Overseas Nurses
Frequently asked questions - Eligibility and Registration
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Before you can work as a Registered Nurse in Australia, you must obtain registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Registration requirements vary depending on your qualifications, nursing experience and country of training.
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You can apply for opportunities if you have obtained AHPRA registration or have received a provisional approval letter from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.You can visit our careers page to apply online to any Registered Nurse role by clicking here.
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No. Many overseas nurses successfully transition into aged care without prior Australian aged care experience. We value transferable nursing skills, a commitment to quality care, and a willingness to learn and grow within the Australian healthcare system.
Frequently asked questions - Migration and Relocation
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The typical process includes:
- Apply for a suitable role.
- Complete interviews and assessments.
- Meet AHPRA registration requirements.
- Complete visa and migration requirements (where applicable).
- Undertake onboarding and orientation.
- Commence employment in Australia.
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Opal HealthCare supports overseas nurses throughout the recruitment and onboarding process. Depending on individual circumstances, this may include guidance on migration pathways, relocation support, orientation programs, mentoring, and ongoing professional development.
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Yes. Opal HealthCare can sponsor eligible nurses through the Temporary Skills Shortage (Subclass 482) visa, which may provide a pathway to permanent residency, subject to eligibility requirements.
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Yes. Eligible spouses, partners and dependent children can typically be included in your visa application. Additional government fees may apply for each family member.
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Visa costs vary depending on the visa type and the number of applicants included. Fees are set by the Australian Government and may change over time. Additional migration agent fees may also apply.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
Opal HealthCare use a Migration agent who assists us with the application, nomination and submission of a visa, this service will come with an additional fee.
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Opal HealthCare offers pathways to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), subject to eligibility requirements, location and individual circumstances.
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No. Candidates are generally responsible for their visa costs. However, Opal HealthCare covers significant sponsorship and nomination costs required as part of the employer sponsorship process.
Frequently asked questions - Working at Opal HealthCare
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Registered Nurses in aged care deliver person-centred clinical care while building meaningful relationships with residents and their families. The role combines clinical leadership, care planning, medication management, wellbeing support and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
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Aged care nurses develop expertise across many areas, including wound care, dementia care, palliative care, chronic disease management, medication management, clinical assessment, leadership, documentation and resident advocacy.
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Aged care offers diverse and rewarding career pathways. Nurses may progress into roles such as Registered Nurse In-Charge, Care Coordinator, Care Manager, General Manager, Regional Support Manager, Regional General Manager or Regional Quality Advisor.
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Yes. Many nurses progress into clinical and operational leadership roles. The breadth of responsibilities in aged care can provide opportunities to develop leadership skills earlier than in some other healthcare settings.
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Aged care nursing offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while developing both clinical and leadership capabilities. Nurses build long-term relationships with residents and families while working in a dynamic and evolving healthcare sector.
