International Nurses
Work in Australia as an international nurse with Preferred Care
Preferred Care welcomes experienced internationally qualified nurses who want to build their career in Australia while enjoying flexibility, strong clinical support and meaningful work.
We are a nurse-owned and nurse-led, family-owned Australian nursing agency. We place nurses from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada into agency and travel nursing contracts across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, with a strong focus on regional, rural and remote communities where skilled nurses are genuinely needed.
Who we recruit for our international nursing jobs
We currently welcome applications from experienced nurses who hold registration in the following countries, where training and standards closely align with Australian requirements:
New Zealand
United Kingdom
Ireland
Canada
If you are registered in one of these countries and are eligible for AHPRA / NMBA registration, we’d love to hear from you.
International applicant eligibility
Before applying, there are two key requirements you’ll need to meet. These help us confirm that you’re eligible to work as a nurse in Australia and that you can proceed with placements without delay.
1. AHPRA / NMBA registration
You are eligible for, or already hold, registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) via AHPRA as a Registered Nurse or Enrolled Nurse.
2. Independent right to work in Australia
You hold, or can independently obtain, valid work rights that allow you to work as a nurse in Australia (for example: Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency, Special Category visa for eligible New Zealand citizens, Working Holiday Maker or other visa with work entitlements).
PLEASE NOTE: Preferred Care does not provide visa sponsorship; our roles are suitable for nurses who can secure their own Australian work rights and progress their own registration.
If you are unsure about your eligibility for AHPRA registration or an Australian visa, you should check directly with AHPRA / NMBA and the Australian Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
Interested in working as a nurse in Australia?
Browse and apply for one of our available roles, or email our team with your CV and a brief summary of:
- your current location
- your AHPRA / NMBA registration status (registered/applied/preparing)
- your visa or work-rights status
- your ideal start date and preferred clinical areas
If you have any questions or would like to speak with our team, feel free to get in touch.
How international nursing recruitment works at Preferred Care
Enquire or apply
Apply for international nursing roles online, or email our team with your CV and a brief summary of your AHPRA / NMBA registration status, work-rights status and ideal timeframe.
Progress registration and work rights
You progress your AHPRA / NMBA registration and visa or work entitlement. While we can’t provide registration or immigration advice, we’ll clearly explain what’s required from an employment perspective.
Discuss your preferences
Once your registration and work rights are confirmed, or close to finalised, we’ll talk through your preferred locations, contract lengths and clinical specialties.
We match you with suitable roles
Our team presents agency and travel nursing contracts that suit your experience, including pay rates, any available bonuses and key details for each placement.
Travel to Australia and start your contract
We support you through onboarding and stay in touch throughout your placement, so you feel informed, supported and confident as you work in Australia.
Country-specific pathway options
New Zealand Nurses – Our primary international pathway
If you are a nurse currently working in New Zealand, Australia can be a natural next step in your career.
We are particularly interested in applications from New Zealand Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses who are eligible for equivalent registration with AHPRA / NMBA under Trans-Tasman mutual recognition and who have, or can obtain, appropriate Australian work rights.
Registration Pathway (AHPRA / NMBA)
Most New Zealand-trained nurses who hold current registration and a practising certificate with the Nursing Council of New Zealand can apply for Australian registration via the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition process.
This pathway is designed to streamline registration between New Zealand and Australia. Exact requirements, fees and processing times are determined by AHPRA and the NMBA, so you should always refer to their official guidance for the most current information.
Work Rights – New Zealand Citizens
Many New Zealand citizens entering Australia on a valid New Zealand passport, and who meet Australian health and character requirements, are granted a Special Category visa (subclass 444) on arrival. This visa generally allows eligible New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia while it remains in effect.
Visa rules and entitlements are set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and can change over time. You should always check the latest information directly with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
$500 Flight Reimbursement for New Zealand Nurses
To recognise the commitment involved in relocating for work, Preferred Care offers a $500 flight reimbursement for eligible New Zealand nurses who travel to Australia and complete an eligible nursing contract with us.
Full eligibility criteria, contract definitions and payment details are provided before you accept any role. Terms and conditions apply.
Are you a nurse in NZ and ready to explore your options?
United Kingdom & Ireland Nurses
We welcome expressions of interest from nurses registered in the United Kingdom and Ireland who are planning a move to Australia.
To work with Preferred Care, you will need to:
- obtain or be eligible for registration with AHPRA / NMBA as a Registered Nurse or Enrolled Nurse (as applicable)
- meet all relevant English language and professional standards set by AHPRA / NMBA
- hold, or be able to obtain, independent work rights that allow you to work as a nurse in Australia
Once your registration and work rights are confirmed or well underway, we can discuss:
- travel nursing contracts across QLD, NSW and VIC
- agency shifts in hospitals and aged care
- regional, rural and remote opportunities
From the UK or Ireland and planning your move?
Apply online and tell us your timeline, or email our team with your CV and expected arrival date.
