Working as a Registered Nurse or Midwife in Australia

If you are an Internationally Qualified Nurse or Midwife and want to work in Australia as a registered nurse or midwife, you may be eligible to get registered in Australia and apply for an Australian visa. The demand for skilled nurses remains high in Australia.

In the 189 Skilled Independent visa invitation rounds in 2023, nurses have been the biggest winners.

The following occupations received invitations at the minimum 65 points:

254111 Midwife

254412 Registered Nurse (Aged Care)

254413 Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)

254414 Registered Nurse (Community Health)

254415 Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)

254416 Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability)

254417 Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)

254421 Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)

254418 Registered Nurse (Medical)

254422 Registered Nurse (Mental Health)

254425 Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)

254423 Registered Nurse (Perioperative)

254424 Registered Nurse (Surgical)

254499 Registered Nurses nec

The registration process includes 3 different steps

• Get registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (AHPRA)
• Skills assessment from Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
• Apply for the visa (Department of Home Affairs)

What are the requirements for registration?

• Successfully completed the nursing education
• Qualification is equivalent to Australian bachelor’s degree (AQF level 7)
• Have at least 800 hours of workplace experience in different health care settings
• Certification from educational institute that proves of completing an assessment in medication administration and management
• IELTS 7, PTE 65 & TOEFL 88 overall score and not less than that in any band
• Professional’s skills and knowledge are up-to-date by meeting the recency of practice registration standard
• Criminal history checked

If you meet the requirements, then here is your Guide to the Registration:

• Self-assessment with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – AHPRA
• On the basis of your self-assessment, you will be assigned to the stream A, B or C by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) after an initial assessment.

• Stream A: Candidates who hold a qualification that is relevant but not significantly equivalent to an Australian approved qualification and satisfy the compulsory registration standards. You'll need to pay the assessment fee and complete Orientation Part 1 before completing the Portfolio stage.

• Stream B:Applicants who hold a qualification that is not significantly equivalent to an Australian approved qualification and satisfy the compulsory registration standards. It's recommended that you end your participation in the assessment process and upgrade your qualification if you wish to continue.

• Stream C: Not fitting in A or B stream.

• Once you are assigned to the stream A, B OR C then proceed further according to the stream.
• Proceed for the Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNM) assessment process and pay the IQNM Assessment Fee.
• Attend the Orientation Part 1 – It is an online learning course providing an introduction to Australia and the Australian healthcare context.
• Portfolio (This is where you will be supplying the qualification and identification details and documentation.
• Attend Multiple Choices Question (MCQ) exam (MCQ Exam is a computer-based multiple-choice test, undertaken at a Pearson VUE testing centre).
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). It is a clinical exam to assess the candidate’s knowledge, skills and competence at the graduate-level nurse or midwife.

Candidates who have successfully completed the Orientation Part 1, Portfolio, MCQ exam and the OSCE exam are now eligible to apply for registration in Australia.

If you are ready you can commence the self-check here. 

How can I apply for registration once I am eligible?

Once you are eligible to apply for registration, the application form for the registration will be made available within your dashboard.

You can access the form and lodge the application.

What happens next?

APRAH will review and verify your qualifications, proof of Identity and other documentation.

The NMBA will decide whether to approve your registration, propose to register with conditions, or propose to refuse your application. You will be notified the outcome by email of registration if your residential address is in Australia, or via a letter of in principle approval of registration if you are currently living overseas.

What is in principle registration?

If you have met all registration requirements, but only provided the minimum proof of identity evidence with your application (because you were not living in Australia at that time), the NMBA will provide you with a letter providing in principle approval for registration, valid for three months, and detailing the outstanding proof of identity requirements. This does not mean that you are registered.

What is the propose to register with conditions?

If your registered nursing qualification is assessed at less than Australian Qualification Framework level 7, you will not meet the requirements for registration. However, if you hold a qualification that:

• is solely in mental health, paediatric or disability nursing
• meets all criteria under the current model for registration, except criterion 3 (that your qualification is at AQF level 7 or above)
• is at AQF level 6, and
• meet all registration standards
• the NMBA will grant registration with conditions, which will require a period of 12 months full time equivalent supervised practice. You will also have a notation on your registration.

What is the next step after registration?

You need to get you skills assessment done from Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

When can I apply for the visa?

Once you have a positive skills assessment from ANMAC, you will be eligible to apply for an appropriate visa.

Summary:

STEP 1 - Check the requirements for the registration

STEP 2 - Check the requirements for the immigration

STEP 3 - Complete the Self-assessment

STEP 4 - Complete the orientation part 1 successfully (Stream A)

STEP 5 - Complete the orientation part 1, portfolio, MCQ and OSBE exam (Stream B)

STEP 6 - Lodge an application for registration and provide all documentations to AHPRA

STEP 7 - Apply to be registered with NMBA

STEP 8 - Receive registration

STEP 9 - Get the skills assessed at ANMAC

STEP 10 - Apply for a visa

STEP 11 - Move to AUSTRALIA, get a job and work and live here.

