adminLast reviewed: 25 October 2026. Fees and income thresholds rose on 1 July 2026. Registration rules vary by profession.
Australia needs health workers, but adverts that promise easy sponsorship and permanent residency often skip two steps: professional registration and a skills assessment. This guide explains both.
Quick answer
- Most nursing and allied health roles use the Skills in Demand 482 visa under the Core Skills stream. The income threshold from 1 July 2026 is A$79,423, or the market rate if higher.
- You must be registered with AHPRA before practising a regulated profession. A migration agency page reviewed in August 2026 says you can hold a valid 482 but cannot legally practise until AHPRA registers you.
- Skills assessment comes first. Nurses and midwives use ANMAC (fee about A$595 per that page). Doctors use the AMC.
- English is strict. Typical requirements are OET grade B in each skill or IELTS 7.0 in each band, though some allied health roles accept less.
- Realistic timing is 6 to 12 months from outside Australia, according to the same agency page.
Steps
- Check that your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List.
- Apply for the skills assessment with the right authority (typically 3 to 6 months).
- Take an approved English test.
- Apply to AHPRA for registration (typically 3 to 6 months, can run in parallel).
- Secure an approved sponsor and a nomination.
- Lodge the 482 visa and pay the fee.
Pathway to permanent residency
The 482 can lead to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after a period of employer-sponsored work. Regional options include the 494 and then the 191. Rules for the time you must work and other conditions change, so check the Home Affairs page for your stream.
Costs in 2026
| Item (from 1 July 2026) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | A$79,423 (up from A$76,515) |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | A$146,576 (up from A$141,210) |
| Visa 482 Skills in Demand, main applicant | A$4,015 (up from A$3,210) |
| Visa 482, child | A$1,005 |
| Visa 186 Employer Nomination, main applicant | A$6,140 (up from A$4,910) |
Skills assessment, English test and AHPRA fees are extra. A migration agency page cited above lists ANMAC at A$595.
Red flags and scams
- Anyone asking you to pay for a job offer, a sponsorship or a “guaranteed” visa.
- Job adverts with very high pay for beginners, or no interview.
- Contact only through WhatsApp, Telegram or a free email address with no company website or ABN.
- Fake government sites. Official sites end in .gov.au.
If you think you have been targeted, stop paying, keep all messages and receipts, and report it to Scamwatch. You can also email us at info@careerjobss.com.
Sources and references
- Widen Migration: sponsor healthcare workers (reviewed August 2026)
- Vialto Partners: income thresholds and fees from 1 July 2026 (2 July 2026)
- AHPRA: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Australian rules, fees and thresholds change often, usually on 1 July. Always confirm the current position on the Department of Home Affairs website or with a registered migration agent before making decisions. Corrections are welcome at info@careerjobss.com.
admin