Migrate to Australia as a Midwife in 2025

Migrate to Australia as a
Midwife

Move to Australia as a Midwife

Australia’s healthcare sector is in urgent need of skilled professionals, and midwives are no exception. With a growing population and an emphasis on quality maternal and neonatal care, midwifery in Australia offers exciting opportunities for career advancement, competitive salaries, and a chance to embrace a vibrant lifestyle. This guide provides a detailed overview of what it takes to move to Australia as a midwife, covering visa options, registration requirements, employment opportunities, and lifestyle considerations.

The Demand for Midwives in Australia

Australia faces a nationwide shortage of midwives, particularly in rural and remote areas. The country’s aging workforce and increasing birth rates have created a critical need for qualified professionals to support maternal and child health services. According to recent data from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the demand for midwives is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, making midwifery a highly sought-after profession in Australia.

State governments are actively addressing this shortfall by including midwives on their respective skilled occupation lists. This prioritization opens pathways for international midwives to gain sponsorship, migrate, and secure employment in both metropolitan and regional settings.

Australian Visas for Midwives

Midwifery is recognized as a skilled occupation in Australia, allowing qualified professionals to apply for several visa options. Here are the primary pathways for midwives:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

A permanent visa that does not require state or employer sponsorship.

Applicants must achieve at least 65 points on the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test.

This visa is ideal for midwives with strong qualifications and experience who wish to live and work anywhere in Australia.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

A permanent visa requiring nomination by a state or territory government.

Midwives are listed on many state occupation lists, with priority given to those willing to work in underserved areas.

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

A temporary visa allowing midwives to work in regional areas for up to five years.

Offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting specific residency and income criteria.

Skills in Demand Visa

Midwives of any age are eligible to live and work in Australia via the Skills in Demand Employer Sponsored Visa provided they secure a job offer and have the right skills and qualifications for the position.

This is an Employer Sponsored Work Visa, valid for four years and renewable once. The Skills in Demand Visa offers a pathway to Permanent Residence for Midwives with visa processing times of between 7 and 21 days.

Skills in Demand Visa criteria for a Midwife

Have a positive Skills Assessment with
Hold any necessary State Licenses to work as a Midwife
Pass Police and Background checks
Have no adverse medical conditions
Be competent in English
Receive an Offer of Full Time Employment as a Midwife

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462)

Available for individuals aged 18–30/35 from eligible countries.

While not specifically designed for healthcare professionals, this visa allows midwives to work temporarily and explore employment opportunities in Australia.

Skills Assessment for Midwives to Emigrate to Australia

The skills assessment is a crucial step for midwives planning to emigrate to Australia. It verifies that your qualifications, experience, and professional skills meet the Australian standards required to practice midwifery. This process is managed by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and is essential for visa applications under Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

Why is the Skills Assessment Important?

A positive skills assessment is mandatory for midwives seeking to migrate to Australia on skilled visas such as the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa). The assessment ensures that international midwives possess qualifications and experience comparable to those trained in Australia.

To be eligible for the skills assessment, midwives must meet specific requirements to ensure their qualifications and experience align with Australian standards.

Applicants must hold a midwifery qualification equivalent to at least an Australian Bachelor’s degree, including both theoretical and clinical training in antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care. Additionally, registration as a midwife in the applicant’s home country or the country where qualifications were obtained is required.

This registration must be current and unrestricted. While not always mandatory, recent and relevant professional experience as a midwife can significantly enhance the application.

Proficiency in English is also essential, demonstrated through recognized tests such as IELTS (Academic), PTE (Academic), or TOEFL iBT. Minimum scores typically required include an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with no individual band below 7.0, or a PTE score of 65 with no communicative skill score below 65.

Required Documentation

The following documents are necessary for a complete skills assessment application:

Proof of Identity

Passport (identity page).

Any documents supporting name changes, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.

Academic Qualifications

Certified copies of midwifery degree transcripts and certificates.

Evidence of clinical placements, including the number of hours and areas of practice.

Professional Registration

Current registration certificate or license.

A statement of good standing from your regulatory authority, confirming no restrictions on your practice.

English Language Test Results

Test report form (e.g., IELTS or PTE) demonstrating required proficiency levels.

Employment History

Detailed work references from employers on official letterhead, specifying job title, duties, and duration of employment.

Pay slips, contracts, or other proof of employment.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A comprehensive CV detailing your education, work experience, and professional achievements.

Application Process for Skills Assessment

Follow these steps to complete your skills assessment:

Visit the ANMAC website and create an account to start your application.

Provide detailed information about your qualifications, registration, and work history.

Ensure all required documents are certified and uploaded in the correct format.

ANMAC reviews your application and may request additional information or clarification.

Processing times typically range from 12 to 16 weeks.

If successful, you will receive a positive skills assessment outcome, which is valid for two years.

What Happens After a Positive Skills Assessment?

Once you receive a positive skills assessment from ANMAC, you can:

Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a skilled visa through Australia’s SkillSelect system.

Apply for state nomination if pursuing the Subclass 190 or 491 visa.

Explore employment opportunities with Australian healthcare providers.

Register with AHPRA

Before practicing in Australia, international midwives must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Registration ensures that midwives meet Australian standards of practice and are qualified to deliver safe and effective care.

It is possible to register with AHPRA prior to your Skills Assessment which eliminates the need for an English Language Assessment, provided you don’t require the test for Australian Immigration Points.

Midwives can also register directly with AHPRA in order to apply for jobs in Australia.

Salary Expectations for Midwives in Australia

Salaries for midwives in Australia vary based on experience, location, and workplace. On average, midwives earn between AUD 70,000 and AUD 110,000 annually. Rural and remote positions often offer higher pay and additional benefits to attract candidates.

Entry-Level Midwives: AUD 70,000–80,000 per year

Experienced Midwives: AUD 90,000–125,000 per year

Specialist or Senior Midwives: AUD 125,000+ per year

Moving to Australia as a midwife is a rewarding journey filled with professional and personal growth opportunities. By meeting registration requirements, choosing the right visa, and exploring diverse employment options, you can build a fulfilling career in one of the world’s most dynamic healthcare systems.

Whether you’re drawn to bustling cities or serene rural landscapes, Australia offers a lifestyle that blends career satisfaction with quality living. Start your Australian adventure today and contribute to shaping the future of maternal and neonatal care Down Under.