Australia has long been an attractive destination for internationally qualified nurses (IQRNs), offering high salaries, excellent work-life balance, and a clear pathway to permanent residency. However, the process to gain registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has historically been complex and time-consuming.

Now, in April 2025, AHPRA is set to introduce new registration standards for IQRNs, potentially streamlining the process for nurses who meet specific criteria. But while these changes may reduce barriers for some, they also bring confusion, misconceptions and potential delays - especially for those assuming that registration automatically qualifies them for migration.

If you're an internationally trained nurse considering a move to Australia, let's break down the upcoming changes, highlight potential pitfalls, and explain how to ensure a smooth and successful registration process.

What Are the New AHPRA Registration Changes?

From April 2025, AHPRA will introduce two new pathways for internationally qualified nurses who have registration and nursing experience working in select "comparable jurisdictions" (certain countries).

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the new streamlined registration pathway you must:

✅ Hold a relevant nursing qualification

✅ Have at least 1,800 hours of work experience in a comparable country

✅ Meet AHPRA's English language proficiency requirements

Which Countries Are Considered “Comparable”?

Under the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) new framework, the following countries have been approved as comparable jurisdictions:

• United United Kingdom

• Ireland

• United States

• Canada (British Columbia & Ontario only)

• Singapore

• Spain

What if my country is not listed?

If you trained in a non-comparable country, you will still need to undergo the current registration process, which may involve additional assessments such as the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination).

What’s Changing?

Under the new pathways, if you have already worked as a registered nurse in one of the approved countries for at least 1,800 hours, you may be eligible for direct registration with AHPRA—without needing to complete extra assessments.

The Biggest Misconceptions About These Changes

While these updates are extremely exciting, many internationally qualified nurses are misunderstanding what this actually means. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions.

❌ Misconception #1: The English Language Requirement Has Been Removed

Reality: Even if you qualify under the new AHPRA pathways, you still need to meet strict English language requirements for migration purposes.

Many IQRNs believe that if AHPRA doesn’t require them to take an English test for registration, or they can skip it for migration. However, Australian skilled visas still require proof of English proficiency through an approved test such as IELTS Academic, OET for Nurses or PTE Academic, and these requirements vary depending on the visa type and the country of passport you hold.

💡Solution: Work with a legal expert to understand what is required for both AHPRA registration and migration, so you don't miss critical steps.

❌ Misconception #2: Registration Guarantees Migration Success

Reality: AHPRA registration alone is not enough to qualify for an employer-sponsored or skilled independent visa.

🔹 Employer sponsorship: Many nurses assume that getting registered automatically means an employer will sponsor them. But employers typically only consider sponsoring nurses who already hold AHPRA registration — and even then, not all job offers come with visa sponsorship.

🔹Skilled migration visas: If you want to migrate independently, you need to have a validate ANMAC skills assessment to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), and go into the competitive process to secure a nomination by Federal or State Government. Registration alone does not make you eligible for this process.

💡 Solution: SOLVi Migration’s Nurse Registration Course helps you secure your registration quickly and efficiently with a support online community.

❌ Misconception #3: AHPRA’s Changes Mean Faster Processing

Reality: While the reforms aim to reduce processing times, an increase in applications could lead to backlogs while new processes are worked out.

The Australian government has promoted this reform as a fast-track solution for solving the country’s nursing shortages. But with a 70% increase in new applicants expected, the reality could be that processing delays increase—especially in the first few months—let's be prepared!

💡 Solution: Start preparing early. Getting expert help ensures all documents are submitted correctly the first time which will reduce delays and give you an advantage over other applicants.

How to Navigate the Process & Secure Your Registration Faster

Even with theseAHPRA registration changes, the process remains complex. The best way to avoid delays and costly mistakes is to follow a clear, step-by-step strategy.

Step 1: Determine the Best Registration Pathway

If you trained in a comparable jurisdiction and have worked there for at least 1,800 hours, you may be eligible for the new streamlined pathway.

If you trained elsewhere, you will need to either:

🔹Apply directly through AHPRA (which may require an OSCE exam)

🔹Use the New Zealand Nursing Council (NZNC) pathway and then transfer your registration to AHPRA

💡 Need help deciding? Our legal experts can assess your case and help you choose the fastest pathway.

Step 2: Prepare & Submit Your Application Early

Ensure you gather:

✅Proof of qualifications

✅ Work experience documentation (1,800+ hours in an approved country)

✅English language test results (if required)

✅Identification & regulatory checks

🔹 Pro Tip: Incorrect applications result in delays of 6-12 months—so getting professional assistance is highly recommended.

Step 3: Plan for Migration (Employer-Sponsored or Skilled Pathway)

Once registered, you will still need a visa to work in Australia:

🔹 Employer Sponsorship: if you want to work for a specific healthcare employer, you'll need to secure a job offer and a nomination so you can apply for sponsorship under a Subclass 484, 494 or 186 visa.

🔹 Skilled Independent Migration: If you want full freedom, you'll need an ANMAC skills assessment and to secure a nomination for a Subclass 189, 190 or 491 visa.

Final Thoughts: Why You Need the Right Support

The 2025 AHPRA changes present and exciting opportunity for internationally qualified nurses, but they do not eliminate all barriers.

From understanding registration pathways to securing the right visa, it's essential to get expert guidance so you don't waste time or money on the wrong steps.

If you want to ensure a smooth journey to working as a nurse in Australia, get started tofay with the Nurse Registration Course—your step to AHPRA registration and securing your future in Australia.

✅ Book a paid legal consultation with SOLVi Migration today.

We’ll assess your situation and give you a clear legal strategy to migrate independently to Australia.

✅ Need help with AHPRA registration? Join our Nurse Registration Course.

Get cost-effective, expert guidance and access to a supportive community so you can secure your AHPRA registration and move forward with your migration plans.

👉 www.nurseregistration.com