Aged Care Blog

fast tracked AHPRA for overseas nurses

Fast tracked AHPRA conversion for overseas nurses

Published February 2025

From April 2025, internationally qualified nurses from six countries will be able to receive their AHPRA registration using a more effective, less timely process.

Nurses from the United Kingdom, Ireland. the United States, Singapore, Spain and parts of Canada (British Columbia and Ontario) will be able to register as a healthcare practitioner in Australia between one and six months from the start of the process, as opposed to the nine to twelve months needed in the existing timeframe. The new standard removes the requirement for NMBA examinations or qualifications with greater flexibility. This is to meet the demand for healthcare professionals in Australia, with the country seeing a shortfall of over 70,000 nurses in 2025.

This additional pathway is for those coming from the six countries mentioned above, who have practiced for at least 1,800 hours. The bridging program, a program of study used previously for internationally qualified nurses will no longer apply, cutting out the need for further study and exams.

The new nursing qualification conversion process

To become a nurse in Australia for those who obtained their qualifications in NMBA Comparable Jurisdictions (such as the countries stated above) will need to show:

  • Evidence of 1,800 hours completed work as a registered nurse post 1st January 2017
  • A statement from their employer verifying their competency
  • Their nursing registration
  • A Certificate of Good Standing
  • Character, security and compliance checks such as police and criminal history, English language proficiency, professional indemnity insurance, and work history

Nurses who qualified outside Non-Comparable Jurisdictions will need the above, plus:

  • Completing of an examination within in NBMA approved jurisdiction.

Moving to Australia as a registered nurse

Given the changes to the pathway for registered nurses to practice in Australia, and the workforce shortages, now is the time to make the move in the hopes of securing short and long term work, and potentially long term stay in the country.

If you are interested in working in Australia as a registered nurse, read about one of our nurses journey migrating from overseas, and  contact our team today for more information on placements across the country in residential aged care homes.

Register with us

Looking for a new opportunity
in the aged care sector?

Register today

Expert staffing solutions

Need staffing support on a temporary, contract or permanent basis?

Send an enquiry

Subscribe Here!

Subscribe to our blog!

4 Comments

  1. Sonal Christina Chand on May 28, 2025 at 4:11 am

    Hi,
    This is Sonal Christina Chand, I am a Fiji experienced, AHPRA registered nurse. AHPRA reg. number: NMW0004002561. I have close to 10 years of nursing experience ranging from setting to setting. I am particularly interested in working as an aged care nurse. Any assistance would be great.
    Looking forward for a favorable response.
    Warm Regards
    Sonal Chand

    Reply
    • nadiab@sanctuaryrecruitment.com on June 2, 2025 at 1:53 am

      Hi Sonal, thanks for your message. If you can send your resume to marketing@sanctuaryrecruitment.com, our team will review your experience against our current vacancies.

      Reply
  2. Win on May 29, 2025 at 1:51 am

    As Singapore being a NMBA Comparable Jurisdiction will APHRA accept Registered Nurses from Singapore with only Diploma in nursing qualification from Singapore to be registered in Australia as registered nurses or do these nurses still need a degree to be a registered nurse in Australia. Singapore accepts Diploma in nursing graduates who completed their Diploma from Singapore Polytechnics to be register with the Singapore Nursing Board as Registered nurse and practice. Is there any clarification on this please?
    Many thanks

    Reply

Leave a Comment





Aged care blog
Aged care pay rise increases in 2025

Revised March 2025 As part of the aged care reform roadmap, a further aged care pay rise has been implemented this year. On 1 January 2025, a 3% increase was added to pay rates for general workers under the Aged Care Award.  Aged care pay rise 2025 breakdown  From 1 January 2025, general workers covered…
What is duty of care in aged care?

First published: November 2024 Duty of care in aged care is the legal and moral obligation and responsibility an aged care worker has, to ensure the physical and emotional safety of residents in their care. Alongside being legally and ethically sound, this encompasses providing a high-quality level of care that meets the clients needs, keeping…
Once in a generation aged care reform

First published: September 2024 On the 12th September 2024 the Albanese Government announced their plans to deliver historic aged care reforms, with $5.6 billion being invested into a package that will bring the greatest improvement to aged care in 30 years. It is projected that within the next 40 years, those aged 65 and over…
What skills do you need to work in aged care?

Revised: June 2025 Are you interested in working in aged care? Developing aged care skills is key to becoming a great worker and succeeding in the industry.  Through gaining aged care skills that allow you to interact with residents from a diverse range of backgrounds, deliver quality care and maintain a safe environment, you’ll improve…
Journeying through care: insights from a travel nurse exploring Western Australia

First published: February 2025 In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, travel nursing offers a unique opportunity for nursing professionals to expand their horizons while making a significant impact on patient and resident care across different regions of the country. Our contract team oversees short and long-term assignments in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia,…
Your guide to getting involved in aged care volunteering

First published: May 2025 Aged care volunteering is an opportunity to give back to the community whilst providing companionship and support to older people whilst both living in aged care homes or receiving home care. Aged care volunteering options that are available include assisting with daily living activities to make day to day tasks easier,…
The resilience of the aged care industry

First published: October 2023 How to overcome aged care hidden hurdles “The staff were the most vital asset in this situation, the power of the team really shone through during this time” Being part of the world of aged care usually means your general workday is fast-paced and constantly changing, but we often know what…
What is home care?

First published: April 2025 Home care, or care at home, is the support and assistance provided by healthcare professionals to allow those who need a helping hand to live independently at home for longer. The number of people wanting to remain at home is increasing, with 80% of older people opting to continue to live…
A guide to the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) and AN-ACC

First published: Demember 2024 For those receiving aged care services in residential aged care homes, the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) was used by the Australian Government to allocate subsidy amounts of residential aged care providers. Payments were based on the ongoing needs of residents and included a variety of factors such as activities of…
Enhancing aged care: Pulse Staffing Australia and Sanctuary Recruitment to deliver PALM Aged Care Expansion Program

First published: July 2024 Quality aged care is vital for ensuring that elderly people live fulfilling, healthy lives with dignity and respect. Aligned with our purpose to improve people’s lives, Pulse Staffing Australia and Sanctuary Recruitment, both part of Acacium Group, have partnered to support the delivery of the 2024 PALM Aged Care Expansion Program….