Aged Care Blog

Fast tracked AHPRA conversion 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



    • Sanctuary Recruitment 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.



  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



Aged care blog
What is a home care package?

First published: March 2025 Home care packages are provided under the Home Care Package Program, which is partially subsidised by the government, aiming to care for those needing assistance to remain in their own homes for longer. It was found that 68% of Australians wish to age within their own homes, meaning the demand for…
A complete guide to aged care qualifications and certification requirements 

First published: July 2025 There are many different roles within aged care, some of which require a higher degree of education and training. Getting the right aged care qualifications and certificates can support you in establishing a long and rewarding career in the field. They ensure you understand the safety, legal and ethical protocols to…
Certificate IV in Aged Care pay rate guide

First published: June 2025 Certificate IV in Aged Care pay rates are set by the Aged Care Award. Recent reforms in the aged care sector have led to aged care workers in Australia receiving multiple pay rises in the past few years due to an investigation into workforce attraction and retention via the Royal Commission…
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…
Transitioning into aged care

First published: November 2023 A non clinical perspective With the aged care industry being a part of the healthcare space, the common perception is that you need a nursing qualification to be eligible for a role in a residential aged care home. This is true for a large number of job positions, as clinical members…
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…
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…
The human side of dementia care

What I’ve learned visiting aged care homes across australia By Rhiannon Dhoot, Client Relationship Manager at Sanctuary Recruitment Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to visit a number of aged care homes across Australia, including facilities that specialise in dementia care and homes with dedicated dementia support units. Although every home has…
6 steps to aged care compliance readiness

As Australia’s aged care landscape continues to evolve, compliance has never been more important. With the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and the new Aged Care Act that came into effect on the 1 November 2025, providers must be confident that their workforce, systems and processes are up to standard. These obligations apply across residential…