The UK Nurse’s Guide to Moving to Australia — Step by Step
So, you’ve decided to move to Australia as a nurse — exciting! But let’s be honest… the process can feel pretty overwhelming at first. When I started, I had no idea where to begin, and I spent hours searching through forums, Facebook groups, and official websites trying to make sense of it all. To save you that hassle, I’ve put together this step-by-step guide with everything I’ve learned along the way.
1. Decide Where You Want to Live 🇦🇺
Before diving into paperwork, take some time to figure out where in Australia you’d actually like to live. Australia is massive — and each state has its own vibe. While cities like Sydney and Melbourne get a lot of attention, there are so many other options worth considering.
A few things to think about:
• Job Opportunities: Some areas have higher demand for nurses, especially in rural and regional locations.
• Cost of Living: Smaller cities and towns are usually much more affordable.
• Lifestyle: Do you want to live by the beach, in a bustling city, or somewhere quieter?
💡 Tips: Check out Facebook community groups for different towns and cities — they’re a great way to get a feel for the area.
2. AHPRA Registration — The Big One 📋
AHPRA step-by-step guide 🔗 https://uknurseinaus.co.uk/2025/02/14/ahpra-a-tick-list-of-everything-you-need-to-get-registered-in-australia/
AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) is the governing body that gives you the green light to work as a nurse in Australia. The registration process is probably the most stressful part of moving, but don’t worry — you’ll get through it.
A few things to keep in mind:
• Don’t rush it. AHPRA takes time. Double (and triple) check your documents before submitting.
• Keep everything organised. I had a folder (both physical and digital) with every piece of paperwork and email correspondence.
• Certification matters. Documents need to be certified by a Notary Public or a Justice of the Peace — regular solicitors don’t always count!
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll get in-principle approval, meaning you’ll need to present yourself at an AHPRA office in Australia to finalise your registration. You only have 3 months to do this, so time your application carefully.
💡 Tips: Be patient — the process takes time, and delays are normal. Pour yourself a cuppa (or a glass of wine) and take it one step at a time.
3. Check Your Vaccinations 💉
This step can be easy to overlook, but it’s super important. Australian hospitals require up-to-date vaccinations, and some nursing agencies won’t hire you unless you’re fully compliant.
Here’s what you’ll likely need:
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Hepatitis B
• Tetanus
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
💡Tips: Get a full printout of your vaccination history from your GP in the UK. If you’re missing anything, you can sort it when you arrive in Australia.
4. Choose the Right Visa 📑
Visa guide 🔗 https://uknurseinaus.co.uk/2025/02/12/lets-talk-visas-which-one-wont-ruin-my-life-im-just-being-dramatic/
There are a few different visa options for nurses, and the right one depends on your situation.
• Working Holiday Visa (417): The easiest and fastest option if you’re under 35. It lets you live and work in Australia for a year, with the option to extend.
• Employer-Sponsored Visas (482/491): If you secure a job before you arrive, your employer may sponsor you.
• Permanent Residency (189/190): If you’re planning to stay long-term, PR visas give you more stability and perks like Medicare access.
💡Tips: The Working Holiday Visa is great for getting over here quickly and figuring things out once you land. It’s what I did, and it gave me time to settle in before applying for PR.
5. Job Hunting — Start Early 👩⚕️
The good news? You don’t need to wait until your AHPRA registration is finalised to start job hunting. In fact, showing initiative early on can help you stand out.
Where to look:
• SEEK and Indeed: The two biggest job sites in Australia.
• Nursing Agencies: Great for flexible work and short-term contracts. Use the contact information from the drop-down menu and I will refer you to my agency! They can help with permanent, or contracted work- as well as with sponsorship!
• State Health Websites: Each state has its own public health system (e.g., Queensland Health, WA Health).
• Facebook Groups: Yes, really. I found loads of job posts in local community groups.
💡Tips: Even if you don’t land a job before arriving, starting the conversation with potential employers early shows that you’re serious.
6. Finding a Place to Live 🏡
Accommodation can be tricky, especially when you’re house hunting from the other side of the world. I recommend sorting a short-term rental before you arrive, giving you time to find something more permanent once you’re here.
Where to look:
• Flatmates.com.au: Great for finding shared accommodation.
• Gumtree: Think of it as Australia’s version of Craigslist.
• Facebook Marketplace: Surprisingly useful for short-term lets.
💡Tips: Be wary of scams. Always request a video tour of the property before transferring any money.
7. Book Your Flights and Final Steps
Once your AHPRA registration and visa are sorted, it’s time to book your flights! I used Skyscanner to find the best deals. If you’re bringing a lot of luggage, check the baggage allowance carefully — some airlines are more generous than others.
Other things to do before you go:
• Open an Australian bank account (you can do this online before arriving). I will cover these steps in more detail, in a future blog post!
• Get a travel-friendly phone plan or buy a SIM card when you land.
• Pack important documents in your hand luggage — you don’t want to risk losing them in transit!
8. Arrive and Finalise Your Registration
The first thing you’ll need to do when you arrive is head to an AHPRA office to present yourself and complete your registration. Once that’s done — congratulations! You’re officially a registered nurse in Australia.
From there, it’s just a matter of settling in, starting work, and embracing the Aussie lifestyle. Whether that means weekend trips to the beach, trying out Tim Tams, or just soaking up the sunshine, you’ve made it.
Tip: The coffee here is next level. Seriously. Even the petrol stations make a decent flat white.
Final Thoughts 😃
Moving to Australia as a nurse isn’t always easy, but I promise it’s worth it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remember: thousands of nurses have done this before, and you’re more than capable.
If you’ve got any questions or need advice, feel free to reach out — I’m more than happy to help!
Good luck, and maybe I’ll see you Down Under!
As always, thank you so much for reading!
All the best,
Emily the UK Nurse Down Under
xxx
UK Nurse in Aus 