You are here: / / Outcome Based Assessment (OBA) for Internationally qualified nurses and...

  • OBA for IQNM and PR Pathway

Outcome Based Assessment (OBA) for Internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNM) and PR Pathway

Nurse registration and PR: key points (2026)

  • Start with the free NMBA Self-check. It tells you whether you are in Stream A, B or C.
  • Stream A can apply for registration after orientation. Stream B must pass the outcomes-based assessment (MCQ exam, then the OSCE in Adelaide). Stream C must upgrade their qualification.
  • Once registered with the NMBA, you can apply for an ANMAC skills assessment for a skilled or employer sponsored visa.
  • Registered nurses are in high demand. Common visa pathways include the 482 Skills in Demand, 186, 189, 190 and 491 visas.
  • The COVID-19 closures and the old bridging programs mentioned below are historical.

If you have completed an overseas nursing qualification and want to practice in Australia, you would need to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). This Initial assessment is often required when applying for different Australian visas.

NMBA will assess your qualifications based on three criteria:

  1. Qualification must be recognized for registration.
  2. Qualification was subject to quality assurance and recognized or accredited by a body external to the education institution.
  3. Academic level of the qualification is comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree for registered nurses and a diploma for enrolled nurses.

See also our Registered Nurse Pathway to PR.

Depending on your qualifications you will have to complete one of the below assessment streams:

Stream A

Registered nurse:

Your qualification is AQF 7 and meets criteria 1 & 2.

Enrolled Nurse:

Your qualification is AQF 5 and meets all criteria 1 & 2.

Assessment

Stream A candidates must complete an orientation to be eligible to apply for registration.

Stream B

Registered nurse:

Your qualification is AQF 6 and meets all criteria except criterion 3 or,

Your qualification is AQF 7 and meets criteria 1 & 3.

Enrolled Nurse:

Your qualification is AQF 4 and meets all criteria except criterion 3 or,

Your qualification is AQF 5 and meets criteria 1 & 3.

Assessment

Stream B candidates must complete an online orientation, a portfolio and an outcome-based assessment. The outcome-based assessment will include a multiple-choice question exam and an objective structured clinical examination.

Stream C

Registered nurse:

Your qualification is AQF 5 or lower.

Enrolled Nurse:

Your qualification is AQF 4 or lower.

Assessment

If you are advised that you have to upgrade your qualification (i.e. stream c), you can study a nursing course in Australia. NMBA has a list of approved programs of study on their website.

Upon completion of the course, you will be able to apply for your registration with NMBA.

Once you have received your registration, you can apply for a skills assessment with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

Other PR pathways Skilled Occupation List Skilled Migration News
Fees

Fees as published by the NMBA (last reviewed January 2024). Check the NMBA website for current amounts before you apply.
Self-check: free

IQNM assessment (assessment and orientation): $640

Multiple choice question exam: fees vary, set by the exam provider (for registered nurses this is the NCLEX-RN, USD 200 plus a USD 150 international scheduling fee)

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for IQNM: $4000

Updates

In 2020, due to COVID-19, the providers of the multiple-choice question exam and objective structured clinical examination temporarily closed their services. These services have since resumed, and candidates can again progress through the IQNM OBA pathway.

Bridging Course: IRON Program (historical)

Bridging programs were only available to applicants who applied for registration on or before 21 February 2020 and have received a referral letter. If you are applying for registration now, you must complete the self-check to be advised of the assessment stages you must complete (as above).

On what visas can you do the IRON course?

The two common visas utilised to complete the IRON course are:

  1. Visitor (Business Stream) Visa (Subclass 600): if the course can be completed in less than 3 months
  2. Student visa (Subclass 500): if you do a CRICOS approved nursing course

Frequently asked questions


Most stages, including the Self-check, orientation and MCQ exam, can be completed from overseas. The OSCE is held in Adelaide, so you need a visa to travel to Australia for it, often a visitor visa.

For most internationally qualified nurses, yes. ANMAC usually requires current registration (or eligibility) with the NMBA. See our ANMAC skills assessment guide.

Many candidates use a visitor visa (subclass 600) to attend the OSCE. Make sure the purpose of your visit is clear in your application.

Once registered and with a positive skills assessment, you may be eligible for skilled visas (189, 190, 491) or employer sponsored visas (482 Skills in Demand leading to the 186). See our Registered Nurse pathway to PR.

Related guides

Nursing guides

Recent News