Why Healthcare Workers Are in High Demand in Australia (2025)

Australia faces a critical shortage of nurses, aged care workers, and doctors due to an ageing population and post-pandemic demand. The government continues to list healthcare roles on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) and state nomination lists, making healthcare one of the fastest and most secure pathways to PR in 2025.

Main PR Pathways for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) → Permanent Residence

• Step 1: Get sponsored by an employer under a 482 Visa.

• Step 2: After 2–3 years, transition to PR through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) or the Regional 494 → 191 PR visa pathway.

• Who it suits: International nurses, doctors, or carers already working in Australia or receiving a job offer.

• Advantages: Fast entry to Australia, PR pathway built-in.

• Challenge: Must have an employer willing to sponsor.

2. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• Permanent visa (no sponsor required).

• Open to registered nurses, aged care nurses, midwives, medical practitioners, and other listed health professionals.

• Requires points test (usually 65+ points, but in practice, higher scores get invited).

• Advantage: PR granted directly, no employer or state dependency.

• Challenge: Highly competitive, with invitations mostly for critical shortage roles.

3. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• State/territory nominated PR visa.

• Healthcare workers are in demand in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS.

• Priority often given to regional nurses, GPs, and aged care workers.

• Advantage: Lower points threshold if nominated.

• Challenge: Must commit to living/working in that state for 2 years.

4. Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) → PR (191)

• Regional sponsorship from a state/territory.

• Healthcare workers in regional Australia are highly sought after.

• 491 visa is 5 years, but after 3 years of regional work and taxable income, you can apply for 191 PR visa.

• Advantage: Easier nominations, faster invitations for healthcare roles.

• Challenge: Must live/work in regional areas.

5. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

• Direct PR option for healthcare workers sponsored by employers.

• Two main streams:

  • Temporary Residence Transition (from 482).

  • Direct Entry (if you meet skills and English requirements).

• Advantage: Skip temporary visas and go straight to PR.

• Challenge: Employer must commit to sponsorship.

In-Demand Healthcare Occupations for PR (2025)

Example Pathway: Nurse PR in Australia

Case Study: Aged Care Nurse from India

• Step 1: Sponsored on a 482 Visa in Adelaide.

• Step 2: After 2 years, transitions to 186 PR Visa.

• Timeline: 2–3 years to secure PR.

• Alternative: Apply directly for 190 State Nomination PR if points are sufficient.

FAQs – PR Pathways for Healthcare Workers

Q1: Can I apply for PR as a nurse without a job offer?
Yes, via the 189 Skilled Independent Visa, but competition is high. Many succeed faster through state nomination or employer sponsorship.

Q2: Are aged care workers eligible for PR?
Yes. Aged care is listed under DAMA agreements and regional sponsorships. It’s one of the fastest-growing PR pathways in 2025.

Q3: Do doctors get priority for PR in Australia?
Yes. General Practitioners and Specialist Doctors are high-demand roles, with fast-tracked PR options under employer nomination and skilled visas.

Final Thoughts

Healthcare workers — especially nurses, aged care professionals, and doctors — are at the front of Australia’s migration priorities. Whether through employer sponsorship (482 → 186), state nomination (190), or direct skilled PR (189), the pathways are faster and more secure compared to most other professions.

👉 If you’re a nurse or healthcare worker considering PR in Australia, now is the best time to start