Step 4 of 8 · GB → AU
Check whether Pathway 2 applies to you — United Kingdom to Australia
Pathway 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.
- Jurisdiction scope
- Australia (national). Relevant to applicants whose initial qualification was gained outside an approved comparable jurisdiction.
- Last verified
- Relevant official-body pillar
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia / Ahpra
Purpose
Why this decision point exists
Understand the Pathway 2 conditions, which are relevant to some NMC registrants who originally trained outside the UK.
Who needs it
Check whether it applies
Nurses whose initial qualification was gained outside an approved comparable jurisdiction and whose Self-check outcome indicates Pathway 2.
Requirements
What to check at this step
- Hold a relevant nursing qualification obtained outside an approved comparable jurisdiction. — Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and Ahpra (external site)
- Have passed a qualifying regulatory examination for internationally qualified registered nurses that led to your general registration as a registered nurse in an approved comparable jurisdiction. The NMBA determines which examinations qualify; passing an NMC assessment does not automatically meet this condition. — Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and Ahpra (external site)
- Have completed at least 1,800 hours of qualifying practice as a registered nurse after gaining that registration. — Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and Ahpra (external site)
Common mistakes
Where applicants trip up
- Assuming any NMC test or overseas registration route counts as a qualifying regulatory examination
- Counting practice hours worked before the registration gained through the examination
- Choosing between Pathway 1 and Pathway 2 yourself instead of following the Self-check outcome
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 and Ahpra
Registration standard: General registration for internationally qualified registered nurses
- Scope
- Australia-wide professional registration; standard effective 2025-04-23
- Last verified