Australia continues to face a very significant shortage of nurses across the country, with the gap expected to reach 123,000 by 2030 due to its ageing population & an overstretched health system. 

Overseas-qualified nurses play a very essential role in addressing this demand. To migrate & pursue permanent residency in Australia, nurses must first complete the ANMAC skills assessment, which proves their qualifications meet the country’s migration requirements. ​

It’s essential to note that ANMAC evaluates migration eligibility only. In order to obtain a license & legally practice as a nurse in Australia, separate registration with AHPRA is mandatorily required.

What Is Meant by ANMAC Skill Assessment?

The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is a government-approved assessing body. 

It distinctively evaluates all the qualifications, experience, & identity of overseas nurses. It largely ensures that you meet all the set Australian standards for skilled migration.

ANMAC is not meant to license you to work in Australia – it only assesses all your credentials for approving your visa. 

The Department of Home Affairs relies on the assessment conducted by ANMAC when granting General Skilled Migration (GSM) or employer-sponsored visas.  

ANMAC assesses under ANZSCO codes – for instance, Registered Nurse roles. This helps tie your skills to the right occupation for migration.

Who Requires ANMAC Assessment?

• If you are an internationally qualified nurse or midwife applying for a visa like Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482, 186, 494, you likely needan  ANMAC assessment.  
• In case you are working temporarily in Australia under other visa types & do not intend to stay, ANMAC may not be essential.
• Remember: ANMAC ≠ AHPRA. Even after ANMAC gives a “suitable for migration” outcome, you still need to register with AHPRA to practice here.

What Are the Types of ANMAC Skill Assessment Pathways?

Here are the major ANMAC assessment pathways:

Full Skills Assessment

• This is for the nurses who are not registered with AHPRA.
• It requires a degree, registration (in some countries), an English test, & work experience.

  Modified Skills Assessment

• For nurses who are already registered with AHPRA (or NCNZ).
• Streamlined. No English language test is needed.

Modified PLUS Skills Assessment

• For those with an “in-principle” letter from AHPRA (NOIP).
• It requires identity proof, qualification, work experience, & ANZSCO code.  

The following is a quick comparison between these three assessments:

ANMAC Assessment Eligibility & Requirements

To apply for ANMAC, you must necessarily meet the following criteria:

• Qualification – Usually a bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent.  
• Work Experience –  To claim points, ANMAC necessarily requires documented work. For some visas, you require a minimum of 3 months paid Australian work (494 hours).
• English Language:
  • For Full Skills Assessment, ANMAC requires an English test: OET, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, or Cambridge.
  • For Modified or Modified PLUS, English tests are not required at all.  
• Identity & Registration Proof: Passport, photo, registration certificates.
• Professional References: These particular letters should clearly mention your role, working hours, dates, supervisor contacts, & description of duties. ANMAC has clear rules on this.  

Step-by-Step ANMAC Process of Assessment

Here is how to go through the ANMAC assessment:

1. Register: Create an account on the ANMAC Skilled Migrant Portal.  
2. Choose Your Pathway: Select Full, Modified, or Modified PLUS.
3. Gather All Necessary Documents: Use ANMAC’s checklist: identity, qualification, registration, references, English (if required).  
4. Scan & Translate: Upload high-quality scans. If your documents are not in English, translate them using NAATI-certified translators. Both original and NAATI-certified translations must be uploaded. The minimum resolution should be 600 dpi. Must be colour scans.
5. Pay the Fee: Depending on the pathway, fees are AUD $395–$595.  
6. Submit & Wait: ANMAC will run checks (identity, qualification, registration, & experience).  
7. Outcome: They send an outcome letter that usually takes about 6 – 8 weeks.  
8. If Local Docs Missing: ANMAC might ask for extra documents. Just upload or email the missing ones as requested.

What Usually Happens After Getting ANMAC Outcome?

Once ANMAC sends your Outcome Letter, it is valid for up to 2 years.  

Here are the steps that you need to follow next:

• Use the letter to apply for a skilled migration visa (e.g., 189, 190, 491, 482,186, 494).

• After your visa is fully approved & you arrive, apply for AHPRA registration to practice as a nurse in Australia.
• Your ANMAC assessment does not automatically register you to work – you need AHPRA Nursing Registration separately.

Why ANMAC Skill Assessment Matters?

Without an ANMAC assessment, you might not be eligible for several skilled visas. It is a key part of the entire pathway of migration.

If you skip this particular step, you potentially risk rejection of your visa application – or even worse, misalignment between your profession & the ANZSCO code. A proper assessment largely ensures your skills match what Australia requires.

Also, the assessment process by ANMAC is well-defined. You know exactly what to submit. That makes the entire planning of your documents & migration strategy easier.

Conclusion

To migrate to Australia as a nurse, an ANMAC skill assessment is almost unavoidable for most of the pathways. It largely validates all your qualifications, work experience, as well as identity.

• Firstly, decide which pathway applies to you: Full, Modified, or Modified PLUS.
• Get all your documents ready – qualifications, references, & proof of registration.
• Ensure all your scans are clear & translated if needed.
• Understand the fees, timeline, & what all happens after you get the outcome letter.

If you are serious about migrating & working as a nurse in Australia, an overseas nursing registration consultancy can certainly make all of this smoother. 

With the genuine professional help, you can avoid mistakes & delays in this critical step. At DESMA International, we help nurses & midwives from around the world to easily navigate this journey. 

No matter if you are aiming for migration or professional registration, we guide you in every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does ANMAC skill assessment cost?

The ANMAC skill assessment cost significantly depends on the pathway. As of now: Modified or Modified PLUS ≈ AUD $395, Full Skills ≈ AUD $595. 

2. What is the difference between ANMAC & AHPRA?

ANMAC assesses all your skills for migration. AHPRA grants you a license to practice nursing in Australia.

3. What all documents do I need for ANMAC skill assessment?

You need: identity (passport, photo), qualification certificates & transcripts, registration proof, work references, & English test scores (if applying for Full Assessment). 

4. Do I need IELTS for ANMAC assessment?

Only for Full Skills Assessment. ANMAC accepts OET, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge. 
For Modified or Modified PLUS, English tests are not required at all. 

5. What is Modified Skills Assessment ANMAC?

It is for nurses who are already registered with AHPRA, to assess their skills without requiring any special English test.  

6. What is Full Skills Assessment ANMAC?

It is for overseas nurses who are not registered in Australia/NZ. It requires degree, English test, proven work experience, & overseas registration. 

7. How does ANMAC assessment differs from registration with AHPRA?

ANMAC assesses your skills for visa purposes. AHPRA registration gives you the desired license to practice nursing in Australia.