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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Episode 26 - Understanding the ANMAC Skills Assessment for Nurses: Your Key to Australian Migration

Understanding the ANMAC Skills Assessment for Nurses: Your Key to Australian Migration

April 05, 20253 min read

If you’re an internationally qualified nurse or midwife planning to migrate to Australia, you’ve probably encountered the term ANMAC skills assessment. But what exactly is it? And why is it so important—even if you already have AHPRA registration?

In this episode of Making Australian Migration Easy, host Rhea Fawole unpacks the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) role and why a positive skills assessment is essential for skilled migration. With years of experience working in the Australian Immigration Department and Department of Health, Rhea offers clear, expert advice on what nurses need to get right from the start.

Many nurses assume that AHPRA registration is enough—but that’s not the case for most skilled migration pathways. In this blog, we share key takeaways from the episode to help you understand what the ANMAC assessment involves, who needs it, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What Did We Cover in This Episode?

✅ What the ANMAC skills assessment is—and why it matters for migration.

✅ Who actually needs to complete an ANMAC assessment (and who doesn’t)?

✅ The different types of assessments: Full, Modified, and Modified PLUS.

✅ Common mistakes nurses make—and how to avoid costly delays.

✅ How SOLVi Migration supports nurses through the process.

Why the ANMAC Skills Assessment Is So Important?

ANMAC is the independent authority that assesses whether your nursing or midwifery qualifications and experience meet the Australian standard for migration purposes. This assessment is mandatory if you’re applying for skilled visas like:

🔹 Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)

🔹 Subclass 190 (State Nominated)

🔹 Subclass 491 (Regional Work)

🔹 Subclass 186, 482, or 494 (Employer Sponsored)

📌 Key takeaway: AHPRA registration allows you to practice as a nurse—but it does NOT replace the need for an ANMAC skills assessment for migration.

Types of ANMAC Assessments

There are three main types of skills assessments:

1️⃣ Full Skills Assessment – For nurses without AHPRA registration who want to migrate independently.

2️⃣ Modified Assessment – For nurses with AHPRA registration, there is no need for additional qualification verification.

3️⃣ Modified PLUS – For nurses with AHPRA registration who require formal confirmation of qualification comparability.

Choosing the wrong pathway or submitting the wrong documentation can delay or even derail your visa application.

Common Mistakes Nurses Make (and How to Avoid Them)

❌ Applying under the wrong assessment stream.

❌ Submitting incomplete or incorrectly formatted documents.

❌ Assuming AHPRA registration covers ANMAC requirements.

❌ Misunderstanding English language test requirements.

❌ Failing to verify clinical experience properly.

Solution: Get expert advice to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and aligned with the correct migration pathway.

How SOLVi Migration Can Help

🔹 Determine the right assessment type for your situation.

🔹 Assist with preparing and reviewing documentation.

🔹 Provide strategic advice on strengthening your visa eligibility.

The ANMAC assessment can be time-consuming and technical—but with the right guidance, you can avoid the pitfalls and move forward confidently.

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Your Next Steps

🔹 Need help navigating the ANMAC assessment? Book a consultation with an Australian immigration lawyer at www.solvi.com.au/book-a-consult

🔹 Want to understand your complete migration pathway? Our team can walk you through every step.

Migrating to Australia as a nurse or midwife is possible—but only if you understand and complete the necessary steps. Don’t let one missing assessment block your entire journey.

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

🔹 Website: 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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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