ANMAC Skill Assessment for Nurses Migrating to Australia

If you want to migrate to Australia as a nurse, you are required to obtain a positive skills assessment from an authorised Australian body such as ANMAC. 

 

This skill assessment evaluates whether you meet the certain requirements and standards set by the Australian healthcare system. This assessment is a mandatory step for obtaining a skilled migration visa!

 

To learn all about ANMAC skill assessment for nurses migrating to Australia, its eligibility criteria, document checklist, application process and the fee, continue reading. 

 

What is ANMAC Skill Assessment?

ANMAC refers to the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council, which is a skill-assessing body for nurses who want to migrate to Australia on a skilled migration visa.  

 

It is a government-approved authority that evaluates and makes sure the migrating nurses, midwives and other health care workers meet Australian standards. The ANMAC conducts skill assessment on the basis of the following criteria: 

 

• Identity checks
• Education and training checks
• Work experience checks
• Registration and certification checks
• English language test results (for Full Skills Assessment only)

 

On the basis of your skill assessment, the Department of Home Affairs determines your eligibility for a skilled migration visa.

 

So, a skills assessment plays an important role in the migration process. 

 

Who Needs an ANMAC Skill Assessment?

To be eligible for an ANMAC skill assessment, you must be one of the following:

 

• Oversee registered and qualified nurses and midwives with qualifications from recognized countries.
• Nurses and midwives with a “notice of in-principle approval of registration subject to proof of identity” from AHPRA.
• Registered nurses and midwives in Australia and New Zealand.
• Health care workers with qualifications or experience in a direct care role.

 

So, if you belong to one of these categories, you are eligible to apply for the skill assessment. But before moving forward, first you need to understand that there are different pathways for application submission based on your skills and roles. 

 

So, here are the details!

 

ANMAC Application Options for Skill Assessment of Nurses

The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) offers various skill assessment options for nurses and midwives who wish to migrate to Australia. These pathways are: 

 

• Nursing & Midwifery Skills Assessment

• Direct Care Skills Assessment

 

Here you will find the details of each option.

 

1. Nursing & Midwifery Skills Assessment

This skill assessment option is designed for individuals who want to migrate to Australia as Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse and Midwife ANZSCO occupations. This pathway is further divided into three skill assessment types, which are:

 

• Full Skills Assessment
• Modified Skills Assessment
• Modified PLUS Skills Assessment 

 

Modified Skills Assessment

If you are currently registered as a nurse or midwife in Australia or New Zealand, then consider applying for a modified skills assessment. To apply for a Modified Skills Assessment, you must be registered with one of the following:

 

• Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA/Ahpra)
• Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) 
• Midwifery Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

 

Moreover, the skills assessment fee is AUD 395 and you can submit the online application within 20 minutes.  The current approval wait time for modified skills assessment is 6–8 weeks. 

 

Look at the table below to check the required documents for a modified skills assessment.

 

 

Resource: Skilled Migration Services Document checklist

 

Modified PLUS Skills Assessment

This assessment is designed  for individuals who have a “notice of in-principle approval of registration subject to proof of identity” from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Moreover, you must be registered as a nurse or midwife in another country except Australia or New Zealand. 

 

Moreover, the skills assessment fee is AUD 395 and you can submit the online application within 20 minutes.  The current approval wait time for modified plus skills assessment is 6–8 weeks. 

 

Below is the table showing the documents required for a Modified Plus Assessment.

 

 

 

Resource: Skilled Migration Services Document checklist

 

Full Skills Assessment for Nurses

This assessment is for overseas graduates and registered (UK, US, Ireland, Canada, Hong Kong) nationals. To be eligible for this assessment, you must be qualified and registered as a nurse or midwife in Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States. 

 

The skills assessment fee is AUD 545 and you can submit the online application within 25 minutes.  The current approval wait time for full skill assessment is 6–8 weeks. 

 

Below is the table showing the documents required for a full skills assessment.

 

 

Resource: Skilled Migration Services Document checklist

 

2. Direct Care Skills Assessment

Direct Care Skills Assessment is designed to support the Australian Government’s Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) and Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). Under this assessment, the following occupations are assessed:

 

• Nursing Support Officer:  ANZSCO 423312 
• Personal Care Worker:  ANZSCO 423313.

 

The skills assessment fee is AUD 545 and you can submit the online application within 25 minutes. The current approval wait time for direct care skill assessment is 6–8 weeks. 

Below is the table showing the documents required for a direct care skill assessment.

 

 

Resource: Skilled Migration Services Document checklist

Important Note: You don’t need a skills assessment if you have completed your qualification in Australia.

 

Now, you have learned about both assessment application pathways. The next step is to lodge your application. Here are the step-by-step guidelines for that.

 

General Application Process for ANMAC Skill Assessment

The application process and requirements are different for each kind of skill assessment. However, here I’ve summarised the general steps for lodging skill assessment applications. 

 

• Step 1: Check your eligibility.

• Step 2: Prepare your documents.

• Step 3: Submit an online application.

• Step 4: Wait for the outcome

 

Below are the details: 

 

Step 1: Check your Eligibility

The first step is to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria based on your qualifications and registration. Carefully read the requirements for each pathway and check which is the most suitable option for you based on your role and skills. Then start preparing for that pathway. 

 

Step 2: Prepare your Documents

Gather all necessary documents, which may take between one day to one month. These documents usually include proof of identity, qualification certificates, transcripts, proof of work experience and English language proficiency test results (if applicable). Gather and scan these documents. 

 

Note: If your documents do not meet the requirements, your assessment may be delayed.

 

Step 3: Submit an Online Application

Create an online account on the ANMAC website and download the online application form for your chosen pathway. Fill out the application form and provide accurate information about your qualifications, work experience, and other relevant details. Then attach all the required documents and pay the assessment fee.

 

Step 4: Wait for the outcome

ANMAC will review your application and documents. This process can take several weeks. They may contact you if they need additional information or clarification. If your application is successful, you will receive a letter or certificate confirming your skills assessment. Now, you can proceed towards your skilled migration visa. 

 

If your application is not successful, ANMAC will provide feedback on the areas that need improvement. So, focus on those areas and then reapply. 

 

Final Thoughts

So, by now you have learned all about an ANMAC skill assessment process in Australia. You have learned about various types of skill assessment for nurses, the eligibility criteria for each type of assessment and the documents required to apply for them. Moreover, you have gained insights into the general application process for ANMAC skill assessment. 

 

So, what’s next? You have learned the basics. Now this is the right time to lodge your application. However, if you are still confused and need professional assistance, contact us at The Migration now. We’ll help you in guiding and submitting a flawless and decision-ready skill assessment application.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the ANMAC skills assessment?

The ANMAC skills assessment process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks if you have submitted all the required documents. However, this can vary depending on the completeness and accuracy of the submitted documents.

 

What is ANMAC assessment?

The ANMAC assessment refers to an evaluation procedure conducted by the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council. It evaluates the skills, qualifications, and experience of overseas-qualified nurses, midwives, and other healthcare workers. This assessment ensures that they meet Australian standards and are eligible for skilled migration.

 

What IELTS score is required for nurses to work in Australia?

To work in Australia as a nurse, you must have at least a 7.0 score in all bands, including reading, writing, speaking and listening.