Healthcare Jobs in Australia — Visas, Pay & Registration Pathways

The country

Why healthcare professionals choose Australia

Australia runs a universal healthcare system (Medicare) across public hospitals, aged care, community and home-care settings. An ageing population and years of workforce shortages mean registered nurses, aged-care workers, GPs, midwives and allied health professionals sit near the top of almost every state’s priority list — and internationally qualified staff are actively recruited to fill the gap.

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Persistent demand

Healthcare has been in acute shortage for five years running. Nursing and aged care are among the most consistently nominated occupations nationwide.

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Established routes

Well-trodden pathways for Filipino, UK and Irish professionals, with recognised registration bodies and, for many, a clear line to permanent residence.

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Lifestyle & pay

Competitive award-based pay, superannuation, and a lifestyle that consistently draws overseas healthcare workers for the long term.

Visa pathways

How the migration system works

Since December 2024, skilled migration has run through the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa. Which route fits you depends on your occupation, whether you have an employer sponsor or state nomination, your points, skills assessment and English test. These are the main routes healthcare workers use:

Employer-sponsored

Skills in Demand (subclass 482)

An approved employer sponsors you for an occupation on the CSOL. Core Skills stream for most healthcare roles; a dedicated labour-agreement stream covers aged care. Often the fastest route, and can lead to permanent residence.

Points-tested

Skilled Independent / Nominated (189 · 190 · 491)

Permanent (189, 190) or regional-provisional (491) visas for occupations on the skilled lists — no employer needed for 189. Requires a positive skills assessment, points score and English test.

To permanent residence

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

A permanent employer-sponsored visa. Many nurses, doctors and care workers move onto the 186 after a qualifying period of sponsored work in Australia.

Please note: occupation lists, visa rules and salary figures change regularly, and eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Figures on this page are indicative (in AUD) and vary by state, setting and experience. Always confirm current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant registration body — and our guides are kept up to date. Amber is not a migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.

Jobs & pay by role

What each profession can expect

Registration, visa route, demand and indicative pay for the four professions we source into Australia.

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Nurses & Midwives

AUD $83k–$103k+

Indicative RN salary

AHPRA — Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), after an ANMAC skills assessment.

Pathway

Filipino nurses via Outcomes-Based Assessment (MCQ + OSCE); UK/Irish nurses via the streamlined pathway. English via OET or IELTS.

Visa route

Registered nurse sits on the skilled lists (189 / 190 / 491) or employer-sponsored Skills in Demand (482).

Demand

Among the most-nominated occupations nationally; strong aged-care, hospital and community need.

AHPRA registration ANMAC skills assessment OBA & OSCE UK nurse → AHPRA OET vs IELTS How long AHPRA takes Salary: AU vs UK The honest reality

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Doctors & IMGs

Varies by grade

GPs & specialists earn most

AHPRA — Medical Board of Australia (MBA); assessment via the AMC or the relevant specialist college.

Pathway

Standard (AMC exams + supervised practice), Competent Authority (for UK/Irish-trained doctors — no AMC exams), or Specialist / Expedited Specialist for recognised specialists.

Visa route

Employer-sponsored Skills in Demand (482) or ENS (186); GPs and specialists are consistently in high demand.

Demand

Persistent shortages in general practice, rural/regional posts and several specialties.

In-depth IMG guides for Australia are on the way. Register free and your Journey Advisor will point you to the right pathway.

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Care Workers

AUD $65k–$75k

Indicative salary

Route

The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) lets approved providers sponsor overseas direct-care workers under the Skills in Demand (482) visa.

Requirements

Certificate III/IV in Individual Support (or an assessed overseas equivalent) plus experience; lower English threshold than skilled visas.

To residence

A recognised route to permanent residence via the ENS (186) after a qualifying period of sponsored work.

Demand

110,000+ additional direct-care workers needed over the next decade; pay has risen sharply since 2023.

ACILA explained Care worker visa (ACILA)ACWA skills assessment Irish care workers in AU

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Allied Health

Profession-dependent

e.g. physio ~AUD $75k–$95k

AHPRA National Boards (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Medical Radiation Practice and others); some professions self-regulate via their associations.

Visa route

Many allied health occupations sit on the skilled lists (189 / 190 / 491) or qualify for employer-sponsored Skills in Demand (482).

Demand

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers and others remain in ongoing shortage across public and private settings.

Skills assessment

Handled by the relevant assessing authority for each profession before registration.

Allied-health destination guides for Australia are on the way. Register free to get matched to the right board and route.

Build your healthcare career in Australia.

Why healthcare professionals choose Australia

How the migration system works

Skills in Demand (subclass 482)

Skilled Independent / Nominated (189 · 190 · 491)

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

What each profession can expect

Go deeper

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