Professional Licensing and Registration
A visa may allow someone to live or work in a country, but it does not automatically give permission to practice a regulated profession. Nurses, doctors, pharmacists, teachers, engineers, and other regulated professionals may need a separate assessment, registration, license, examination, or recognition process.
General information only. Regulator requirements and processes change.
Registration is separate from immigration
A work visa and professional registration are two different processes handled by different authorities. Immigration is managed by the government. Professional registration is managed by the relevant regulatory body.
Types of professional pathways
Depending on the profession and country, you may need a skills assessment for migration, a credential evaluation for equivalency, a professional regulator registration, a licensing examination, or a combination of these.
Plan both timelines together
Professional registration processes can take months or longer. Starting the registration process alongside or before the immigration process can prevent significant delays.
Choose Your Destination
United Kingdom
NMC (nursing), GMC (medicine), HCPC (allied health), GPhC (pharmacy), QTS (teaching), Engineering Council.
Ireland
NMBI (nursing), Medical Council, Teaching Council, Engineers Ireland.
Australia
AHPRA (healthcare), AITSL (teaching), Engineers Australia (engineering).
New Zealand
Nursing Council NZ, Teaching Council NZ, Engineering NZ.
Canada
Provincial nursing boards/NNAS, provincial engineering associations, provincial teaching certification.
United States
State nursing boards/NCLEX, state medical boards/USMLE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need professional registration before I get a visa?
It depends on the country and profession. Some professions require registration before a work visa can be issued. Others allow applying for the visa while registration is in progress. Plan both timelines from the start.
Is a skills assessment the same as professional registration?
No. A skills assessment for migration purposes (such as Engineers Australia or AITSL) is done for immigration. Professional registration (such as an engineering chartership) is done to be licensed to practice. They are handled by different bodies.
Not sure which route applies?
Start with a free eligibility assessment. Share your goal and profile and we will identify the routes that deserve a closer look.