Canadian Nurses
We also welcome applications from nurses registered in Canada who are interested in living and working in Australia.
AHPRA / NMBA have introduced streamlined pathways for internationally qualified registered nurses (IQRNs) from certain comparable jurisdictions, including selected Canadian provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario.
For eligible Canadian registered nurses with sufficient recent practice, this may reduce the need for additional clinical examinations compared with some other pathways.
For the most current details, candidates should refer directly to AHPRA / NMBA guidance.
Once your AHPRA registration and work rights are confirmed (or close to finalised), we can discuss suitable agency and travel nursing contracts across QLD, NSW and VIC.
To work with Preferred Care, Canadian nurses will need to:
- obtain or be eligible for registration with AHPRA / NMBA as a Registered Nurse (and meet all relevant standards and any pathway-specific criteria)
- hold, or be able to obtain, independent work rights that allow you to work as a nurse in Australia
- meet our minimum experience and clinical requirements as outlined below
A Canadian nurse considering Australia?
Apply online or email our team your CV, province of registration, and expected timeframe.
Additional requirements
In addition to meeting our international eligibility requirements, including AHPRA / NMBA registration and an independent right to work in Australia, all international nurses working with Preferred Care must meet the following core requirements.
If you’re unsure whether you meet these requirements, email our team with your CV, and we’ll review your experience and advise on next steps.
Clinical experience
A minimum of 2 years post-graduate clinical experience.
Clinical skills
For most hospital and rural or remote contracts, demonstrated venepuncture and cannulation competency is required, as these skills are commonly needed in acute healthcare settings. For some aged care and other non-acute roles, these skills may not be essential.
Tax and payroll details
Ability to provide an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) and complete standard payroll documentation once you arrive in Australia.
Superannuation details
Details of an Australian superannuation fund so we can make the required employer contributions.
Specialty requirements
For rural and remote roles, additional requirements may apply depending on your specialty. Examples can include:
- Emergency: ALS certificate and triage training
- ICU / Critical Care: ALS 2 certificate
- Aged Care: NDIS Clearance
- Remote Area Nurse (RAN): ALS, triage training and remote or emergency care courses
Why overseas nurses choose Preferred Care to further their careers
Travel nursing contracts across Australia
Work in regional, rural and remote locations across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, supporting communities that value your skills and experience.
Agency shifts in diverse healthcare settings
Pick up agency shifts across public and private hospitals and aged care, giving you exposure to a wide range of healthcare facilities.
Competitive pay and contract bonuses
Access competitive pay rates, with additional bonuses available on selected nursing contracts.
Support for overseas nurses
We work closely with overseas nurses, providing clear guidance through onboarding, compliance and documentation requirements so you know what to expect.
Nurse-led support that understands the role
Our nurse-owned team understands the Australian healthcare system and stays in touch throughout your placements to support you throughout the process.
Roles matched to your experience and plans
We focus on matching you with roles that suit your clinical background, preferred locations and lifestyle goals, not just filling shifts.
Frequently asked questions
You need to have, or be able to secure, your own right to work in Australia. Our roles are suitable for nurses with independent work rights (for example: Australian or New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, eligible New Zealand citizens, Working Holiday Maker visas or other visas that allow nursing work). For personal visa advice, please speak with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
We currently focus on nurses registered in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada who are eligible for AHPRA / NMBA registration and who can secure the right to work in Australia.
You need to be eligible for, or already hold, registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) via AHPRA as a Registered Nurse or Enrolled Nurse (as applicable) and meet all associated standards.
This is available to eligible New Zealand-based nurses who travel to Australia to work with Preferred Care and successfully complete an eligible nursing contract. Full details, including eligibility criteria and payment timing, are provided before you accept any role. Terms and conditions apply.
You can apply online for international nursing roles or email our team with your CV and outline your registration status, work-rights status and ideal timeframe. We will review your information and let you know the next steps.
Choosing the right visa is an important part of planning your move to Australia. Preferred Care cannot provide immigration advice or recommend a specific visa. The information below is general only. For current advice, refer to the Australian Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
New Zealand citizens
Many New Zealand citizens travelling on a valid New Zealand passport are granted a Special Category visa (subclass 444) on arrival, which may allow them to live and work in Australia. Eligibility and conditions are set by the Department of Home Affairs and can change.
Working Holiday visa
Eligible passport holders may use a Working Holiday Maker visa to live and work in Australia for a limited time, often up to 12 months, subject to visa conditions.
Other visa pathways
Some Australian visas allow employers to nominate skilled workers, and others allow international students to work limited hours while studying. Preferred Care roles are not linked to employer-nominated visas.
You must always comply with your visa conditions. Preferred Care can only employ you if your visa allows you to work in the required nursing role.
Ready to further your nursing career in Australia?
If moving to Australia feels like the next step in your professional development, we’d love to hear from you.
Browse available nursing jobs or contact our team to discuss your options and timelines.