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What Is the ANMAC Skills Assessment?
What It Is
The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is the designated assessing authority for nurses and midwives applying for skilled migration to Australia. A positive ANMAC assessment confirms your qualification meets Australian nursing standards.
Who Needs It
Anyone applying for a skilled visa under a nursing or midwifery ANZSCO occupation must complete an ANMAC skills assessment before lodging their visa application — this includes Registered Nurses, Midwives, Enrolled Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners.
Which Visas Require It
A positive ANMAC assessment is required for skilled visa subclasses 189, 190, and 491, as well as employer-sponsored categories such as subclass 482 and 186 where ANMAC is the relevant authority.
Validity & Processing
An ANMAC skills assessment outcome is generally valid for three years. Processing times vary by pathway — the modified pathway is typically faster, while the full assessment pathway may take several weeks depending on document completeness.
ANMAC Assessment Pathways
Modified Skills Assessment
For applicants who hold current registration as a nurse or midwife with AHPRA (Australia) or the Nursing Council of New Zealand. This is a faster and more straightforward pathway because ANMAC relies on your existing registration as evidence of competence.
Full Skills Assessment
For overseas-qualified nurses who do not hold current Australian or New Zealand registration. ANMAC reviews qualification comparability, English language proficiency, employment history, and professional references to make a determination.
Bridging Program Pathway
Nurses who are currently completing or have completed an approved AHPRA bridging program may be eligible to apply through a tailored pathway. Evidence of program enrolment or completion is required alongside standard qualification documents.
Who Needs This Assessment?
Registered Nurses
All specialisations including Mental Health, Critical Care, Emergency, Aged Care, Perioperative, and Paediatric Nurses must obtain an ANMAC assessment before applying for a skilled visa.
Enrolled Nurses
Enrolled Nurses may be eligible for a modified skills assessment in certain circumstances. The assessment pathway depends on current registration status and qualification level.
Midwives
Midwives applying for skilled migration must have their midwifery qualification assessed by ANMAC. Both those with and without existing AHPRA registration can apply through the appropriate pathway.
Nurse Practitioners & Clinical Specialists
Nurse Practitioners and Nursing Clinical Specialists nominating these ANZSCO occupations for migration must obtain a positive ANMAC assessment confirming their advanced qualifications and clinical experience.
How ABEE'S Consultancy Helps
Pathway Guidance
We explain whether the modified or full assessment pathway applies to your specific circumstances, so you begin the process on the correct footing.
Document Preparation
We clarify how to prepare English test results, qualification documents, registration evidence, and employment references so your application is complete and well-organised.
Reference Letter Support
We explain how to structure nursing reference letters that accurately reflect your duties and responsibilities in a format that meets ANMAC's expectations.
Application Lodgement
We provide guidance on preparing and submitting a complete application through the ANMAC portal, and advise on how to respond to any Requests for Further Information (RFI).
RFI Response Guidance
If ANMAC requests additional information or clarification, we explain how to respond accurately and effectively to protect your application outcome.
Post-Assessment Visa Strategy
After a positive ANMAC outcome, we advise on the skilled visa pathways available to nurses, including subclasses 189, 190, and 491, and help you plan your next migration steps.
Documents Required
- Passport and photograph (name change evidence if applicable)
- English test results — IELTS Academic, OET, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT (must be valid and meet ANMAC nursing standards)
- Nursing or midwifery degree certificate and academic transcripts
- Course syllabus (if required for qualification comparison)
- AHPRA or NZ Nursing Council registration certificate (for modified pathway applicants)
- Verification of registration from the relevant nursing authority
- Professional reference letters from employers (reflecting nursing duties, dates, and clinical responsibilities)
- Position descriptions, payslips or contracts, and statements of service (if submitting employment evidence)
Frequently Asked Questions
No — AHPRA registration is not required before applying to ANMAC. However, if you already hold AHPRA or NZ Nursing Council registration, you may be eligible for the faster Modified Pathway. Overseas-qualified nurses without registration apply through the Full Skills Assessment pathway.
ANMAC accepts IELTS Academic, OET (Occupational English Test), PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT. The required scores vary by test and must meet ANMAC's specific nursing standards. Results must be valid at the time the application is submitted.
If your ANMAC application is refused, you may be able to request a review or reapply once the identified deficiencies are addressed. Common reasons for refusal include insufficient English scores, non-equivalent qualifications, or missing documents. We can help you understand the refusal reasons and prepare a stronger reapplication.