Do you need help with your Visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents is ready to assist you with your visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Book an Appointment 

About the Author: Wendy Guan – Registered Migration Agent in Adelaide South Australia

What are the 5 best courses to study in Australia in 2024 to obtain Permanent Residency?

Australia is home to 43 universities, some of which are among the world's top 100. Australia is a safe and welcoming country attracting many students who want to settle in Australia and obtain Australian Permanent Residency. So, let's get started!

After completing their studies, there are two main visa paths students can follow to obtain PR:

• Skilled Visa (Subclass 189, 190 and 491)
• Employer-Sponsored 482 and 494 Visas
• DAMAs

The courses we are mentioning have strong options in both paths. If you are interested, please book an appointment here.

Number 5: SOCIAL WORK OR COMMUNITY SERVICES

Social work is becoming increasingly popular for securing permanent residency in Australia.

• A bachelor’s degree in Social Work is usually a 3-year degree with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 18,000 per year.
• Ensure the degree you enrol in is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).
• Social Work is on the medium-term list and can lead to a Skilled Independent visa or 190 or 491. Employer sponsorship is also an option.
• Under a Ministerial Direction, Social Work currently receives priority processing.
• Skills assessment: The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Number 4: CARPENTER

With a shortage of houses in Australia, the Government is encouraging the construction of more houses. Carpenters are in high demand in terms of employability:

• Diploma-level qualifications related to Carpentry is a two-year course with a tuition fee of approximately AUD 10,000 per year.
• This is a very good option if you are looking for a trade course that may lead to PR.
• Trade occupations must complete a job-ready program to get a positive skill assessment from TRA with a minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience or equivalent.
• Be aware that graduates of trade courses can only obtain an 18-24 month temporary graduate visa 485.
• Skills assessment: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

Here are some common types of carpenters in Australia:

• Joiner carpenter
• Framework carpenter
• Formwork carpenter
• Green carpenter

Number 3: CIVIL CONSTRUCTION DESIGN

• Advanced Diploma in Civil Construction Design is a two-year course with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 12,000 per year.
• One of the advantages of the course is that you can get a skills assessment done by Engineers Australia without any work experience and apply for a 485 Graduate Visa, and then further for any of the GSM visas.
• The occupation related to this course is on the medium- and long-term skills list, which means that this occupation is eligible for all three GSM visas, including 189, 190, and 491.

After obtaining this qualification, potential job roles may include:

• Civil Engineering Technician
• Civil Engineering Design Draftsperson
• Civil Engineering Draftsperson
• Senior civil construction designer
• Structural Engineering Drafting officer
• Road Design Draftsperson

Number 2: TEACHER

 A Bachelor of Teaching is a 4-year degree with a tuition fee of approximately AUD 18,000 per year.

• For those with a relevant degree, a Master of Teaching is a two-year course.
• Teachers are on the medium-term list with several PR application options, and they are also a high priority in processing, similar to Registered nurses.
• Different universities have different admission criteria, so be sure to check with us if you are interested in this course.
• Under a Ministerial Direction, Teaching currently receives priority processing.

Skills assessment: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

To work as a teacher, you will need to register as a teacher after completing your course.

In-demand teachers in Australia include:

• Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
• Middle School Teacher
• Primary School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher
• University lecturer
• Special Education Teachers

Number 1: REGISTERED NURSES

Registered Nurses have the highest priority in processing.

• Registered nurses are on the medium-term list with several PR application options such as Skilled Visa (Subclass 189, 190, and 491), Employer-Sponsored Visa, and DAMAs.
• A Bachelor of Nursing is a 3-year degree with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 30,000 per year.
• One of the basic requirements for enrolment in this course is an English test result equivalent to IELTS 7 bands in each module.
• Skills assessment: Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

As a Registered Nurse, you may choose from various specialties, including:

• Aged Care
• Mental Health
• Critical Care and Emergency
• Medical
• Perioperative
• Midwife

GUIDE TO OBTAINING PR AS A REGISTERED NURSE IN AUSTRALIA

Many more course options can provide you with a pathway to permanent residency. Please contact us if you are looking for something that suits your career needs.

In December 2023, the Australian Government introduced in the Migration Strategy the Skills in Demand Visa with three pathways: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills. The new Skills in Demand visa will replace the Temporary Skills Shortage 482 Visa and provide more flexibility to workers and employers. The Skills in Demand Visa are set to be implemented in late 2024.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA) and Victoria (VIC) are offering cash incentives for migrants for occupations in healthcare and construction. If you are a health worker or a construction worker, the opportunity is now. You can get the incentive if you move to their state and take up a job. If you have friends or family in construction or health care, then tell them about these amazing offers.

