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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ANMAC Full Skills Assessment

ANMAC Full Skills Assessment: 2025 Changes Nurses Need to Know

August 17, 20254 min read

If you’re planning to migrate to Australia as a nurse — whether through employer sponsorship or a skilled independent visa — you’ll need a positive skills assessment. That’s a mandatory requirement for most permanent and temporary migration pathways.

In 2025, ANMAC (the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) expanded eligibility for the full skills assessment — allowing more nurses to apply before they complete their AHPRA registration.

This is a big win for internationally qualified nurses. Why? Because it means you can start your skills assessment at the same time as your AHPRA registration, instead of waiting for one to finish before beginning the other — significantly speeding up your migration timeline.


🩺 What is the Full Skills Assessment?

The full skills assessment is one of three types ANMAC offers for registered nurses. It’s designed for nurses who meet certain eligibility criteria — even if they haven’t completed their AHPRA registration yet.

And here’s the key benefit:

You can lodge it at the same time as your AHPRA registration. That means no waiting for one process to finish before starting the next — saving you months of delay in your migration plan.


✅ Who Can Now Apply for the Full Skills Assessment?

There are now two groups of nurses who may be eligible:

🔹 1. Already Eligible Nurses

You’ve always been eligible if you:

  • Completed a full Bachelor of Nursing from one of the following countries:

    UK, Ireland, United States, Canada, or Hong Kong

  • Achieved the required English proficiency scores

(This excludes those who registered with a diploma, completed a bachelor top-up, or obtained a master’s degree instead of a full bachelor’s program from these countries.)


🔹 2. Newly Eligible Nurses with Comparable Registration

You may now be eligible if:

  • You hold current nursing registration from a comparable country:

    UK, Ireland, US, Canada (Ontario or British Columbia), Singapore, or Spain

  • Your registration was based on a Bachelor of Nursing

  • You have met the English proficiency requirement

❌ This new eligibility does not apply if your registration was based on:

  • A Diploma of Nursing

  • A Master’s degree (instead of a bachelor’s degree)


📊 Required English Scores (No Exemptions)

To lodge a full skills assessment, ANMAC requires a minimum of proficient English. That means:

  • IELTS Academic: 7.0 in each band

  • OET for Nurses: B in each band

  • PTE Academic: 65 in each band

  • TOEFL iBT: Writing 24, Speaking 23, Reading 24, Listening 24

  • Cambridge C1 Advanced: 185 overall, with at least 185 in each skill

❗ There are no exemptions — it doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived in an English-speaking country or what your passport says.


🔄 Can You Start Both at the Same Time?

Yes — and that’s the major advantage of this expanded access.

If you’re eligible for the full skills assessment, you can start your ANMAC and AHPRA applications simultaneously, saving several months in processing time. That’s especially important if you’re hoping to lodge your visa within the next 12–18 months.

But remember — even with a positive skills assessment, you still need to complete your AHPRA registration before you can migrate as a nurse.


💡 Get Expert Help with the Nurse Registration Process

If you’re confused about your eligibility or haven’t started yet — you’re not alone.

That’s why we created the Nurse Registration Course — your step-by-step guide to getting AHPRA registration and preparing for your skills assessment.

You’ll get:

✅ Clear guidance on your correct AHPRA pathway

✅ Tips on preparing your English test — with help from our official English Preparation Partner

✅ A checklist for ANMAC full skills assessment eligibility

✅ Support creating your recruitment profile once you’re registered

✅ Real insight into what Australian employers expect

👉 Enrol now for just $199 AUD (limited time)

www.nurseregistration.com


Here are the two updated promotional emails for Week 5 of your campaign, based on the corrected blog content.


💼 Want Legal Help With Your Registration or Migration Plans?

Book a consultation with SOLVi Migration, an Australian immigration law firm specialising in independent migration for nurses.

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Ready to Do This Properly?

At SOLVi Migration, we’re not just here to help you tick boxes — we’re an Australian immigration law firm that specialises in helping internationally qualified nurses build the right pathway to live and work in Australia long-term.

✅ We help you plan your AHPRA registration and your visa pathway side-by-side

✅ We give legal advice so you avoid costly mistakes

✅ We assess your full situation — including family, work history, and goals.

ahpraAustralianursesANMACSkills Assessment
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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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