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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Which English Test Do You Need for AHPRA? 2025 Requirements for Nurses

August 03, 20252 min read

If you’re an internationally qualified nurse looking to register with AHPRA in Australia, you’ll need to meet their English language requirements.

Did you know that in March 2025, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) introduced updated score rules for the five accepted tests?

Getting this wrong will impact your eligibility.


✅ Accepted English Tests & Score Requirements

You must pass one of the following English tests, with scores achieved in one or two sittings within six months:

  • IELTS Academic

    • Listening, Reading, Speaking: minimum 7.0

    • Writing: minimum 6.5

  • OET for Nursing

    • Listening, Reading, Speaking: minimum B

    • Writing: minimum C+

  • PTE Academic

    • Listening, Reading, Speaking: minimum 65

    • Writing: minimum 58

  • TOEFL iBT

    • Listening & Reading: minimum 24

    • Speaking: minimum 23

    • Writing: minimum 21

  • Cambridge C1 Advanced

    • Listening, Reading, Speaking: minimum 185

    • Writing: minimum 176

Important: All scores must be from the Academic versions of the test (where applicable), and you must meet the minimum scores in each band. There are no exemptions based on your location or clinical experience - although for some it is possible based on the country of registration and prior English test scores.


⚠️ Mistakes That Delay or Ruin Applications

We see nurses make these common errors:

  • Booking the wrong version of a test

  • Achieving an overall score but missing one band

  • Thinking a pass in AHPRA’s eyes = a pass for migration (they’re separate)

  • Attempting the test without proper preparation

These mistakes can cost you months of delay, lost money, and rejected registration.


🎓 Where to Get the Right Support

When you enrol in our Nurse Registration Course, you’ll be introduced to our endorsed English preparation partner.

This isn’t just a random tutor—

They’re an official test preparation provider, aligned with the latest scoring rubrics and endorsed by IELTS, OET, and PTE themselves.

Inside the course, you’ll:

✅ Learn how to choose the right test

✅ Be referred to expert English prep (paid separately)

✅ Get step-by-step guidance to complete your AHPRA registration


💡 Want to Make Sure You’re AHPRA-Ready?

👩🏽‍⚕️ Join our Nurse Registration Course today

💻 Just $199 AUD (limited time only)

🌐 www.nurseregistration.com

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.

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ahpraAustralianursesnurse registrationEnglish Requirements
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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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

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