Australia continues to face a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, creating an excellent opportunity for qualified doctors, nurses, and allied health workers from overseas. If you’re a healthcare professional planning to build your career in Australia, here’s your complete step-by-step guide to migrating successfully.

Why Australia Needs Healthcare Workers

Australia’s healthcare system is growing rapidly due to:

• An ageing population
• Increased demand for aged care and mental health services
• Expansion of regional medical facilities

According to the Australian Government’s Skills Priority List, healthcare and medical occupations are among the most in-demand jobs in 2025–26.

Top In-Demand Occupations Include:

• Registered Nurses (All Specializations)
• General Practitioners & Medical Specialists
• Aged Care and Disability Support Workers
• Physiotherapists & Occupational Therapists
• Radiographers & Medical Laboratory Scientists
• Dentists & Dental Hygienists

Pathways to Immigrate as a Healthcare Professional

There are multiple visa pathways to move to Australia as a healthcare worker. Here are the main ones:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• Permanent Residency (PR) visa
• Points-based system (minimum 65 points required)
• No state nomination or employer sponsorship needed
• Suitable for high-demand occupations like nursing or medical science

Benefits:

• Live and work anywhere in Australia
• Bring your family
• Eligible for PR from Day 1

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• PR visa sponsored by an Australian state or territory

• Must be nominated by a specific state based on occupation demand

   

Example: Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland regularly invite nurses and allied health professionals through this program.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

• 5-year temporary visa leading to PR
• Must live and work in regional Australia for at least 3 years
• Higher invitation chances for healthcare roles

4. Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482/186)

• For applicants with a job offer from an Australian healthcare employer or hospital

• Direct PR possible via the Employer Nomination Scheme (186)

   

  Ideal for: Doctors, nurses, aged care workers, and specialists who receive sponsorship from hospitals or aged care centers.

Qualification & Registration Requirements

Before applying, healthcare professionals must have their qualifications recognized by the relevant Australian authority.

General Eligibility Requirements

• Age below 45 years
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field
• Minimum 3 years of work experience
• Competent English (IELTS 7 each band or equivalent PTE score)
• Positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
• Minimum 65 points in the Australia PR points grid
• Salary Expectations in Australia (2025)

Step-by-Step Process to Apply

• Check Your Occupation - Confirm if it’s listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Get a Skills Assessment - Apply to the relevant authority (e.g., AHPRA for nurses).
• Take an English Test - IELTS, PTE, or OET accepted.
• Calculate Your Points - Based on age, qualification, work experience, and English score.
• Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) - Via Skill Select.
• Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) - From the Australian Government or a state.
• Lodge Visa Application - Submit documents, medicals, and biometrics.
• Get Visa Approval & Move to Australia!

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

Healthcare workers often qualify for PR within 2–3 years, especially through:

• Skilled Independent (189)
• Skilled Nominated (190)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (186)

Once you obtain PR, you can:

• Live and work permanently
• Access Medicare (public healthcare)
• Apply for citizenship after 4 years

Australia’s growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals has opened an exceptional pathway for qualified international workers to build their careers in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems. Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, therapist, or technician, the Australian Skilled Migration Program provides a clear route to permanent residency and long-term stability.

By obtaining the right qualifications, meeting English language requirements, and following the correct visa process, you can turn your dream of working and living in Australia into reality. With competitive salaries, a high standard of living, and a welcoming multicultural society — Australia isn’t just a destination for work; it’s a place to build a better life.

At Jobwings33, we make this journey smoother by connecting you with licensed immigration expert that will guides you through every step - from skill assessment to visa approval. If you’re ready to take your healthcare career global, now is the time to act.