How to Move to Australia as a Nurse via New Zealand in 2025–2026

A Complete, Updated Step-by-Step Guide (Updated 30 November 2025)

For internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) seeking a fast, predictable, and examination-light route to Australian registration, the New Zealand → Australia Trans-Tasman pathway remains by far the most efficient option.

Through the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMRA), nurses who obtain registration and an Annual Practising Certificate (APC) in New Zealand can secure full AHPRA registration within 2–14 days — often without writing the NCLEX-RN or OSCE required for direct Australian applicants.

This pathway is especially beneficial for nurses trained in Nigeria, India, Ghana, Kenya, the Philippines, and other non–“Schedule A” countries, as well as those already registered in the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or Singapore.

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Why Choose the New Zealand Pathway? (As of November 2025)

Key Advantages

• No OBA exams (NCLEX & OSCE) for most nurses transferring to AHPRA under TTMRA
• Fast-track AHPRA registration: 2–14 days after NZ APC is issued
• Immediate eligibility for employer-sponsored Australian visas (TSS 482, 186, 494)
• High recruitment demand across Australian states with relocation offers up to AUD 15,000
• Simplified ANMAC skills assessment for migration (Modified pathway)

This route saves most applicants several months, reduces examination stress, and provides multiple pathways to permanent residency.

Eligibility Overview

You are likely suitable for the New Zealand → Australia pathway if you:

• Hold current or restorable registration with a recognised nursing regulator

• Have 2+ years (3,600 hours) post-registration experience

  • OR 1+ year if experience is from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or Singapore

• Meet English language requirements:

  • IELTS Academic 7.0 (no band <7.0)
  • OR OET – B in all four subtests

• Have no disciplinary or criminal history preventing registration

PHASE 1 — Confirm Your Personal Pathway (Free – 15 Minutes)

1. Complete the NCNZ IQN Self-Assessment Tool

🔗 https://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/IQN

This official tool tells you exactly which assessments you will need. Be sure to download and save your PDF result — you will upload it later.

PHASE 2 — CGFNS Credential Evaluation (New Zealand)

2. Create your CGFNS Applicant Portal

🔗 https://cgfns.my.site.com/applicantPortal Select: “Credentials Evaluation Service – Nursing Council of New Zealand”

3. Required Documents

Documents must be sent directly by the issuing authority:

• Nursing school academic transcript
• Verification of original nursing licence/registration
• Verification of additional registrations (UK NMC, NMBI, etc.)
• Notarised passport, BRP (if applicable), marriage certificate (if name change)

4. Pay the CGFNS Fee

• Current fee: USD 485 (confirm on portal)
• Processing: 8–20 weeks (telephone follow-up speeds this up)

PHASE 3 — International Criminal History Check (Parallel Process)

5. Complete your Fit2work ICHC

🔗 https://www.fit2work.com.au/PreEmployment/ICHC Select: “Nursing Council of New Zealand” as the recipient.

• Cost: ~AUD 189
• Covers all countries lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years

PHASE 4 — Apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand

6. Submit Your NCNZ Application

Once CGFNS issues a positive report, NCNZ invites you to apply.

Fees:

• Application fee: NZD 485
• Additional police verification: NZD 130–190

7. Complete Mandatory Cultural Safety Modules

🔗 https://learnonline.health.nz

IQNs must complete two modules:

• Foundations of Cultural Competency
• Treaty of Waitangi and Health

Upload certificates within 30 days.

8. Registration Outcome

Most nurses with experience from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or Singapore receive direct registration without exams. Others may be asked to complete:

• A single theoretical exam, OR
• The NZ Clinical Competence Assessment/OSCE (Auckland or online)

9. Obtain Your Annual Practising Certificate (APC)

• Fee: NZD 135–170
• Valid: 1 April – 31 March

You are now a fully registered New Zealand nurse.

PHASE 5 — Apply for Australian Registration via TTMRA

10. Submit Your AHPRA TTMRA Application

🔗 https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Trans-Tasman-Mutual-Recognition

Required documents:

• Current NZ APC
• Proof of identity
• Certificate of good standing (sent automatically by NCNZ)

11. Processing Time

• 2–14 days
• Most applicants receive full registration in 5–7 business days

Outcome: General AHPRA registration — no exams, no bridging, no conditions.

PHASE 6 — ANMAC Modified Skills Assessment & Migration

12. Apply for ANMAC Modified Skills Assessment

🔗 https://www.anmac.org.au/skilled-migration-services/modified-skills-assessment

• Fee: AUD 395

• Processing: 4–6 weeks

• Requirements:

  • AHPRA registration letter
  • Notarised ID
  • Detailed CV
  • References submitted directly by referees

13. Australian Visa Options for Nurses (2025–2026)

Common pathways include:

• TSS 482 (employer-sponsored, pathway to PR)
• 186 ENS Direct Entry (immediate permanent residency)
• 190/491 State-nominated skilled visas
• 494 Regional skilled work visa (PR after 3 years)

PHASE 7 — Securing Employment in Australia

Major health employers actively recruit NZ-registered nurses:

Public Sector

• NSW Health – International Recruitment
• Queensland Health – Overseas Nurse Recruitment
• SA Health – International Nursing Program

Private Sector

• Healthscope
• Ramsay Health
• Calvary Health

Many offer relocation packages, flights, accommodation support, and PR sponsorship.

Job Search Platforms

• https://www.seek.com.au
• https://www.health.qld.gov.au/employment
• https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing

Estimated Timeline (Starting November 2025)

Final Professional Recommendations

• Start with the NCNZ self-assessment today — it is free and provides a clear roadmap.
• Consider using a registered migration agent (MARN) if pursuing PR pathways.
• Join reputable nursing migration communities — policies can change quickly.
• Keep copies of all documents notarised and backed up digitally.

The New Zealand → Australia TTMRA Route remains the most reliable, predictable, and exam-light migration pathway for internationally qualified nurses in 2025–2026.

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If you are a nurse planning your future in Australia, this is your best opportunity.

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