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Canada CRS Australia Points Guides FAQ

Immigration Points for Nurse

Explore immigration pathways to Canada and Australia as a nurse. Calculate your points and understand your eligibility for 2026.

Canada NOC Code

31301

Nurse

Australia ANZSCO Code

254411

Nurse

Immigration Prospects for Nurses

Nurses are consistently ranked among the highest-demand occupations for immigration to both Canada and Australia, reflecting critical healthcare workforce shortages in both countries. In Canada, registered nurses fall under NOC 31301 (Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses), a TEER 1 occupation eligible for Express Entry through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and healthcare-focused category-based draws. Canada's healthcare system faces significant staffing challenges, particularly in rural and northern communities, making nursing one of the most favorable occupations for immigration purposes. Category-based Express Entry draws targeting healthcare workers have been conducted since 2023, sometimes with lower cutoffs than general draws, providing dedicated invitation pathways for nurses. Several Provincial Nominee Programs actively recruit nurses, including programs in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. In Australia, registered nurses are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) under ANZSCO 254411, qualifying for subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) conducts skills assessments for nursing applicants. Australia's healthcare sector faces similar workforce challenges, with nursing consistently appearing as a priority occupation in state and territory nomination lists. Demand is particularly strong in regional areas, where the subclass 491 visa with its 15-point regional bonus can make immigration more accessible for nurses who may not reach the highest point thresholds. Both countries require nurses to meet registration standards with the relevant nursing regulatory body before practicing — the College of Nurses in the respective Canadian province or the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Bridging programs and supervised practice pathways are available in both countries for internationally educated nurses whose qualifications require additional assessment. Salaries for registered nurses typically range from CAD 65,000 to 100,000 in Canada and AUD 70,000 to 110,000 in Australia, with higher rates for specialized roles and remote postings.

Eligibility by Country

🍁 Canada

Registered nurses qualify under NOC 31301 (TEER 1) for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class. They are priority candidates for healthcare category-based Express Entry draws. Most provinces have dedicated healthcare streams in their PNPs — notably Ontario's Human Capital Priorities stream, BC's Healthcare Professional category, Alberta's Healthcare Pathway, and Atlantic provinces' healthcare recruitment initiatives. Nurses must register with the provincial nursing regulatory body before practicing.

🦘 Australia

Registered nurses are on the MLTSSL under ANZSCO 254411, eligible for subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas. Skills assessment by ANMAC is required, evaluating nursing qualifications, clinical hours, and English proficiency. Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) is required before practicing. State nominations are widely available, with strong demand across all states and territories, particularly in regional and remote areas.

Canada CRS Calculator

Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System score for Express Entry as a nurse.

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Australia Points Calculator

Calculate your SkillSelect points for skilled migration to Australia as a nurse.

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Bonus Points

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FAQ: Immigration for Nurses

Are nurses in high demand for immigration to Canada and Australia? +
Yes, nurses are among the highest-demand occupations in both countries. Canada has conducted specific healthcare category-based Express Entry draws, and most provinces actively recruit nurses through their PNPs. Australia lists registered nurses on its priority occupation list, and demand is especially strong in regional areas. Both countries face ongoing healthcare workforce shortages.
Do I need to pass a licensing exam to work as a nurse after immigrating? +
Yes, in both countries. In Canada, internationally educated nurses must register with the provincial nursing regulatory body, which typically involves a credential assessment, a bridging program, and passing the NCLEX-RN examination. In Australia, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, which requires meeting English language, qualification, and recency of practice standards.
Can nurses get a provincial or state nomination to boost their immigration score? +
Yes, many Canadian provinces and Australian states prioritize nurses in their nomination programs. A Canadian provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Express Entry invitation. Australian state nominations add 5 points (subclass 190) or 15 points (subclass 491). Nurses in regional areas are particularly likely to receive nominations.

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Disclaimer

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, immigration advice, or any form of professional consultation. The information about immigration pathways for nurses is based on publicly available data and may not reflect the most recent policy changes. Immigration policies, occupation lists, and scoring criteria can change at any time without notice. We are not affiliated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Australian Department of Home Affairs, or any government agency. NOC and ANZSCO codes and descriptions are provided for reference only and may not capture all nuances of occupation classification. For personalized immigration advice, please consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), a registered Australian Migration Agent (MARA), or a licensed immigration lawyer. Use of this tool and reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.