I am consistently asked about registration with the Nursing Council in New Zealand and when in the visa process it should be done. The answer to the question is simple, right at the beginning before commencing the visa application process, and the reason is quite simple… timescales & employment.
Before we get onto the actual process of applying for registration, it’s important that an IELTS is carried out, as the results of this would be required for registration. It is the academic IELTS that is required.
The reason that Nursing Council Registration is sought 1st is because the Nursing Council can take 3-4 months to process the application. If you have waited until your EOI is selected until you apply, then you are up against the clock as any residency application has to be submitted within 4 months of receiving an Invitation to Apply. It is a requirement of claiming points as a nurse that you can evidence that you have Nursing Council Registration and if you cannot do this in the timescale required, your application could be declined.
A secondary reason why Registration should be done 1st is in relation to work. If you are actually only intending to go to New Zealand temporarily, you will need a job offer 1st. You cannot work in New Zealand until you have Registration. Therefore, there is no point waiting until you have a job offer to apply to the Nursing Council, as an employer will not be impressed about having to wait for 4 months for you to start work.
For more information, check out http://www.nursing-agencies-list.com/nursing-in-new-zealand.asp
Craig Millard – Kiwi Emigration Ltd