Glossary

What is ANMAC? Skills Assessment for Nurses in Australia

Visafold·30 May 2026

ANMAC Skills Assessment for Australian Nursing Migration

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) plays a crucial role in Australia's healthcare workforce by assessing the qualifications of overseas-trained nurses and midwives seeking to migrate to Australia. As the designated skills assessment authority for nursing and midwifery occupations, ANMAC ensures that international healthcare professionals meet Australian standards before they can practice in the country.

What is ANMAC?

ANMAC is an independent national body established to develop standards, accredit programs, and assess qualifications for nursing and midwifery professions in Australia. For migration purposes, ANMAC conducts skills assessments for nurses and midwives applying for various Australian skilled migration visas, including the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).

The organisation evaluates whether an applicant's overseas nursing or midwifery qualifications are comparable to Australian standards and whether they have the necessary skills to practice safely and effectively in the Australian healthcare system.

ANMAC Skills Assessment Process

Eligible Occupations

ANMAC assesses the following ANZSCO codes: - 254411 - Nurse Practitioner - 254412 - Registered Nurse (Aged Care) - 254413 - Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) - 254414 - Registered Nurse (Community Health) - 254415 - Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) - 254416 - Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) - 254417 - Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation) - 254418 - Registered Nurse (Medical) - 254421 - Registered Nurse (Medical Practice) - 254422 - Registered Nurse (Mental Health) - 254423 - Registered Nurse (Perioperative) - 254424 - Registered Nurse (Surgical) - 254425 - Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) - 254499 - Registered Nurses nec - 254111 - Midwife

If you're unsure about your specific pathway or which nursing category applies to your situation, consider using a pathway checker to explore your migration options.

Assessment Requirements

To undergo ANMAC skills assessment, applicants must provide:

1. Educational Qualifications: Academic transcripts and certificates from nursing/midwifery programs 2. English Language Proficiency: IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT results meeting minimum requirements 3. Work Experience: Evidence of relevant nursing/midwifery experience (requirements vary by occupation) 4. Professional Registration: Current registration in the country where you obtained your qualification 5. Identity Documents: Passport and other identification documents 6. Curriculum Documentation: Detailed course curriculum from your educational institution

English Language Requirements

ANMAC requires specific English language test scores: - IELTS: Minimum 7.0 in each band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) - OET: Minimum Grade B in each sub-test - PTE Academic: Minimum 65 in each communicative skill - TOEFL iBT: Minimum scores of 24 (Listening), 24 (Reading), 27 (Writing), 23 (Speaking)

These results must be achieved in a single test sitting and be no more than two years old at the time of application.

AHPRA Registration Pathway

Following a successful ANMAC skills assessment, nurses and midwives must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to practice in Australia. AHPRA is the national regulator responsible for implementing the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.

AHPRA Registration Process

1. Submit Application: Complete the online application through AHPRA's portal 2. Provide Documentation: Submit educational qualifications, skills assessment outcome, and English language results 3. Background Checks: Undergo criminal history checks and character assessments 4. Health Declarations: Complete health and fitness declarations 5. Registration Outcome: Receive either general registration or registration with conditions

Types of Registration

AHPRA may grant: - General Registration: Full practice rights without conditions - Limited Registration: Restricted practice in specific settings or circumstances - Provisional Registration: Temporary registration while completing additional requirements

Migration Visa Application

Once you have both ANMAC skills assessment and AHPRA registration (or eligibility), you can proceed with your skilled migration visa application. The points-based system considers factors including age, English proficiency, work experience, and educational qualifications.

Given the complexity of the nursing migration process and the need to coordinate ANMAC assessment, AHPRA registration, and visa applications, many applicants benefit from professional guidance. Consider exploring comprehensive migration support through Visafold to ensure all requirements are met efficiently and correctly.

Conclusion

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