Cross Border Principle

In a country as large as Australia, nurses may at times be required to travel across State and Territory borders to provide a nursing service. In the interests of reducing the financial burden on those nurses who are required to register in more than one state or territory, all nurse regulatory authorities in Australia now have the ability in certain circumstances, to consider waiving the fees, or exempt an individual, from the requirement to pay a fee. The criteria for waiver of fees for registration or enrolment are:

  • holding current registration or enrolment as a nurse/midwife/mental health nurse/nurse practitioner in another Australian state or territory; and
  • employment as a nurse/midwife/mental health nurse/nurse practitioner in another Australian State or Territory; and
  • required as a condition of your employment to cross a State or Territory border to practise nursing in this state for short periods at irregular intervals during a period of time which extends over one month.

This principle exempts you from the obligation to pay the registration or enrolment and practice fees.

Application Requirements for Cross Border Nursing Principle

If you have been previously registered or enrolled in South Australia, you will be required to reinstate your registration or enrolment.

For those who have never held registration or enrolment previously in South Australia, you can apply for registration or enrolment under either the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 or the Nurses Act 1999.  Please refer to the page titled "Interstate Educated Nurses and Midwives" for the requirements including access to the relevant application form.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: In addition to the required documents listed under the application relevant to your circumstances, the Nurses Board of South Australia must receive the following information from your employer as evidence of you meeting the necessary criteria to waive the fee:

  • A letter (on official letterhead) from your employer stating:
  • your position within the organisation;
  • that you are required as a condition of your employment to cross a State or Territory border at irregular intervals to practise nursing in this state for short periods extending over one calendar month;
  • the frequency and duration of the provision of nursing services in South Australia.

 This information can be included in a statement of service.

If you have any queries, email registrations@nursesboard.sa.gov.au.