The world is short-staffed. And this is especially felt by the health sector.

Australia needs more health workers.

According to the report prepared by the International Centre on Nurse Migration, Sustain and Retain in 2022 and Beyond, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global shortage of nurses was estimated at 5.9 million. This has been exacerbated by the pandemic.  And this skill shortage is across the health sector.

Australia has not been spared of the shortage of health workers and the Australian Commonwealth government and the different state governments had been implementing programs to attract overseas health workers to tackle staff shortages.

If you are a health worker and is interested to migrate you might be interested in the following support and programs offered by the different state governments.

*Note that all health professionals wishing to practice in Australia must hold Australian registration, have appropriate levels of education, skills, English language proficiency and experience and the appropriate visa to work in Australia.

Victoria

The Victorian government has announced that it will be providing relocation support for international and returning Australian health and mental health workers who have secured a job in a public health service.

This program is for health professionals who:

• are currently living overseas, which may include Australian citizens returning home or non-residents who meet Commonwealth visa requirements
• are international candidates whose occupation is on the Skilled Occupation list (SOL) and
• have secured a job with a Victorian health service between 1 April 2022 and 30 June 2023 and intend to work within the Victorian public health system for at least two years, and
• can access relevant Australian registration or accreditation for their profession
• are fully vaccinated (including travelling families) for COVID-19 by a Therapeutic Goods Administration approved or recognised vaccine.

The support is for international travel allowance to help with relocation costs:

• $10,000 for healthcare workers who secure a role in a public metropolitan health service
• $13,000 for healthcare workers who secure a role in a rural or regional health service

The money will be transferred to the employing health service.

South Australia

SA Health is looking for internationally trained health professionals to express their interest to work for them in South Australia.

They are looking for international applicants with transferable skills and qualifications for medical, nursing and midwifery, and allied and scientific health positions.

The guidelines for the online application can be found in the SA Health website. 

If you meet the eligibility criteria, SA Health will sponsor your visa and help you work through the visa process.

New South Wales

The New South Wales government announced that the state will have a $4.5B recruitment drive to increase its health workforce by more than 10,000 staff over the next 4 years.  This included giving a one-off ‘appreciation payments’ and raising the public sector wage cap.

Some regional NSW districts such as the Western NSW Local Health District are also recruiting overseas medical and nursing professionals who are registered or close to completing their AHPRA registration process and have an IELTS score of at least 7. They can offer incentives of up to $10,000 and can provide sponsorship for the visa.

Queensland

Queensland is looking for international applicants with transferable skills and qualifications in the following professions:

• Medical
• Nursing and midwifery
• Allied Health

And information for overseas application can be found in the Queensland Health website.

Tasmania

If you get a position with Tasmania's Department of Health, they may be able to provide vis sponsorship either permanent or temporary sponsorship.

They can also provide relocation support which may include:

• reimbursing your travel expenses (private motor vehicle use, rail fares, economy class airfares)
• contribution to transfer of furniture and personal effects
• temporary accommodation
• registration support
• immigration and visa support.

More information can be found in the Tasmania Department of Health website.

Northern Territory

The Norther Territory regularly have job opportunities throughout the territory for registered nurses, enrolled nurses and a variety of internationally trained Medical Officers or International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

For assistance with the application process, IMGs may contact:

For Top End Health Service (TEHS) job enquirers:

• specialist and registrar roles: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• interns and resident medical officers roles: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• emergency department registrar and specialist roles: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For Central Australia Health Service (CAHS) job enquirers: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More information can be found in the Northern Territory Government NT Health website.

Western Australia

Western Australia is also recruiting international health professionals and often advertise job vacancies on the WA Health Jobs Board

The WA government had previously offered relocation incentives and offered experienced health professional reimbursement for their relocation costs if they are appointed to a permanent or fixed term contract of 12 months or longer with WA Health on, or after, 1 July 2022 and up to 30 September 2022.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT government has a national campaign to recruit more nurses and midwives to the ACT.

The ACT Nurses and Midwifery Enterprise Agreement 2020-2022 contains the provisions for the reimbursement for relocation expenses, allowances, etc.

Reimbursement for relocation expenses can be provided to interstate or overseas employees.

The relevant pre-determined ceiling is as below:

Information as to what the ACT offers to nurses and midwives can be found in the ACT Health website.

Work Visa Lawyers has extensive experience in assisting international health workers apply for a visa in Australia.

Contact us if you need our assistance you can contact us at (+61) 08 8351 9956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can also book an appointment online.

Our team of experience Immigration lawyers and Migration Agents will be happy to assist you.

