How to get work abroad
- Gather your nursing degree, transcripts, and work records.
- Pass an English test like IELTS or OET.
- Apply to have your nursing license recognized abroad.
- Complete a skills assessment if required, like ANMAC for Australia.
- Apply for jobs through hospitals, agencies, and official sponsor lists.
- Get a job offer and apply for your work visa.
Licensing: Nurses must get their license recognized by each country's nursing board before working.
Your path to permanent residency
- Start work abroad on your first work visa.
- Finish full nursing registration in your new country.
- Work one to three years and keep good records.
- Keep your English test scores valid and strong.
- Apply for permanent residency through skilled or employer routes.
- Follow residency rules to qualify for citizenship later.
Best bets right now
CanadaExpress Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades)
Healthcare category draws give priority invitations
United KingdomHealth and Care Worker visa
Nurses eligible; lower fees, no health surcharge
New ZealandStraight to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 1)
Nurses are Tier 1; residency right away
AustraliaSkills in Demand visa
Registered nurses on Core Skills Occupation List
GermanySkilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte)
Nursing is an official shortage occupation
CanadaProvincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Provinces run dedicated healthcare worker streams
Matching visas by country
- 🇨🇦 Canada — Employer-Specific Work Permit (TFWP / International Mobility Program) · Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades) · Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- 🇺🇸 United States — H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa · Employment-Based Green Card (EB-1 / EB-2 / EB-3)
- 🇦🇺 Australia — Skills in Demand visa · Skilled Independent visa · Skilled Nominated visa · Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa · Employer Nomination Scheme visa
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand — Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) · Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa · Straight to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 1) · Work to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 2)
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom — Skilled Worker visa · Health and Care Worker visa
- 🇮🇹 Italy — Subordinate Work Visa — Decreto Flussi · EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE)
- 🇩🇪 Germany — Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte) · EU Blue Card · Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) · Self-Employment / Freelance Visa
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland — Short-term Residence Permit L (non-EU/EFTA workers) · Residence Permit B for Gainful Employment (non-EU/EFTA skilled workers) · Cross-border Commuter Permit G (non-EU/EFTA)
- 🇸🇪 Sweden — Work Permit (Employee) · EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Employment) · Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Persons to Look for Work or Start a Business (Job Seeker Permit)
- 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates — Jobseeker Visit Visa (Job Exploration Entry Visa) · Standard Work (Employment) Residence Visa · Green Visa (5-Year Self-Sponsored Residence) · Golden Visa (10-Year Long-Term Residence)
- 🇸🇬 Singapore — Employment Pass · S Pass · Personalised Employment Pass
- 🇶🇦 Qatar — Work Visa & Work Residence Permit (QID)