If you’re a doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional planning to migrate to Australia, 2026 may be the perfect year to apply for Permanent Residency (PR).
With Australia’s healthcare system still facing staff shortages across hospitals, aged care, and community health sectors, medical professionals remain in high demand nationwide – especially in regional and rural areas.
Australia Skilled Migration 2026: Priority for Healthcare Workers
The Australian Government continues to prioritize healthcare occupations on the Skilled Occupation List. Many states, including New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, have listed doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals as high-priority occupations for sponsorship and nomination.
This makes 2026 one of the strongest years for overseas-trained professionals to secure Australian PR through skilled migration or employer sponsorship.
Main PR Pathways for Doctors and Medical Professionals
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- No state or employer sponsorship required.
- Based on your points test (age, English, qualifications, and work experience).
- Your occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Grants direct permanent residency once approved.
Best for: Doctors, specialists, or healthcare scientists who prefer full independence in where they live and work.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Requires state or territory nomination, which adds 5 points.
- Many states will continue to prioritize medical and nursing roles in 2026.
- Offers direct PR upon approval.
Best for: Healthcare professionals open to working in a specific state that needs their skills.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
- For those willing to live and work in regional Australia for at least 3 years.
- After meeting residency and income criteria, you can apply for permanent residency via Subclass 191.
- Regional employers and governments actively sponsor GPs, aged-care nurses, physiotherapists, and other allied health workers.
Best for: Applicants who want a faster and more certain PR pathway through regional sponsorship.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Allows your employer to sponsor you for permanent residency after working 2–3 years on a Temporary Skill Shortage (482) visa.
- Offers long-term job security and a clear PR route.
Best for: Healthcare staff already employed in Australian hospitals or clinics.
Skills Assessment for Medical Occupations
To qualify for skilled migration, you must have your qualifications and work experience assessed by the correct authority:
| Occupation | Assessing Authority |
| Doctors | Australian Medical Council (AMC) |
| Nurses & Midwives | ANMAC |
| Medical Laboratory Scientists / Microbiologists | AIMS |
| Dentists | ADC |
| Physiotherapists | APC |
| Pharmacists | APhA / APC |
A positive skills assessment is mandatory before lodging your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Points Requirement for 2026
You’ll need a minimum of 65 points to qualify for skilled migration, but higher scores (75–85+) increase your chances of being invited.
Points are awarded for:
- Age (best if under 40)
- English language score (IELTS, PTE, or OET)
- Work experience (overseas and Australian)
- Education level
- Partner skills and regional study
Expert Tips for Your 2026 PR Application
Start your skills assessment early – it can take several months.
Improve your English test score to add extra points.
Apply for state nomination – healthcare roles are often fast-tracked.
Consider regional employment for higher success rates and quicker invitations.
Work with a registered migration agent to ensure your documentation is complete and compliant.
Start Your PR Journey for 2026 with Expert Guidance
At Australian Visa Office, our registered migration agent Dejan (MARN 0601356) can help you:
- Identify your best PR pathway (189, 190, 491, or 186)
- Assess your eligibility and prepare your EOI
- Guide you through skills assessment and document preparation
- Support your visa application until approval
Contact Dejan on Whatsapp:
+61 423 334 431