AHPRA Pre-Registration Guidance
For Overseas
Qualified Nurses
One focused hour to understand your pathway, your costs and your next steps, before you spend money on assessments and exams.
AHPRA Registration Assistance
Session at a Glance
- Service delivery: Online via Microsoft Teams
- Session: 60 minutes, one-to-one
- Includes: Live document review + written action plan
- Fee: AUD 169.95 inc. GST
Evening and weekend slots available for nurses in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Your Session
What You’ll
Leave With
In 60 minutes, know your likely registration pathway, what it will cost, what documents you’re missing, and exactly what to do next.
Document
Checklist
The documents you have, and the ones you’re missing.
Cost
Estimate
The official fees for your pathway, so you can budget properly.
Realistic
Timeline
How many months each stage is likely to take for you.
Your
Next Steps
We agree what to do first and what comes after, and send it to you in writing.
How It Works
Inside Your
60 Minutes
Every session follows the same structure, so nothing important is missed. Your consultant reads your form beforehand, so the full hour is spent on you and your documents.
1
Welcome and goals
What you want from the session, and what it can and cannot cover.
2
Your profile
Your qualification, registration and practice history.
3
Your pathway
Your Self-check result (or we complete it together), your likely stream or fast-track eligibility, and why.
4
Requirements and documents
You share your documents on screen. We check them against the English standard, recency of practice and criminal history requirements, and note any gaps.
5
Exams, costs and timeline
NCLEX-RN and OSCE if they apply to you, official fees, travel and realistic months.
6
Action plan and questions
Your next steps agreed in order, and time for your remaining questions.
Who You’ll Speak With
Meet Your
Consultant
Anna Bennett, RN
I’m an AHPRA-registered nurse with firsthand experience navigating the Australian healthcare system. I’ve guided internationally qualified nurses through their registration pathway, and I know how confusing the process feels from the outside, because I’ve been there.
Before You Book
Is This Right
For Me?
This session is for nurses who want clear direction before or during their AHPRA application.
We don’t lodge applications, provide visa advice or offer exam coaching.
We can refer you to a reliable professional or agency for the support you need.
Great Fit If You
- Are an internationally qualified registered nurse who hasn’t paid the AHPRA assessment fee yet, or feel stuck mid-process
- Aren’t sure whether you’re Stream A, B or C, or eligible for the fast-track
- Are planning NCLEX-RN and OSCE and want a realistic timeline and budget
- Want your documents checked before you submit them
Not Included
- Completing or submitting AHPRA forms for you
- Guaranteeing a stream, outcome or timeframe
- English or exam coaching
- Visa or migration advice, we refer you to a registered migration agent
- ANMAC skills assessments for migration
- Ongoing email or WhatsApp support
Why Nursiecare
Nursiecare Recruitment
Is Here To Help
You need AHPRA registration before you can practise as a nurse in Australia, and the process can feel confusing for overseas nurses handling it alone. We guide internationally qualified nurses through each step, from finding the right pathway to preparing documents and getting ready for English tests and the OBA exams. Support is online, personalised and continues until RN licensure.
Clarity. Find out which pathway is right for you.
Preparation. Organise your documents properly to avoid delays.
Confidence. Plan and prepare for your English tests and OBA exams.
Registration Steps
What Are the Steps to
Initiate My Nursing Registration?
We aim to make your application smooth and supportive, from start to placement. Here’s what to expect with Nursiecare Recruitment.
1
Self-Check
As for the fees associated with IQNMs, there is no charge for using the Self-check service. Nurses are required to provide their qualification details during the self-check process on the AHPRA website.
2
Assessment Fees
Upon completion of the Self-check, all IQNMs deemed eligible for registration or referred to the OBA are required to pay a non-refundable assessment fee of $410 AUD.
3
Orientation Part 1
Complete a one-hour e-learning module on the AHPRA portal.
4
Portfolio
Upload all your identity and qualification documents duly attested as per AHPRA guidelines.
5
NCLEX-RN/MCQ Exam
After approval by AHPRA, you must successfully complete the NCLEX RN examination.
6
OSCE
The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is a practical exam used to assess clinical skills and competencies of healthcare professionals, including nurses. You need to pass the NCLEX before you can take the OSCE. The fee for the OSCE is $4,000 AU. This fee covers AHPRA’s operational and maintenance expenses associated with administering the OSCE.
7
Apply For Registration
Submit the required documents along with payment of the AHPRA registration fees to apply for registration.
8
Orientation Part II
Finish the e-learning module within the initial 6 months of obtaining registration as a nurse in Australia.
Top Queries
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out directly.
Is my Diploma of Nursing from my home country sufficient for the OBA pathway?
Unfortunately, a Diploma of Nursing does not meet the requirements for the OBA pathway. AHPRA advises that upgrading to a bachelor’s level qualification is necessary to qualify under this pathway.
What English tests does AHPRA accept?
AHPRA accepts IELTS (Academic), PTE (Academic), OET (Occupational English Tests For more details, click this link for English requirements)
How much nursing experience do I need for registration?
According to AHPRA’s recency of practice standard, having 450 hours of work experience as a Registered Nurse within the last 5 years is recommended. However, passing the OBA assessment (NCLEX and OSCE) satisfies this standard even without work experience.
Can I complete the OBA process if I am not in Australia?
You can complete the process up to the NCLEX RN exam, as NCLEX RN centers are available in most countries. Refer to the NCSBN website for testing locations. However, since the OSCE is only conducted in Adelaide and Victoria, Australia, you will need to explore visa options if required.
Will you assist with the visitor visa application for OSCE applicants outside Australia?
Yes, we collaborate with experienced Australian Migration Lawyer who can assist with your visitor visa application at an additional cost.
Can I withdraw my application?
You can withdraw your application at any stage, but please note that all fees paid are non-refundable.
Simple Process
We're happy to help.
If you couldn’t find the answer you were looking for, our team is ready to assist.
Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm AEST
AHPRA Registration Update
Easier Pathway For Nurses
From Selected Countries
Great news for internationally qualified registered nurses (IQRNs). Starting March 2025, nurses from the following countries will benefit from a streamlined AHPRA registration process, eliminating the need for additional exams or qualification upgrades.
United Kingdom
Ireland
United States of America
Canada
Provinces of British
Columbia and Ontario
Singapore
Spain
This change significantly reduces assessment and registration times by 6–12 months, making it faster and easier for qualified nurses to work in Australia.
Book Your Session
Get Clear On Your Next Steps
60 minutes, one-to-one, with a written action plan. AUD 169.95 inc. GST.
Questions first? Email admin@nursiecare.com.au
Disclaimer: Nursiecare Recruitment is not affiliated with AHPRA, the NMBA or ANMAC. The NMBA makes registration decisions only through AHPRA. Our guidance is based on publicly available requirements at the time of your session and does not guarantee any outcome. AHPRA and exam providers may change quoted fees. For visa advice, speak with a registered migration agent.
