship in Australia, covering visa pathways, in-demand specialities, top employers, salary expectations, and application procedures.

Why Australia Needs International Nurses

Australia is facing one of the most pressing healthcare workforce shortages in its modern history. The Australian Government, along with leading healthcare bodies such as the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), has acknowledged a projected shortfall of over 70,000 full-time nurses by 2035 — a gap that threatens to undermine the delivery of safe and effective healthcare across the country.

Several factors are converging to create this healthcare staffing crisis. First and foremost is Australia’s ageing population. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), nearly 1 in 6 Australians are over the age of 65 — a figure that’s expected to grow rapidly in the coming decades. Older Australians generally require more frequent and complex healthcare, particularly in aged care, palliative care, and chronic disease management, all of which are nursing-intensive sectors.

Simultaneously, the country is experiencing an increase in chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders. These conditions require sustained, long-term management and regular medical attention, thereby increasing the demand for skilled and specialised nursing care.

Compounding the issue is the wave of retirements anticipated in the nursing workforce itself. Many of Australia’s experienced nurses are approaching retirement age, leaving behind not only job vacancies but also a skills and mentorship gap that’s difficult to replace quickly. Training new nurses domestically is a priority, but the process takes years, and in the interim, healthcare facilities are scrambling to fill positions with qualified professionals.

This has led the Australian government and state health departments to adopt a proactive international recruitment strategy. In 2023, for instance, the Albanese government announced a series of reforms designed to fast-track the recognition and registration of overseas-qualified nurses, particularly from countries with similar training standards. This includes speeding up assessments by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), easing visa processing through the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visas, and even funding relocation incentives for nurses willing to work in rural and remote regions.

International nurses are not only seen as a stop-gap measure — they are viewed as essential long-term contributors to a culturally diverse and globally competitive health system. Many hospitals and aged care providers now actively sponsor skilled nurses from countries like the Philippines, India, the UK, Ireland, Nigeria, South Africa, and Canada, recognising the rich experience and adaptability they bring to clinical settings.

A report by the Grattan Institute emphasised that without a robust pipeline of skilled migration, Australia’s public health system will face increasing pressure, especially in under-resourced areas such as Indigenous communities and regional towns. These areas are often the first to feel the sting of understaffing, making foreign nurses not only desirable but critical.

Moreover, international nurses often excel in soft skills like empathy, communication, and resilience — all of which are vital in patient-centred care. Their presence helps alleviate staff burnout, reduce overtime dependency, and improve overall morale in workplaces stretched thin by years of pandemic fatigue and rising workloads.

To streamline their path, Australia has also made significant updates to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) competency assessment and supervised practice requirements, making it more feasible for foreign nurses to integrate into the local workforce. Coupled with increasing support from employers — including assistance with AHPRA registration, English proficiency testing, and housing — the environment for internationally trained nurses has never been more welcoming.

In summary, Australia’s need for international nurses is urgent and enduring. They are not merely filling vacancies — they are shaping the future of Australian healthcare. For nurses overseas who are seeking not just a job but a meaningful and impactful career path, Australia represents a land of both need and opportunity.

Visa Sponsorship Pathways for Registered Nurses

Several visa options are available for internationally qualified nurses seeking employment in Australia:

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): Allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for up to four years.
• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): A points-based visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): Provides permanent residency through employer nomination.
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187): Offers permanent residency for roles in regional areas.

Each visa has specific eligibility criteria, including qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency. Detailed information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

In-Demand Nursing Specialities Offering Sponsorship

Certain nursing specialities are experiencing higher demand, increasing the likelihood of sponsorship:

• Aged Care Nursing: With Australia’s ageing population, there’s a significant need for nurses in residential aged care facilities.
• Critical Care Nursing: Specialists in intensive care units are essential, especially in urban hospitals.
• Mental Health Nursing: Rising mental health awareness has led to increased demand for qualified professionals.
• Midwifery and Nurse Practitioners: These advanced practice roles are crucial in both urban and rural settings.

