Australia is a great place to live and work. Our passion is to help Registered Nurses living overseas to work  and experience the great Aussie lifestyle. However, navigating the complexities of migrating to Australia can be daunting. 

SOLVi Migration has been assisting nurses to gain registration and successfully migrate independently. Our dedicated team of legal experts specialises in guiding overseas registered nurses through the intricate visa and registration processes, ensuring a smooth transition to working in Australia. 

We are committed to providing personalised support every step of the way, from initial eligibility assessments and visa applications to professional registration and employment advice. Trust us to help you achieve your dream of a rewarding nursing career in Australia.

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 The Truth About AHPRA’s New Pathway: Not the Fast Track Nurses Expected

The Truth About AHPRA’s New Pathway: Not the Fast Track Nurses Expected

September 25, 20253 min read

The Truth About AHPRA’s New Pathway: Not the Fast Track Nurses Expected​


In early 2025, thousands of internationally qualified nurses were told there was a new “fast track” pathway to registration with AHPRA. The reality? Many have instead found themselves facing longer delays, unexpected exam requirements, and confusion about eligibility.

In this blog, we break down what the new pathway really is, why it isn’t working as promised, and the practical steps you should take to move forward with your nursing career in Australia.

1. What Was Promised vs What’s Happening Now

When the new pathway was announced in January 2025, it was expected to provide a smoother route for nurses from comparable countries — particularly those with recent qualifications and strong clinical experience.

But the rollout hasn’t gone as planned. Instead of a fast track, many applicants who expected to qualify under Pathway 2 have been redirected into Stream B with the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) process. That means sitting the NCLEX exam and traveling to Australia for the OSCE — steps that can add months (or longer) to the timeline.

2. Delays Are Longer Than Expected

Processing times have also stretched out. Applicants are now waiting an average of 12 weeks just to be allocated to a case officer. For many nurses, this means stalled applications and uncertainty about when they can progress.

This isn’t a matter of individual mistakes — it’s a systemic backlog as AHPRA works to process a huge increase of applications.

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3. The Kruk Review and the Qualification Requirement

The pathway changes were based on recommendations from the Kruk review. The review proposed criteria such as:

  • Having obtained registration in a comparable country since 1 January 2017

  • Holding at least 1,800 hours of clinical practice in that country

  • Meeting English language requirements

  • Passing an exam equivalency (such as NCLEX or OSCE) to obtain that registration

While the review aimed to streamline the process, the implementation has introduced extra hurdles. The result? Many nurses are confused about whether they qualify — and what their next step should be.

4. What Nurses Should Do Now

If you’re applying for AHPRA registration in 2025, here are your realistic options:

  • You may be requested to prepare for exams (NCLEX and OSCE): If you’re redirected into the OBA pathway.

  • Be patient if you can: Some nurses are choosing to wait for further clarification, given that a 12-month review of the new system is due in April 2026.

Seek expert guidance: The new pathways are not straightforward. Knowing exactly which pathway you fall under — and preparing your documentation correctly — will save you significant time, stress, and money.

Ready to Figure Out Your AHPRA Pathway?

🌟 If you're serious about working in Australia as a nurse, the first step is figuring out your AHPRA registration eligibility. Join our Nurse Registration Course for clear, step-by-step guidance.

👉 www.nurseregistration.com

🌟 Need personalised legal advice? Book a paid consultation with SOLVi Migration to map out your registration and migration strategy:

👉 www.solvi.com.au

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and nothing in this content or its description constitutes legal advice. For advice on your personal circumstances, please make an appointment at SOLVi Migration www.solvi.com.au Copyright SOLVI PTY LTD 2025.

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🔹 Website: www.solvi.com.au


Rhea's passion to establish SOLVi Migration came from 20 years of working in the Australian Government, including senior roles at the Australian Immigration Department, the Immigration Minister's office and as a Director in the Department of Health. She also gained an abundance of government liaison and Australian government policy experience in other agencies.

SOLVi Migration has been founded with a vision to collaborate with Australian healthcare businesses and skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia.

