Australia’s healthcare sector is facing an urgent demand for qualified professionals — particularly in aged care, nursing, allied health, and community health services. Driven by an ageing population and increasing healthcare needs, this demand has opened significant migration opportunities for skilled healthcare workers from around the world.
If you are a nurse, aged care worker, medical technician, or allied health professional seeking to build a career abroad, Australia offers promising visa pathways that can lead to permanent residency and long-term professional growth.
At NB Migration Law, we help healthcare workers like you navigate the complexities of the Australian migration system and secure the right visa for your goals.
Why Australia Is Looking for Overseas Healthcare Workers
Healthcare remains a top priority sector for skilled migration in Australia. The government has formally recognised healthcare and aged care roles as critical to the nation’s wellbeing and economic future. Many healthcare occupations now appear on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists, granting them priority processing and opening access to various skilled migration and employer-sponsored visa programs.
With healthcare services expanding, particularly in regional and aged care sectors, qualified professionals from overseas are increasingly sought after to fill critical roles across hospitals, clinics, aged care centres, and community health services.
The Visa Pathways Available for Healthcare Workers
Australia offers several visa options tailored to the skills and qualifications of healthcare professionals. Choosing the right pathway depends on your occupation, experience, and whether you have an employer sponsor or state nomination.
One of the most popular routes is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189). This permanent visa is points-tested and does not require employer sponsorship or state nomination. It is suitable for healthcare professionals in occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), including registered nurses, physiotherapists, and other medical practitioners. Applicants must secure a positive skills assessment, meet the points requirement (currently 65 points or more), and receive an invitation to apply after lodging an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
Another option is the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), which grants permanent residency through state or territory nomination. This pathway is ideal for healthcare professionals whose skills are in demand in specific states. In some cases, a state nomination may allow applicants to meet a lower points threshold and benefit from faster processing. States may also offer additional settlement support or incentives for selected professions.
For those open to relocating outside major metropolitan centres, the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) presents a compelling opportunity. This five-year provisional visa allows healthcare workers to live and work in designated regional areas, with a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting specific residency and income requirements. Regional areas often actively seek healthcare professionals and may offer bonus points or streamlined processes for nomination.
Healthcare workers may also consider employer-sponsored pathways. The Skills in Demand Visa – Subclass 482 allows qualified professionals to work in Australia for two to four years, depending on their occupation and the employer’s business needs. This visa requires a job offer from an approved Australian employer and is often used by hospitals, aged care providers, and regional clinics seeking skilled staff. For those aiming for long-term settlement, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186 offers a direct route to permanent residency. It requires a skills assessment, relevant work experience, and English proficiency and is well-suited for highly skilled or experienced healthcare professionals.
Industry-Specific Labour Agreements for Aged Care and Support Workers in Australia
Australia’s migration framework has evolved in recent years to better respond to sector-specific workforce shortages—particularly in aged care and disability support. One of the key mechanisms for achieving this has been the introduction and expansion of Industry-Specific Labour Agreements.
What Are Industry-Specific Labour Agreements?
Industry-specific labour agreements are formal arrangements between the Australian Government and a particular industry sector. They allow employers in that sector to sponsor overseas workers for occupations that may not typically be eligible under the standard skilled migration pathways. These agreements are negotiated in consultation with key industry stakeholders and are designed to address chronic skill shortages in sectors where there is a clear, demonstrated need.
Support for Aged Care Sector
In response to growing demand in aged care—especially post-pandemic and amid an ageing population—specific labour agreements have been introduced for aged care providers. These agreements provide:
- Access to occupations not usually on the general skilled occupation lists, such as Personal Care Assistants, Aged or Disabled Carers, and Enrolled Nurses.
- Streamlined sponsorship processes, reducing red tape and timeframes for approval.
- Concessions on English language requirements, work experience, and salary thresholds where appropriate.
Role of Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)
Additionally, Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)—which are region-specific labour agreements tailored to local economic and labour market needs—also play a significant role. Many DAMAs include aged care and community support occupations, offering another flexible pathway for regional employers to sponsor overseas workers.
What You’ll Need to Qualify
While there are multiple visa options, most skilled and employer-sponsored visas share common eligibility requirements. Applicants generally need a recognised qualification, such as a nursing degree, allied health diploma, or aged care certification. A positive skills assessment through a relevant assessing body — for example, ANMAC for nurses or registration with AHPRA for certain health professions — is typically required.
English language proficiency is another key requirement, often demonstrated through tests like IELTS or OET. Applicants must also show relevant work experience and meet age limits, usually set at 45 years for skilled migration pathways. These combined factors help ensure candidates are well-prepared to meet Australia’s professional standards and integrate effectively into the workforce.
How NB Migration Law Can Assist You
Australian migration law is complex and constantly evolving. The right pathway can vary based on your qualifications, country of registration, and professional goals. That’s where NB Migration Law comes in.
Our team provides tailored advice and practical support to healthcare professionals considering migration to Australia. We assist with skills assessments, ensure your qualifications are recognised, and guide you through the most suitable visa pathway. Whether you need help applying for state nomination, securing employer sponsorship, or lodging your visa application, we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.
We also monitor changes in migration policy, ensuring you receive up-to-date guidance based on the latest legislation and government priorities.
Ready to Start Your Healthcare Career in Australia?
With Australia’s growing demand for healthcare professionals, now is the perfect time to explore your migration options. By working with experienced migration lawyers, you can turn opportunity into reality — and set yourself on the path toward a rewarding career and permanent residency.
Thinking of migrating to Australia as a healthcare worker? Contact NB Migration Law today for expert advice and personalised visa planning.