ANMAC Skills Assessment
Assess Your Nursing Qualifications
Assess Your Nursing Qualifications
ANMAC (Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council) is the official authority assessing nursing and midwifery qualifications for skilled migration. Three distinct assessment pathways (Modified, Full, and Direct Care) plus the temporary GradReady stream ensure every nurse finds an eligible route to Australian registration and permanent residency.
On this page
ANMAC Assessment Pathways For Nursing Professionals
Understanding the pathways that determine your nursing skill assessment eligibility in Australia.
1. Modified Skills Assessment
For nurses already AHPRA/NMBA registered (or NCNZ); fee AUD $395; 6-8 weeks processing
2. Full Skills Assessment
For internationally qualified nurses from Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Singapore, Spain, the UK or the US; fee AUD $595; 6-8 weeks processing
3. Grad Ready Assessment
Temporary pathway for recent Australian nursing and midwifery graduates (open Nov 2025–Feb 2026); fee AUD $395; processed within 5–10 business days
4. Direct Care Skills Assessment
For Nursing Support Workers & Personal Care Assistants (ANZSCO 423312/423313); fee AUD $545; 6-8 weeks processing
Why ANMAC Is Critical
- Essential for skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491, 482, 186, 485)
- Confirms your qualifications meet Australian professional standards
- Assessed against the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
- Determines your nursing specialisation (RN, EN, Midwife, NEC)
- Valid for 2 years post-issuance for visa applications
- Required before submitting Expression of Interest (EOI) to Department of Home Affairs
- Complements AHPRA registration (separate processes, both required for practice)
- Supports visa sponsorship and employer-sponsored pathways
ANMAC assessment is distinct from AHPRA registration ANMAC validates your qualifications for migration purposes; AHPRA grants nursing practice rights in Australia. Without a positive ANMAC assessment, you cannot lodge an EOI or access skilled migration pathways. The assessment compares your nursing degree against Australian standards and evaluates work experience relevance.
ANMAC Assessment Pathway Options
Four distinct pathways serve different nursing qualifications and registration statuses in 2026.
1: Modified Skills Assessment
- Eligibility: Currently registered with AHPRA/NMBA (Australia) or the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ)
- Fee: AUD $395
- Processing: 6–8 weeks (fastest pathway)
- English Test Required: NO (waived for registered nurses)
- Visa Pathways: 189, 190, 491, 482, 186
- Advantage: Fastest processing; no English test; ANMAC verifies AHPRA status automatically
2: Full Skills Assessment
- Eligibility: Bachelor of Nursing from Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Singapore, Spain, UK or US; currently or previously registered in that country; NOT registered with AHPRA/NMBA
- Fee: AUD $595
- Processing: 6–8 weeks
- English Test Required: YES (IELTS 7.0 minimum each component or equivalent)
- Visa Pathways: 189, 190, 491, 482, 186
- Advantage: Available for graduates from recognised English-speaking healthcare systems
3: GradReady Assessment
- Eligibility: Recent Australian nursing/midwifery degree graduates awaiting AHPRA registration
- Fee: AUD $395
- Processing: 5–10 business days (limited availability Nov 2025–Feb 2026)
- Advantage: Fast-tracks recent Australian graduates
4: Direct Care Skills Assessment
- Eligibility: Nursing Support Workers (ANZSCO 423312) & Personal Care Assistants (ANZSCO 423313) Fee: AUD $545
- Requirement: Certificate III minimum + 12 months full-time paid work experience (or 120 hours practical training)
- Visa Pathways: Supports ACILA/DAMA labour agreements
- Advantage: Opens migration pathway for aged care and support worker roles
ANMAC Assessment Process & Steps
Navigate the four-step ANMAC assessment journey from eligibility to outcome letter.
Step 1: Self-Check & Pathway Determination
Confirm your eligibility and select the correct pathway using ANMAC’s online self-check tool.
Step 2: Document Preparation & Online Application
Gather all required documents (high-quality colour scans at 600 DPI minimum), complete the online form, and pay the fee.
Step 3: Document Review & Assessment
ANMAC evaluates your qualifications, work experience (if required), and supporting evidence (6–8 weeks).
Step 4: Assessment Outcome & Documentation
Receive your official outcome letter (valid for 2 years). A positive result allows you to submit your EOI and proceed with visa applications.
Documentation & Requirements Checklist
Prepare comprehensive documentation meeting ANMAC’s strict quality and content standards.
1. Identity & Personal Documents
- Copy of passport bio-data page(s)
- Copies of at least two other official identity documents
- Passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months
- Change of name document (if applicable)
2. Qualification Documents
- Graduation certificate(s) from all nursing or midwifery qualifications
- Relevant transcripts of training (including theoretical and clinical hours for Full assessment)
- For Direct Care: Evidence of at least 120 hours of practical experience (or USI VET transcript)
3. Work Experience & Registration Documents
- Professional reference letter(s) showing required paid work experience
- Registration verification from all jurisdictions (sent directly to ANMAC)
- For Direct Care: Payslips/tax statements, service statement, and contract of employment
4. Supporting Documents & Declarations
- English language test results (only for Full Skills Assessment)
- Completed Agent and third-party declaration form (if using an agent)
- Any additional documents requested by ANMAC during assessment
Success Strategy & 2026 Guidance
Achieving a successful ANMAC assessment requires choosing the correct pathway, submitting high-quality colour scans (minimum 600 DPI), and allowing at least 6–8 weeks for processing. Coordinate early with your home country regulatory body to send registration verifications directly to ANMAC. A positive outcome letter is valid for two years and serves as the essential foundation for submitting expressions of interest for skilled migration visas. Always check the latest requirements on the official ANMAC website.