It’s often said that health is the foundation of all else. In the case of Australia’s healthcare system, that foundation depends on a skilled, supported workforce – and right now, it’s under pressure.
At the heart of healthcare is the human need to be cared for, and caring for others starts with having enough carers to go around.
The Strain on Australia’s Healthcare Workforce
Australia’s healthcare system is facing critical workforce shortages across multiple professions, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and allied health professionals. According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, Australia may face a shortfall of over 70,000 nurses by 2035. Another report has projected a shortfall of over 5,000 general practitioners (GPs) in the coming decade.
Mental health services are particularly affected. The Australian Mental Health Think Tank highlights a current shortfall of approximately 10,750 psychiatric beds and notes that only 70% of mental health worker positions are filled. The National Skills Commission also continues to identify registered nurses, psychologists, and GPs as being in persistent national shortage.
Regional and Remote Pressures
These challenges are even more acute outside metropolitan areas. Regional hospitals and aged care facilities report long-term vacancies and high staff turnover. Central Queensland, for example, has nurse attrition rates above 15% and doctor turnover exceeding 12%.
For FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) professionals and communities with limited access to healthcare, the lack of continuity and increasing clinician burnout creates further risk – particularly when mental health waitlists in rural areas can exceed 6 months and emergency departments are regularly having to manage acute mental health crises with limited specialist support.
The Role of Skilled Migration
Migration plays an essential role in sustaining healthcare services. Internationally qualified professionals currently make up 47% of Australia’s doctors and 32% of nurses, with over 19,000 overseas practitioners gaining registration in Australia (with nurses and midwives comprising the largest group) during 2022-2023.
To address critical workforce shortages, healthcare providers must consider migration solutions.
There are several visa pathways available for these professionals:
1. 482 Skills in Demand Visa
Being the most common pathway for Australian employers to sponsor visa workers, the 482 visa may be granted for up to 4 years and offers streamlined processing, mobility across employers, and provides a pathway to permanent residency status with employer support.
2. 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
The 494 visa is specifically available to support employers in regional areas to sponsor skilled workers for up to 5 years, and provides a clear pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
The key differences between the 482 and 494 visas are that:
- The 482 visa is available nationally, whereas the 494 visa is regional-only.
- The 494 visa has a structured PR pathway, whereas the 482 visa offers multiple streams.
- The 482 visa focuses on high-demand skilled occupations.
- The 494 visa is a 5-year visa, i.e. longer than the 482 visa.
- 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
The 186 visa is a permanent residency visa and enables employers to nominate skilled workers directly from overseas via the ‘Direct Entry’ stream, or via transition from the 482 visa. It is commonly used in the healthcare industry for employers to retain essential staff.
- 189 & 190 Points-Tested Skilled Visas
The 189 visa is an independent visa for high-scoring applicants that don’t require sponsorship, whereas the 190 visa requires nomination from an Australian state/territory agency.
Both of these visas offer permanent residency status, but visa applicants are ‘scored’ against a points-test and must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system and wait to receive an invitation (issued regularly and automatically to the highest-ranking EOI profiles) to apply for the relevant visa.
- 417 & 462 Working Holiday Makers
The 417 Working Holiday Visa and 462 Work and Holiday Visa allows young adults from eligible countries to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months, and may be extended if the visa holder completes specified work – noting UK passport holders are exempt from this requirement and may apply for subsequent 417 visas without meeting this requirement.
These visas provide the flexibility for young adults to work for multiple employers across industries, including sectors experiencing labour shortages like healthcare and aged care, and provides temporary support for Australia’s workforce needs.
What’s Next?
Australia’s healthcare workforce is the backbone of our national wellbeing. Without enough people in these roles, we see delays in treatment, staff burnout, and worsening mental and physical health outcomes.
Migration is not a standalone solution, but it is a necessary one for industries experiencing acute workforce shortages. As we work toward sustainable, long-term solutions for training and staff retention, we must also open doors to those ready and willing to contribute their critical skills.
When we invest in our healthcare workforce, we invest in the health of our nation.
If you are a healthcare employer struggling to fill job vacancies, then please reach out for a confidential discussion to understand how migration solutions may lend a helping hand.
