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.

VISA’S WE CAN HELP WITH

Employer Sponsored

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MAKING AUSTRALIAN MIGRATION EASY

Episode 23 - Making Australian Migration Easy

The Truth About Employer-Sponsoredd Permanent Residency for Nurses: What You Need to Know

February 02, 20253 min read

Are you a nurse dreaming of moving to Australia and thinking employer sponsorship is your fast track to permanent residency? Spoiler alert: It’s not that simple!

While employer sponsorship can be an essential step, many internationally qualified nurses make the mistake of thinking it's a straightforward process. In this blog, we break down what employer-sponsored permanent residency really involves—so you’re prepared for the road ahead.

Step 1: AHPRA Registration – The Foundation of Your Migration Journey

Before you even think about employer sponsorship, you must secure your registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This is non-negotiable—without it, employers won’t be able to sponsor you.

Why is AHPRA registration so important?

✅ It proves your qualifications meet Australian standards.

✅ It ensures you have the required English proficiency.

✅ It makes you eligible to work in the Australian healthcare system.

Many nurses mistakenly believe they can apply for jobs and sort out registration later. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works! Employers usually won’t hire you unless your AHPRA registration is finalised.

🔹 Pro Tip: Start the AHPRA registration process as early as possible—it takes time and requires detailed documentation.

Step 2: Employer Sponsorship – What It Really Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

Another common misconception is that employer sponsorship will cover all migration costs. While some employers may help with visa-related expenses, most financial responsibilities will still fall on you.

What sponsorship may cover:

✅ Sponsorship and nomination fees

✅ Labour market testing costs

✅ Legal fees for the employer’s processes (not yours)

What sponsorship does NOT cover:

❌ AHPRA registration fees

❌ English language tests

❌ Health and police checks

❌ Visa application fees

Important: Visa application fees are non-refundable. If something goes wrong you won’t get your money back. Plan ahead with qualified migration advice and budget for your migration expenses!

Step 3: Your Path to Permanent Residency – Understanding Temporary Visas

For most nurses, a temporary visa is the first step toward permanent residency. The two most common employer-sponsored visas are:

🔹 Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand Visa) – Requires at least a two-year commitment before becoming eligible for permanent residency sponsorship, although many employers won’t do this until you’ve completed a four-year visa.

🔹 Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa) – Provides a pathway to independent permanent residency after three years in a designated regional area.

But what if you get permanent residency immediately? Even then, you’re required to stay with your sponsoring employer for at least two years. Leaving before this period could impact your residency status.

If you have at least three years of experience in a country with similar healthcare standards (such as the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Spain or New Zealand), you may be eligible for direct permanent residency. However, the two-year commitment to your employer still applies.

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Final Thoughts: What You Need to Do Next

✔ Step 1: Secure your AHPRA registration before applying for jobs.

✔ Step 2: Plan your migration budget—your employer won’t cover everything.

✔ Step 3: Understand that most nurses start with a temporary visa before PR.

Employer sponsorship can be a fantastic opportunity, but you need to approach it with realistic expectations. With careful planning, financial preparation, and the right knowledge, you can confidently navigate your journey to Australian permanent residency.

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.

Connect with SOLVi Migration

📅 Book a consultation: https://cutt.ly/9wkFT9xf

Nurse Registration resources: www.nurseregistration.com (For 10% off use code: AHPRA2025)

🔹 Website: www.solvi.com.au

Rhea Fawole

Rhea Fawole

Rhea’s passion for migration comes from 12 years of experience in senior roles at the Australian Immigration Department, including working in the Immigration Minister’s office. She has extensive knowledge in government liaison and policy and has helped countless skilled workers to successfully migrate to Australia.

SOLVi Migration was founded with a vision to help skilled professionals like you navigate Australian migration with confidence.

👉 Visit: www.solvi.com.au


Rhea's passion to establish SOLVi Migration cane from 12 years of working in senior roles at the Australian Immigration Department, including in the Immigration Minister's office. 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 cane from 12 years of working in senior roles at the Australian Immigration Department, including in the Immigration Minister's office. 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