1. General Skilled Migration (Points-Based)
This is the most popular route for those who do not have a specific job offer but have the skills Australia needs.
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): A permanent visa that allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia. Healthcare occupations (like Registered Nurses and GPs) are frequently invited with minimum points (65).
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): A permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state (e.g., Victoria or NSW). States often have “Priority Lists” where healthcare workers are fast-tracked.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): A 5-year provisional visa for those willing to live and work in regional areas. It offers a clear pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191) after three years.
2. Employer-Sponsored Pathways
If you have a job offer from an Australian hospital, clinic, or aged care facility, these visas are often the fastest way to enter the country.
- Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand – formerly TSS): A temporary visa (up to 4 years) that allows you to work for a specific sponsor. Most healthcare roles are on the “Medium-Term List,” providing a path to permanent residency.
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): A direct-entry permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by their employer.
- Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional): Similar to the 482 but specifically for regional employers, with a 5-year stay and a PR pathway.
3. Specialized Labour Agreements
For specific sectors like Aged Care, the government has introduced industry-specific agreements.
- Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA): Allows aged care providers to sponsor personal care assistants and nursing assistants for a 482 visa, leading to permanent residency (Subclass 186) after just two years of work.
Key Requirements for Healthcare Workers
To qualify for any of these pathways, you must generally meet the following “Core Four” requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
| Skill Assessment | You must have your qualifications verified by a relevant body (e.g., ANMAC for nurses, MBA for doctors, AHPRA for registration). |
| English Proficiency | Usually an IELTS score of 7.0 (or OET Grade B) is required for registration and visas, though some regional visas accept 6.0. |
| Age Limit | Generally, you must be under 45 years old, though some regional and DAMA pathways offer concessions up to age 55. |
| Health & Character | You must pass a medical examination and provide police clearances from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months. |
Why Choose the Healthcare Pathway Now?
- Priority Processing: Under Ministerial Direction 105, healthcare visa applications are placed at the top of the pile.
- High Demand: Australia projects a shortage of over 70,000 nurses by 2035, ensuring long-term job security.
- Medicare Access: As a permanent resident (and even on some regional visas), you and your family gain access to Australia’s world-class public health system.
Summary: Which Visa is Best for You?
- If you want full freedom: Go for the Subclass 189.
- If you want to move quickly with a job offer: Go for the Subclass 482.
- If you are over 45 or have lower English scores: Look into DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreements) in regional areas like South Australia or Western Australia.
- If you work in Aged Care: Utilize the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement.
