Nursing in Oz - where do I start?!
 

Hi,

I have been a qualified RN (adult) for nearly 4 years and my Husband and I are considering a move to Australia.

I am therefore right at the beginning of the process of applying for visa etc.

I can't find a simple step by step guide anywhere! Has anyone got any advice of what I need to do first? I'm thinking that I need to sit my IELTS (booked for Feb) first, but after that...

Do I get Nursing registration first? Or my visa? Both say they need the other so I'm a little confused! Maybe it's better using an agency?

If you can help with a simple 'point in the right direction', I can then get down to the nitty gritty!

Thank you

Re: Nursing in Oz - where do I start?!
 

Are you BSc or Diploma qualified?

Re: Nursing in Oz - where do I start?!
 

Degree

Re: Nursing in Oz - where do I start?!
 

It depends on what/where you are looking at. I always advise candidates to get AHPRA first, because without that, you can't do anything.

Many private hospitals are still offering Visa sponsorship, and if you go down that route, you don't neet to do either IELTS or ANMAC. The downside of that is that you are tied to the sponsoring hospital for at least 4 years.

If you are going for a PR visa, then some will say do IELTS and ANMAC first, but there are a LOT of UK nurses who have got a visa, submitted thir forms to AHPRA, arrived in Oz, only to find they can't get registration.

If you have IELTS booked, I'd advise that you go ahead and do it - but i would get on with your AHPRA registration ASAP becausee they can be a little "difficult" as many on here have found.

If you would like some advice on vacancies, do get in touch.

Re: Nursing in Oz - where do I start?!
 

Thank you genorm, that's a great help.

I will get onto my AHPRA application as a matter of urgency.
Do I then get applying for visas? When my AHPRA registration is granted, does that make me able to work in Aus professionally, I then just need to get a visa for immigration?

The AHPRA application does state that I do not need IELTS as I have proof that I have studied English for 5+ years in the UK, and if I don't have to pay the £150 to sit it I'd rather not!

I am currently working in Gynaecology in the UK and would love to stay in the speciality if possible.

Re: Nursing in Oz - where do I start?!
 

You can only apply for a PR visa with a valid skills assessment from ANMAC but if you do AHPRA first it can be an easier process (Only going form what read here not experience).

You may not need IELTS for the assessment but if looking at PR you may need it for points for the visa. If this is the case, you can do general IELTS for DIBP instead of Academic.

Re: Nursing in Oz - where do I start?!
 

Hi old sparkles,

I will be starting the process soon too and I will need IELTS to get the maximum points. I thought it was the Academic test I needed to do, but I'm not sure now. Is it the general test I need to do then? Cheers.

Re: Nursing in Oz - where do I start?!
 

Thank you for all your help.

Are there any other Visa options without going straight for the PR? Or is that what you would recommend? I know the WHV only allows you to work for 6 months of a year so not sure that will be any good (as looking to go and work full time to afford to live!) How easy is it to convert to a PR once I'm over there?

Re: Nursing in Oz - where do I start?!
 

If you need IELTS for your assessment then it needs to be the Academic test. I think there are exceptions to taking IELTS for ANMAC / AHPRA so if you only need IELTS for points then it can be the general test if you choose

Re: Nursing in Oz - where do I start?!
 

Other options instead of PR would be the 457 if you can get employer sponsorship. This is a temporary visa valid for up to 4 years, but if you lose your job you have 90 days to find a new one or leave the country.

Most people would choose PR as a first option I think :)