Nurse Visa Australia 2026: Subclass 482 TSS & Other Visa Options
Everything international nurses need to know about Australian visa options. Covers Subclass 482 (TSS), 189, 190, 494, and 407 visas with costs, processing times, eligibility requirements, and pathways to permanent residency.
The GdayNurse Team
31 March 2026
3 min read
Nurse Visa Australia 2026: Subclass 482 TSS & Other Visa Options
Once you have AHPRA registration, you need a visa to work in Australia. Nursing is on Australia's priority skilled occupation list, meaning nurses have access to multiple visa pathways — many with routes to permanent residency.
Visa Options Summary
| Visa | Type | Cost (AUD) | Duration | PR Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 482 TSS | Employer-sponsored temp | $1,455 | Up to 4 years | Yes (via 186) |
| 189 | Skilled independent (permanent) | $4,115 | Permanent | Already PR |
| 190 | State-nominated (permanent) | $4,115 | Permanent | Already PR |
| 491 | Regional skilled (provisional) | $4,115 | 5 years | Yes (via 191) |
| 494 | Regional employer-sponsored | $4,115 | 5 years | Yes (via 191) |
| 407 | Training visa | $330 | Up to 2 years | No |
| 417/462 | Working Holiday | $510-635 | 1-3 years | No (limited nursing work) |
Subclass 482 — Most Common for Nurses
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is how most international nurses enter Australia.
How It Works
- An Australian employer offers you a nursing position
- The employer applies to become an approved sponsor (if not already)
- The employer nominates you for the position
- You apply for the visa
Requirements
- Valid AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse
- At least 2 years of relevant nursing experience
- English language proficiency (IELTS 5.0 overall or equivalent — lower than AHPRA requirements, so if you met AHPRA requirements you already qualify)
- Health and character checks
- Employer must pay at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) — currently $73,150/year
Processing Time
- Nomination: 1-3 months
- Visa application: 1-4 months
- Total: 2-6 months
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After 2 years on a 482 visa, your employer can nominate you for a Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa — which grants permanent residency.
Finding an Employer Sponsor
Where to Look
- Seek.com.au — search "registered nurse sponsorship" or "visa sponsorship nursing"
- Nursing recruitment agencies: Affinity Health, Health Staff Recruitment, Mediworld, Healthcare Australia
- Hospital websites directly: Most major public health services have international recruitment pages
- Regional health services: Often more willing to sponsor and have faster processing
Tips
- Regional and rural positions are easier to get sponsored for and often have additional benefits (housing, relocation)
- Aged care providers are actively sponsoring due to severe workforce shortages
- Apply broadly — send applications to 20+ employers
- Mention your AHPRA registration status prominently in your CV
- Many employers will sponsor before you arrive in Australia
Start the Pathway
The visa comes after registration. Start your preparation now:
- Understand the full registration process
- Start NCLEX-RN preparation — from $350
- Start OSCE preparation — from $397
- Check country-specific requirements
Visa information current as of March 2026. Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa do most nurses get for Australia?
Most international nurses enter on a Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa through employer sponsorship. It is valid for up to 4 years and provides a pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 186 after 2 years.
How much does a nursing visa for Australia cost?
The Subclass 482 TSS visa costs $1,455 AUD for the primary applicant. Permanent visas (189, 190) cost $4,115 AUD. Some employers cover visa costs as part of their sponsorship package.
Can I get permanent residency as a nurse in Australia?
Yes. The most common pathway is: Subclass 482 (2 years) → Subclass 186 (permanent). You can also apply directly for Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) or 190 (State Nominated) if you meet the points requirements.
Do I need a job offer before applying for a nursing visa?
For the Subclass 482 (most common), yes — you need an employer to sponsor you. For Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), no employer sponsor is needed but you must meet points requirements.
