If you are a nurse looking to expand your career in Australia, there's great news! From April 28th, 2025, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) will introduce a streamlined registration process for Internationally Qualified Registered Nurses (IQRNs).
This change aims to reduce the time it takes for eligible nurses to obtain general registration, opening new doors for healthcare professionals eager to work in Australia.
Previously, internationally trained nurses had to go through a lengthy and complex process, often taking nine to twelve months. This involved completing a bridging programme, undergoing multiple assessments, and meeting various regulatory requirements.
The new system eliminates the need for a bridging programme, allowing nurses to gain registration more efficiently.
Who Benefits from This Change?
This revised registration standard applies to nurses from NMBA-approved comparable jurisdictions, which currently include the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Singapore, Spain, and parts of Canada (British Columbia and Ontario).
If you’re a qualified nurse from one of these countries, your path to becoming a registered nurse in Australia is now going to be faster and more accessible.
The Two Pathways to Registration
The NMBA has introduced two pathways for IQRNs seeking general registration:
Pathway 1: For Nurses from Comparable Jurisdictions
Nurses who obtained their qualifications in NMBA-approved comparable jurisdictions can qualify for general registration if they:
Have completed a minimum of 1,800 hours of practice as a registered nurse since 1 January 2017.
Provide a statement from their employer confirming their competency and professional abilities.
Hold current or previous general registration in an approved jurisdiction.
Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from their regulatory authority.
Meet NMBA requirements for criminal history checks, continuing professional development, English language proficiency, recency of practice, and professional indemnity insurance.
Pathway 2: For Nurses from Non-Comparable Jurisdictions
If your qualification was obtained outside NMBA-approved jurisdictions, you may still be eligible if you:
Successfully complete a regulatory examination in an NMBA-approved comparable jurisdiction.
Have current or previous general registration in a comparable jurisdiction since 1 January 2017.
Have at least 1,800 hours of practice in an NMBA-approved jurisdiction since 2017.
Meet the NMBA’s additional registration standards, similar to those in Pathway 1.
Why This Matters to You
As mentioned earlier, the registration process for internationally trained nurses takes anywhere from nine to twelve months. Under the new system, eligible nurses could receive registration in as little as one to six months, significantly reducing delays and allowing nurses to enter the workforce more quickly.
For nurses looking to move to Australia, this is a golden opportunity. The Australian healthcare system is experiencing a growing demand for skilled nurses, and these changes reflect the country’s commitment to attracting international talent.
How Envertiz Can Help
As a trusted leader in healthcare recruitment, we are committed to helping internationally qualified nurses achieve their professional goals in Australia. We offer expert guidance on eligibility requirements, the registration process, visa applications, and job placements, ensuring a smooth transition to your new career.
Stay informed for more updates, review the new registration standards, and let us support you in making a seamless transition to your new nursing career in Australia.
For more details, visit the official announcement by AHPRA here, or contact us at registration@envertiz.com
Comments