This is a working migration guide for Registered Nurses (Mental Health) under ANZSCO 254422 in 2026. Specialist mental health RN — RN registration via NMBA. Critical national shortage.
For costs and timelines see the 254422 cost & timeline case study. For ANMAC, see the skills assessment guide.
What 254422 covers
ANZSCO 254422 covers mental health RN practice:
- Acute inpatient mental health
- Community mental health teams
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS)
- Forensic mental health (justice system)
- Drug and alcohol services / AOD
- Headspace / youth mental health
- Older adult mental health
- Crisis Assessment Team / Mental Health Triage
- Eating disorders specialist services
Visas open to 254422
| Visa | Open? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 189 Independent | ✅ | Full points-tested PR |
| 190 State-nominated | ✅ | Strong demand |
| 491 Regional state-nominated | ✅ | Critical regional shortage |
| 186 ENS Direct Entry | ✅ | Mental health service sponsors |
| 494 Regional employer-sponsored | ✅ | Regional |
| 482 Core Skills | ✅ | 4-year stream |
See Subclass 189, 190, 491, 186, 494, and 482.
ANMAC + NMBA registration
Standard sequence:
- ANMAC Skills Assessment (8-12 weeks)
- NMBA RN registration application via AHPRA
- Visa lodge / grant
- Take mental health RN role
Required: BSc Nursing (or RMN UK) + origin-side RN registration + English (OET B / IELTS 7.0 each / PTE 65 each).
Sponsors that hire 254422
- State mental health services — Vic Mental Health (Forensicare), NSW Health, QLD Health, SA Health Mental Health
- Private psychiatric hospitals — Wesley, St John of God, The Melbourne Clinic, Northside Clinic
- Community / NGO mental health — community managed mental health (Wellways, Mind Australia, Aftercare, Neami National)
- Forensic mental health — Justice Health (NSW), Forensicare (Vic)
- Headspace — youth mental health centres
- Regional mental health — substantial 491 / 494 sponsorship
Common mistakes
- English test too old. OET / IELTS validity ~2-3 years
- Origin-side RN registration restrictions. Unrestricted essential
Tools
- Eligibility wizard
- ANZSCO search — verify 254422 vs other RN codes
- Document checklist
- Visa fee calculator
Where to verify
Next step
Want help mapping your mental health RN profile to ANMAC + NMBA? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.
RN Mental Health
ANZSCO 254422
AHPRA
NMBA
ANMAC
Skilled Migration
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