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.