Step 2 of 8 · GB → AU
Complete the mandatory Ahpra Self-check — United Kingdom to Australia
The online Self-check is the compulsory entry point for internationally qualified nurses. Its outcome, not your own reading of the criteria, determines whether you follow Pathway 1, Pathway 2 or an assessment stream.
- Jurisdiction scope
- Australia (national). Applies to all internationally qualified registered nurse applicants.
- Last verified
- Relevant official-body pillar
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia / Ahpra
Purpose
Why this decision point exists
Obtain the official routing decision that governs every later step of the registration process.
Who needs it
Check whether it applies
All internationally qualified registered nurses, including those registered with the NMC, before any application or assessment booking.
Requirements
What to check at this step
- Create an Ahpra account and complete the IQNM Self-check, answering the questions about your qualification, registration history and practice accurately. — Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (external site)
- Wait for the Self-check outcome before acting on any assumption about Pathway 1, Pathway 2 or Stream A, B or C. The outcome and the portal's next-step instructions control what happens next. — Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (external site)
Common mistakes
Where applicants trip up
- Skipping the Self-check because a colleague with a similar background received a particular outcome
- Entering approximate qualification or registration dates that later conflict with documentary evidence
- Booking assessments or paying fees before the outcome is issued
One fact at a time
Official facts
Each value appears with its effective date and cited source. We never assume an optional fact applies to you, and we never convert currencies.
No confirmed numeric fact is shown for this page. Check the linked official pages for current fees, timing, and requirements; a missing value is not zero.
The order of decisions
Where this step sits in the reviewed pathway
Work through the decision points in this order, and expect the responsible body to change, add, or remove requirements for your circumstances.
Step 1
Understand that registration and immigration are separate processesAustralian nursing registration and Australian work permission are two independent processes run by two different authorities. NMC registration does not convert into either.
Step 2
Complete the mandatory Ahpra Self-checkThe online Self-check is the compulsory entry point for internationally qualified nurses. Its outcome, not your own reading of the criteria, determines whether you follow Pathway 1, Pathway 2 or an assessment stream.
Step 3
Check whether Pathway 1 applies to youPathway 1 is a streamlined route for nurses whose qualification and practice sit within approved comparable regulatory jurisdictions. The United Kingdom is an approved comparable jurisdiction under the NMBA registration standard in effect, but that alone does not place any individual nurse on Pathway 1.
Step 4
Check whether Pathway 2 applies to youPathway 2 is a separate streamlined route for nurses who qualified outside an approved comparable jurisdiction but then gained general registration in one through a qualifying regulatory examination, followed by sufficient practice.
Step 5
Follow your assigned assessment stream if no streamlined pathway appliesIf the Self-check finds that neither Pathway 1 nor Pathway 2 applies, it may assign Stream A, B or C. Each stream carries its own assessments, which the portal specifies for your case.
Step 6
Meet the core registration standardsWhichever route the Self-check assigns, the NMBA's registration standards still apply. These can include English language skills, recency of practice, criminal history, professional indemnity, identity and documentary requirements.
Step 7
Apply for registration and complete orientationOnce your pathway or stream steps are complete, you apply to the NMBA for registration, respond to requests through the published application stages, and complete orientation as directed.
Step 8
Arrange work permission separately with Home AffairsRegistration with the NMBA does not carry any right to enter or work in Australia. Visa and work-rights questions are decided by the Department of Home Affairs through its own processes.
Evidence record
Official source ledger
Each entry records who published the source, what it covers, and when it was last checked.
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
Completing the Self-check
- Scope
- Australia-wide internationally qualified nurse routing
- Last verified
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
Steps after Self-check
- Scope
- Australia-wide internationally qualified nurse routing
- Last verified