Rhea Fawole

Rhea's passion to establish SOLVi Migration came from 20 years of working in the Australian Government, including senior roles at the Australian Immigration Department, the Immigration Minister's office and as a Director in the Department of Health. She also gained an abundance of government liaison and Australian government policy experience in other agencies. SOLVi Migration has been founded with a vision to collaborate with Australian healthcare businesses and skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia.

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FAQS

What qualifications do I need as a nurse to migrate to Australia?

Generally, you will need a nursing qualification that is recognised in Australia, such as a bachelor’s degree in nursing or an equivalent qualification. You will also need to meet registration requirements with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

What is the process for registering as a nurse in Australia?

To practice as a nurse in Australia, you must be registered with AHPRA. The process involves submitting an application, providing proof of your qualifications and professional experience, and meeting English language requirements. Our team can assist you with this process - Read More.

Will I need a skills assessment?

Yes, most visa applications for nurses require a skills assessment conducted by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). This assessment ensures your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. We can assist you with preparing and submitting your skills assessment application. Read more ...

What are the English requirements?

Depending on the pathway you gain registration and what visa pathway you take, the English requirements can vary from Competent to Proficient levels of English. Read More ...

What if me or my family has a health condition?

If you or a family member has a health condition, it is important to have the possible impact on your migration assessed by a professional before you submit any visa application. The Department of Home Affairs will require health assessments to ensure the condition does not pose a significant cost or burden to the Australian healthcare system. We can help you understand the implications and prepare the necessary documentation. Read more ...

What if me or my family have a character issue?

Character issues, such as past criminal records, must be disclosed in your visa application. The Department of Home Affairs assesses character issues on a case-by-case basis. We can provide advice on how to address these issues and the potential impact on your application.

Are visa fees refundable?

Visa fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn. It is crucial to ensure your application is complete and meets all requirements to avoid losing your fee. Our team can help you prepare a strong application to minimise the risk of refusal.

What if I've been refused a visa in the past?

If you have been refused a visa in the past, it is essential to understand the reasons for the refusal and address them in any new application. We can review your previous refusal and advise on the best course of action to improve your chances of success.

Can I bring my family with me?

Yes, many visa types allow you to include eligible family members, such as your spouse or partner and dependent children, in your application. We can advise on the requirements and process for including your family in your migration plans.

Can't you find my a sponsor to pay for everything?

While some employers may offer sponsorship, which can cover visa and relocation costs, it is important to understand the conditions tied to employer-sponsored visas. Also worth noting, a sponsor is not legally required to pay your application fees. These conditions can include staying with the employer for a certain period. We can help you explore your options and find the best pathway for your situation. Read more ...

How long will the process take?

The processing time for visa applications can vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. Generally, it can take from a few months to over a year. Our team will provide an estimated timeline based on your specific situation and keep you updated throughout the process.

What are the costs of migrating?

Costs can include visa application fees, skills assessment fees, and potentially relocation expenses. The exact costs will depend on the visa pathway you choose and any additional services you require. We will provide you with a transparent breakdown of costs during your consultation. Read more...


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PO Box 727 Paradise Point QLD 4216 Australia

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All RIGHTS RESERVED LIABILITY LIMITED BY A SCHEME APPROVED UNDER PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS LEGISLATION. LEGAL PRACTITIONERS EMPLOYED BY SOLVI PTY LTD (ABN 16 658 861 182) ARE MEMBERS OF THE SCHEME.

The information published on this webpage should not be taken as legal advice rather it should be considered for information purposes only.

COPYRIGHT © 2024 SOLVI PTY LTD

Contact Us

PO Box 727 Paradise Point QLD 4216 Australia

13000 SOLVI (+61 1300 076 584)

[email protected]

All RIGHTS RESERVED LIABILITY LIMITED BY A SCHEME APPROVED UNDER PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS LEGISLATION. LEGAL PRACTITIONERS EMPLOYED BY SOLVI PTY LTD (ABN 16 658 861 182) ARE MEMBERS OF THE SCHEME.

The information published on this webpage should not be taken as legal advice rather it should be considered for information purposes only.

COPYRIGHT © 2024 SOLVI PTY LTD