If you hold a BSN and have passed the NCLEX-RN, you hold more than just a license; you hold a global passport.

As we move through 2025, the demand for internationally educated nurses is skyrocketing. However, not every country accepts your NCLEX score, and pay rates vary wildly.

I’ve done the heavy lifting to uncover exactly which top destinations accept your exam, how the new “streamlined” immigration paths work, and—most importantly—what you can expect to earn.

Here is your 2025 guide to taking your nursing career global.

🇦🇺 Australia: The “Streamlined” Gold Mine

Australia is currently the hottest destination for US and international nurses, thanks to a massive 2025 policy shift.

• NCLEX Recognition: Yes. Australia accepts the NCLEX.
• The “Streamlined” Pathway: If you are a licensed nurse from the USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, or NZ, you typically fall into “Stream A.” This means you do NOT need to take a clinical exam (OSCE). You can often proceed directly to registration after a simple “Self-Check” on the AHPRA website.
• 2025 BSN Pay Rate:
  • Average: ~$85,000 – $100,000 AUD (approx. $55k – $65k USD).
  • Hourly: $40 – $57 AUD depending on experience.
  • Sage’s Note: Casual (per diem) rates are significantly higher (>$70 AUD/hr) but lack benefits.

🇨🇦 Canada: The NCLEX Home Ground

Canada uses the NCLEX-RN as its own national licensing exam (except in Quebec). This makes it the easiest transition for US-educated nurses—you’ve already passed their test!

• NCLEX Recognition: Yes. It is the standard exam.
• 2025 Updates: Alberta and Ontario nurses recently saw wage grid increases.
• 2025 BSN Pay Rate (varies by province):
  • Alberta (Top Tier): $41.60 – $56.93 CAD/hr (~$30 – $41 USD).
  • Ontario: $40.24 – $57.68 CAD/hr.
  • British Columbia: $41.42 – $55.00 CAD/hr.

💡 Sage’s Strategy: One Exam, Four Countries

The NCLEX is Your Leverage Notice a pattern? If you pass the NCLEX, you can work in USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Don’t waste time failing. This one exam defines your global career. Guarantee your pass. Use our [Medical-Surgical Study Guide] to master the content that opens doors worldwide.

🇳🇿 New Zealand: The “Green List” Opportunity

New Zealand has aggressively recruited nurses by placing them on the “Green List,” which offers a straight-to-residence visa.

• NCLEX Recognition: Yes (Conditional).
• The Exemption: While NZ has a “Competence Assessment,” nurses with current registration in the USA, UK, or Canada are generally exempt. Your NCLEX pass + License allows you to bypass the new exams.
• 2025 BSN Pay Rate:
  • Base Salary: $75,000 – $100,000 NZD (approx. $44k – $59k USD).
  • Senior/Specialist: Can earn up to $153,000 NZD.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom: The Exception

The UK is frequently asked about, but it is the outlier.

• NCLEX Recognition: No.
• The Reality: Even if you have passed the NCLEX, the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requires you to sit their Test of Competence, which includes a CBT and a clinical OSCE.
• 2025 BSN Pay Rate (NHS Band 5):
  • Starting Salary: £31,048 (approx. $39k USD).
  • Top of Band 5: £37,796.
  • Sage’s Note: While base pay is lower, the cost of living outside London is reasonable, and the NHS pension is excellent.

📊 Summary: 2025 BSN Pay Comparison (USD Est.)

🎓 Next Step

If you are eyeing Australia or New Zealand, the very first thing you should do is check your “Stream” status.

Would you like me to walk you through the “Self-Check” process for the Australian AHPRA website to see if you qualify for the clinical exam exemption?