How to Get Permanent Residency for Enrolled Nurse in Australia: Study, Skills Assessment & Visa Options
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The Enrolled Nurse PR pathway in Australia is becoming increasingly popular due to the country’s high demand for healthcare workers. While Registered Nurses often receive more attention, Enrolled Nurses (ENs) also have strong opportunities to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through both skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas.
What is an Enrolled Nurse?
An Enrolled Nurse is a healthcare professional who supports patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
To become an Enrolled Nurse in Australia, you must complete a Diploma of Nursing from an institution accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Once completed, registration with AHPRA is required to legally practice.
Skills Assessment for Enrolled Nurses
To apply for skilled migration, Enrolled Nurses need a positive skills assessment from ANMAC. The standard requirements include:
A completed Diploma of Nursing from an accredited institution
Current AHPRA registration
Relevant work experience in most cases
Enrolled Nurses typically don't need to show post-qualification experience to receive a positive skills assessment!
Visa Options for Enrolled Nurses in Australia
Even though Enrolled Nurse is on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), the occupation remains eligible for several skilled and employer-sponsored visa subclasses.
Skilled Migration Visas
190 Visa (State Nominated PR): Requires nomination by a state or territory.
491 Visa (Regional Provisional): Requires nomination and leads to PR via the 191 visa after 3 years.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
482 Visa (Skills in Demand Visa): A temporary work visa with PR pathways.
186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme): Direct PR or via Temporary Residence Transition.
494 Visa (Regional Employer Sponsored): Leads to PR through the 191 visa.
407 Visa (Training Visa): For skills training and workplace development.
Enrolled Nurse vs Registered Nurse PR Pathways
Criteria | Enrolled Nurse | Registered Nurse |
Qualification | Diploma of Nursing | Bachelor of Nursing |
Course Duration | 18–24 months | 2–3 years |
Skills Assessment | ANMAC (no experience needed) | ANMAC (no experience needed) |
Salary (Average) | $65,000 | $85,000+ |
Eligible Visas | 190, 491, 482, 186, 494, 407 | ALL VISA |
Upgrade Option | Can upgrade to RN for more PR options | — |
While Registered Nurses have broader visa access and fewer assessment requirements, Enrolled Nurse PR pathways in Australia still offer viable and attractive routes, especially for those seeking a quicker and lower-cost entry into the nursing profession.
Book a Consultation with RACC
With ongoing shortages and strong demand for nurses, there has never been a better time to explore the Enrolled Nurse PR pathway in Australia.
Book a consultation today with RACC!
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