Job portals like SEEK and Indeed regularly list opportunities in these specialities.

Top Employers Offering Sponsorship

Several reputable healthcare providers in Australia actively sponsor international nurses:

• Ramsay Health Care: One of Australia’s largest private hospital operators, offering diverse opportunities across the country.
• Healthscope: Operates numerous hospitals and clinics, providing a range of nursing roles.
• Bupa Aged Care: Specialises in aged care services, with facilities nationwide.
• State Health Services: Public health systems like Queensland Health and NSW Health offer various positions, especially in regional areas.

These employers often advertise vacancies on their official websites and major job platforms.

Salary Expectations for Sponsored Nurses

Salaries for registered nurses in Australia vary based on location, experience, and speciality. According to Talent.com, the average annual wage is approximately AUD 82,942.

Here’s a breakdown by region:

• New South Wales: AUD 75,000 – AUD 105,000
• Victoria: AUD 70,000 – AUD 100,000
• Western Australia: AUD 78,000 – AUD 110,000
• Queensland: AUD 70,000 – AUD 95,000
• South Australia: AUD 68,000 – AUD 90,000

Remote area nurses can earn significantly more, with salaries reaching up to AUD 146,250 per year, as reported by Talent.com.

How to Apply for Sponsored Nursing Jobs

Securing a sponsored nursing position in Australia involves several steps:

1. AHPRA Registration: Internationally qualified nurses must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The process includes a self-check, portfolio submission, and possible examinations. Detailed guidelines are available on the AHPRA website.
2. Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and qualifications. Include a compelling cover letter expressing your interest in working in Australia.
3. Job Search: Utilise job portals like SEEK and Indeed to find positions offering sponsorship.
4. Interview Preparation: Be prepared for virtual interviews, showcasing your clinical skills and adaptability.
5. Visa Application: Once you secure a job offer, your employer will guide you through the visa application process.

Success Stories

Many international nurses have successfully transitioned to working in Australia. For instance, a nurse from the Philippines shared her journey on LinkedIn, detailing the AHPRA registration process and her eventual employment in a Melbourne hospital. Such stories highlight the opportunities and support available for foreign nurses in Australia.

Conclusion

Australia is not just a land of koalas, surf, and sunshine — it’s also a land of opportunity for registered nurses around the world. With a critical shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, the Australian government and leading healthcare employers are rolling out the red carpet for international talent. Whether you specialise in aged care, critical care, or mental health, there are countless doors open for those seeking registered nurse jobs with sponsorship in Australia.

But remember — this journey isn’t simply about getting a job. It’s about contributing meaningfully to a healthcare system that truly needs your skills. It’s about personal growth, career advancement, and a lifestyle that many only dream of. The long-term benefits of taking this step are enormous from gaining permanent residency to achieving financial stability.

So, whether you’re reading this from the UK, India, the Philippines, Nigeria, or anywhere else, your dream to live and work as a nurse in Australia is more realistic than ever. The first step? Believe it’s possible. The next? Follow this guide and start taking action.

For up-to-date registration processes, visit the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job offer before applying for a visa as a nurse?
Not always. While some visas require employer sponsorship (e.g., Subclass 482 or 186), you can also apply for independent skilled migration (Subclass 189) if you meet the eligibility criteria and points threshold.

How long does the AHPRA registration process take?
It typically takes 3–6 months, depending on your country of qualification, documentation, and whether additional assessments or bridging courses are required.

Can enrolled nurses also get sponsorship in Australia?
Yes, though opportunities may be more limited compared to registered nurses. Check job boards and consult AHPRA’s enrolled nurse guidelines.

Is English proficiency mandatory for foreign nurses?
Yes. Nurses must pass an English language test like IELTS (minimum 7.0 in each band) or OET (B grade in each band), unless you were trained in an English-speaking country.