Sources:

International Centre on Nurse Migration, Sustain and Retain in 2022 and Beyond,  chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.icn.ch/system/files/2022-01/Sustain%20and%20Retain%20in%202022%20and%20Beyond-%20The%20global%20nursing%20workforce%20and%20the%20COVID-19%20pandemic.pdf

Victoria Department of Health website, Support for international healthcare workers, https://www.health.vic.gov.au/jobs/migrating-to-victoria/support-for-international-healthcare-workers

The Guardian, “NSW to raise public service wage cap, pay health workers $3,000 ‘appreciation payments’ “ Tamsin Rose, 6 Jun 2022  - https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/06/nsw-to-raise-public-service-wage-cap-pay-health-workers-3000-appreciation-payments

New South Wales Government, NSW Government lifts wages and recognises health workers, https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/budget-2022-public-sector-wages#:~:text=The%20policy%20will%20apply%20to,of%20the%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic.

New South Wales Government Health, Western NSW Local Health District, https://wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/join-us/diversity-inclusion/overseas-trained-professionals/

SA Health -  International applicant guidelines https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/careers/how+to+apply/international+applicant+guidelines

Queensland Health - https://www.health.qld.gov.au/employment/overseas

Tasmanian Department of Health -  https://www.health.tas.gov.au/

Northern Territory - https://health.nt.gov.au/ ]

Western Australia -  https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Careers/International-applicants

Covid has made immigration to Australia hard, but things are finally starting to change.  The South Australian Government has just added 70 more roles to its Skilled Occupation List, making a total of 109 occupations now open for offshore skilled migration to SA! If you are currently offshore and looking for a way to move to Australia, this could be your chance.

Click the following blog for the information about the most recent changes annouced: 2020/2021 Migration Latest Updates

Tonight, the federal government will provide more details to allocate funding towards services and programs for the country for 2020 -2021 financial year.

The Federal budget 2020 will deliver an economic recovery plan in which Australian migration will be a key component.

Highlights

• Australian government will announce the Federal Budget 2020 tonight

• Migration program planning levels will be announced tonight

• Australian states & territories General Skilled Migration (GSM) will open soon

The Australian immigration department has recently offered COVID-19 concessions to international students for Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate. During COVID-19 pandemic, many visa applicants and international students have been adversely affected by circumstances beyond their control, including Border closures, stand-downs and disruptions to courses.

• Acceptance of the new requirements
• Explanation of what your contribution to the recovery will be (200 words or less) in either:
  • Business activity
  • Investment activity

This is according to news published by Live in Melbourne. We expect further information following the Federal Budget around 6 October 2020.

Victoria Skilled Migration - 491 visa and 190 visa

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that Victoria continues to use the interim allocation places beyond 5 October 2020. 

By 02 October 2020, Victoria's temporary allocation for 2020-21 were: 

• 600 places for skilled subclass 190
• 200 places for skilled subclass 491
• 400 places for the business innovation and investment program

Victoria has received more than 2,400 registrations of interest received from skilled migrants, and more than 480 application from business migrants.

On 26 November 2020, Victoria has annouced that the skilled program (subclass 190 and subclass 491) remain closed to new applications. They continue to select high calibre skilled migrants for nomination from the pool of Registration of Interest submissions.

Once Victoria receives confirmation of its full 2020-21 nomination allocations for the skilled and business migration programs, it would reopen its 2020-2021 nomination for 491 visa and 190 visa soon.

It will only select applicants to apply for Victorian visa nomination if their Registration of Interest demonstrates they are working in health or medical research and contributing to Victoria’s economic recovery and/or health response.  

To be considered for Victorian visa nomination, you must submit a Registration of Interest for Victorian State Visa Nomination.  Applicants who register their interest may then be selected to apply for Victorian visa nomination.  

To be eligible to submit your Registration of Interest (ROI) for Victorian visa nomination (subclass 190 and 491) you must

• be currently living in Victoria, and
• be currently employed in Victoria (minimum six months), and
• work in a highly-skilled occupation in health or medical research, which supports Victoria’s economic recovery and/or health response

VIC will then select the best candidates to apply for Victorian visa nomination.

We are expecting a further update from Live in Melbourne following 6 October 2020.

The Department of Home Affairs has sent out the first round of invitations for the 2020-2021 program year on 14 July 2020.

This first round of invitation for the subclass 189 and 491 (family-sponsored) is a positive indication that the monthly invitation rounds will continue.

At the current time, the subclass 190 and 491 state sponsored visas are still on hold.

The Coronavirus pandemic has impacted the situation for those who have applied for or who are looking to apply for a state sponsored, skilled visa.

Many states have made changes to reduce the availability of state nomination for offshore applicants, as offshore applicants will not be able to travel

to Australia until the border and travel restrictions are lifted.

In this article we will look at the changes to state nomination state by state and the impact of coronavirus on skilled migration.