Your Roadmap

10 Steps to Nursing in Australia

From your first eligibility check in India to permanent residency in Australia — every step clearly explained. The complete 482 → 186 employer sponsorship pathway for Indian nurses.

A

Free Eligibility Assessment

Duration: 1 week

Submit your profile and we evaluate whether you qualify for the Australia nursing migration pathway. You receive an honest, no-obligation eligibility report within 48 hours.

  • Submit your profile online or via WhatsApp
  • We evaluate: nursing qualification (BSc Nursing / GNM + Post Basic BSc), years of experience, age, current English level, family situation
  • Honest eligibility report within 48 hours — no hidden fees, no false promises
B

English Exam Preparation Exam 1 — In India

Duration: 2–6 months (depending on current English level)

Your FIRST exam, taken in India. You must pass an approved English proficiency test — the score is required for your visa application, ANMAC skills assessment, and AHPRA nursing registration.

  • Must pass IELTS Academic (7.0 in each band) OR OET (Grade B in each component)
  • Score required for visa, ANMAC assessment, AND AHPRA registration
  • OET recommended for nurses — it tests English specifically in a healthcare context
  • Coaching fees paid separately by candidate to coaching provider
C

ANMAC Skills Assessment

Processing: 6–12 weeks • Runs parallel to Step B

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) evaluates your nursing qualifications against Australian standards. This step can run in parallel with your English exam preparation.

  • Requirements: BSc Nursing (minimum 3 years), current nursing registration in India, English score, minimum 800 hours theory + 800 hours clinical
  • Fee: AUD 530 (paid directly to ANMAC)
  • Processing time: 6–12 weeks
  • Runs PARALLEL to Step B — saves you months of waiting
D

AHPRA Self-Check & Portfolio Stage

Processing: 4–8 weeks

Begin the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA) registration process. As an Indian-trained nurse, you will be assigned to Stream B. Submit your identity documents, qualifications, and transcripts to AHPRA for verification, then complete the online Orientation Part 1 about the Australian healthcare system.

  • Complete the online Self-Check on the NMBA website (you will be assigned to Stream B)
  • Submit identity documents, qualifications, and transcripts to AHPRA for verification
  • Complete Orientation Part 1 — online learning module about the Australian healthcare system
  • This step can run parallel to employer matching
E

NCLEX-RN Exam Exam 2 — In India

Can be taken in India at Pearson VUE centres

The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) is a computer-based theory exam that tests nursing knowledge and critical thinking. This is Part 1 of the AHPRA OBA assessment and can be taken at Pearson VUE test centres in India — no need to travel to Australia for this stage.

  • Computer-based theory exam testing nursing knowledge and critical thinking
  • Taken at Pearson VUE test centres in India (or any country with a centre)
  • Fee: approximately USD $350 (registration + international scheduling fee)
  • Results valid — apply for registration within 2 years to maintain currency
F

Employer Matching & Sponsorship

Duration: 4–8 weeks • Can run parallel to Steps DE

AICLA Global matches you with an approved Australian healthcare employer who will sponsor your visa. This step can begin while you complete your AHPRA OBA stages.

  • AICLA Global matches you with an Australian healthcare employer
  • Employer types: aged care, regional hospitals, disability support, community health
  • Employer applies for Standard Business Sponsorship
  • Video interview may be arranged between you and the employer
G

Travel to Australia for OSCE

Visa: Subclass 600 (Visitor) or 482 if sponsorship ready

After passing the NCLEX-RN, you receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) for the OSCE. Most candidates travel to Australia on a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) specifically for the OSCE exam. Pre-departure briefing provided by our team.

  • Wait time: 3–4 months after NCLEX for OSCE scheduling
  • Most candidates enter on a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa for the OSCE
  • Pre-departure briefing provided by our team
  • You may work as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) if you hold a visa with work rights in Australia
  • Before you fly, AICLA Global provides a 24/7 WhatsApp support number for any issues during your stay in Australia
H

OSCE Exam Exam 3 — In Australia

Adelaide Health Simulation Centre, South Australia

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is Part 2 of the AHPRA OBA assessment. This practical exam tests your clinical nursing skills in simulated patient scenarios. It is held ONLY in Australia at the Adelaide Health Simulation centre.

  • Tests clinical nursing skills in simulated patient scenarios
  • Held only at Adelaide Health Simulation centre, South Australia
  • Fee: AUD $4,000 per attempt
  • Pass rate for Indian nurses: approximately 70–80% with proper preparation
I

AHPRA Registration & 482 Visa

Milestone — You are now a Registered Nurse in Australia

Once you pass both NCLEX-RN and OSCE, complete Orientation Part 2, and apply for formal registration via the AHPRA portal. With AHPRA registration confirmed, your 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa is lodged by MARA-registered migration agent Feng Chen (MARN: 1577771).

  • Complete Orientation Part 2 and apply for registration via AHPRA portal
  • MARA agent Feng Chen (MARN: 1577771) lodges your 482 visa application in Australia
  • Visa includes you + spouse + dependent children
  • Begin employment with your sponsoring employer at full salary — AUD 70,000–100,000+ per year
J

Permanent Residency (482 → 186)

After 2 years with same employer

After 2 years working with the same employer, you can apply for Subclass 186 permanent residency. Your employer nominates you, and your whole family receives PR.

  • After 2 years with the same employer, apply for Subclass 186 permanent residency
  • Employer nominates you for the Transition Stream
  • Whole family gets permanent residency — spouse and children included
  • Can then work anywhere, access Medicare and social benefits, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship

Total Timeline: 8–14 months

From your first eligibility check to starting work as a Registered Nurse in Australia. Timeline varies based on English exam preparation, NCLEX/OSCE scheduling, and visa processing.

Get Started

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Take the first step today. Our free eligibility assessment tells you exactly where you stand — no cost, no obligation, honest feedback within 48 hours.