NURSING IN AUSTRALIA |
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Nurses... we need you Down Under
Getting to Australia
- Permanent Migration - as a Skilled Migrant
- Temporary Migration - for those who wish to improve their skills or experience
- Working Holiday - for those Registered Nurses 18-30 years old
Why Australia?
Australia has a lot going for it, the climate - the fantastic blue skies, the sunshine, the cold beer, the excellent wine and food, and the white sandy beaches. Life doesn’t get much better!
We are a cultural melting pot - since 1945 more than six million people from across the world have come to Australia to live. Today, more than 20 per cent of Australians are foreign born and more than 40 per cent are of mixed cultural origin No matter what your background you will feel welcome here.
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It's about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe, but has the lowest population density in the world - only two people per square kilometre.
Australia’s coastline stretches almost 50,000 kilometres and is linked by over 10,000 beaches, more than any other country in the world. More than 85 per cent of Australians live within 50 kilometres of the coast, making it an integral part of our laid-back lifestyle.
Nursing – Visas, Immigration and You
Nurses are currently in high demand in Australia. There are excellent career opportunities with permanent and temporary work available in Australia. Most visa applications for nurses receive priority processing.
Whether you have a high level of skills and experience or need to gain additional skills, there is a visa to suit you. There are excellent career opportunities with permanent and temporary work available in Australia. You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for a visa to work as a nurse.
Note: From 1 July 2009 new English language requirements were introduced. – See ‘English Language requirements’ further down.
Permanent and Temporary Visa Options for Nurses
General Skilled Migration
Nurses may be able to migrate to Australia as an independent skilled migrant or one of the sponsored visas under the General Skilled Migration Program.
There is a serious shortage of Registered Nurses (in all fields) in Australia. As such, the Australian Government has listed Registered Nurses on their "Critical skills shortage list" under the General Skilled Migration Program.
Working Holidays
If you are between 18 and 30, you may be able to come to Australia temporarily for a working holiday.
As of 1 July 2011 a new Points Test was introduced, this points test applies to all applicants who are seeking to apply for migration to Australia under the General Skilled Migration Program.
To move to Australia under this visa option you will required to be assessed by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) this is not the registration Authority and you will also be required to apply for registration.
Improving your Skills
Occupational Trainee Visa
For nurses to undertake a supervised, workplace-based training program in Australia. This option is good for training programs of three months or longer.
Business (Short Stay) visa (subclass 456)
This is ideal for nurses to undertake an approved bridging or pre-registration program for less than three months. Nurses who successfully complete the course may be able to apply in Australia for a Business Long Stay visa.
Nurses Sponsored by an Employer
Temporary Business (Long Stay) visa (subclass 457)
This is usually used for registered nurses to work in Australia for an approved business sponsor, for up to four years. Your accompanying family members can work and study in Australia.
Employer Nomination Scheme
Overseas nurses under 45 years of age, with qualifications and work experience as a registered nurse, may be eligible for a permanent visa under this scheme.
Registered Nurses over 45 years can also apply for this visa if meet special requirements.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
Overseas nurses with qualifications equivalent to an Australian diploma level qualification (two years full-time study) or higher may be eligible for a permanent visa. Under this scheme, nurses will be sponsored by an Australian employer to work and live in regional Australia.
Working in Australia
Skills Assessments/Registration
To work in Australia you must first have your qualifications assessed by the relevant authority Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) This is a National Registration and will cover you to work throughout Australia.
This registration process can take considerable time (usually 12-16 weeks from time of application) therefore if you are seeking employment you may wish to consider placing your application for this as soon as you commence seeking employment.
A professional migration agent can assist you with detailed and often time consuming process should you require assistance.
English Language Requirements
Nurses must now demonstrate a proficiency in English before their skills assessment or visa can be granted. In other words, you must demonstrate that you meet the English language threshold. This means that you must already have your English language test results before you lodge your application visa.
Proof of English language proficiency is achieved by taking either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET).
There are some exemptions available under this and you should seek advice re your requirements.
Which English Language Test Should I Sit?
Generally, you will be required to sit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test to assess your English language ability. Occupational English Test (OET) results may also be provided as evidence of your English language ability.
You are advised to prepare before sitting for either test. Your registered Migration Agent can advise you further.
What is IELTS?
IELTS is a test designed to assess an applicant’s English language ability. It has an academic test and a general training test – applicants for registration as a nurse are required to take the academic test.
IELTS examinations are available worldwide. Information on fees, available test dates and application forms are available on the IELTS website.
See: www.ielts.org
What is OET?
The Occupational English Test (OET) is a language test for overseas qualified health professionals. The Test assesses English language proficiency as it is used in medical and health professions. The OET is administered by the OET Centre seven times a year and in over 40 locations around the world.
The Test measures the language competency of health professionals who are seeking registration and the ability to practise in an English-speaking context. It is designed to ensure that language competency is assessed in a relevant professional context.
See: www.occupationalenglishtest.org
Why use a Migration Agent?
You cannot work as a Registered Nurse in Australia without first registering with one of the State or Territory Nursing Registration Boards.
A professional Migration Agent can assist you in the Australian nursing registration process, as well as provide professional advice and assistance in your visa application – even if you have had no previous work experience.
In Australia all Migration Agents are required to be registered. This 
requires agents to have a comprehensive knowledge of migration law and practices. Agents are aware of the changing migration environment and as such are able to provide information/ advice that is current.
Migration can be costly and time consuming; the use of a registered agent will ensure that the process meets legislative requirements at the time of application. Your agent will walk you through the process from start to finish.
Why use Inspired Options Pty Ltd?
Trusted Knowledge and Experience
Inspired Options Pty Ltd is an Australian company established in 1998 that provides a personalised and professional service in migration, including permanent and temporary visa advice and assistance. Using our services also provides you with a virtual relocation key, giving you access to information about Australia, where you are going to live and requirements for housing, schooling, banking etc.
When you choose Inspired Options Pty Ltd, you will be assigned a Registered Migration Agent who is also a Registered Nurse , and qualified solicitor with over 25 years experience in the professional health care field.
Settlement Assistance
Moving to a new city is both exciting and challenging and we understand what’s ahead of you. Carrying out effective groundwork really helps in making the powerful decisions that will assist in the overall success of your resettlement.
Inspired Options Pty Ltd is a licensed on-seller of ™The Virtual Relocator Resource – a purpose-built platform that allows you to extensively research your chosen city based on your personal housing, education and lifestyle preferences so you can build contacts prior to both, departing for and settling in to Australia. It can assist with things like:
- Recommending suburbs and schools etc.
- Introducing rental cost guides & available properties
- Opening bank accounts
- Exploring child care options
- Plus answer the myriad of general relocation related questions you may be having.
With every single Visa Application we process, you (and your family) automatically receive 6 months Settlement Support to the Australian city of your choice. And we don’t charge you anything extra.
YOU need 4 things:
- Australian Registration
- Australian VISA
- Australian job
- Settlement into Australia
Australian Employment
We work with an Australian recruitment company and on request at time of application to our service we will forward your application and resume through to our agent for review and consideration of potential employment opportunities.
Regular interview are conducted in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Dimity Jones
Registered Migration Agent MARN 0744829
LLM, Grad Cert Aus Migration Law & Practice
Grad Dip PLT, Juris Doctor, BSW
BA Soc Science, RN (Psych)
Inspired Options Pty Ltd
www.inspiredoptions.com.au
