How Long Does It Take for Nurses to Migrate to Australia?
If you’ve been dreaming of migrating to Australia to further your nursing career, you couldn’t have picked a better time! The Australian Government has made some big updates to the 2024-25 migration program—and for nurses like you, the news is packed with opportunities. With Australia’s continued focus on healthcare, these changes could make your dream of working Down Under a reality.
Let’s break it all down, so you can understand what’s changing, how it affects you, and why you should be excited about these developments. Plus, we’ll share why getting expert advice is crucial to navigating the migration process successfully!
The first step is to gather all the necessary documents for your migration and registration. These documents usually include:
– Proof of identity (such as your passport)
– Nursing qualifications
– Employment history or proof of experience
– English language test results
– Additional certificates or licenses that apply to your career
How Long Does It Take?
Depending on how organised you are and how accessible your documents are, this step can take a few weeks to several months. Delays often arise when waiting for responses from previous employers, educational institutions, or licensing bodies. If you need to get documents certified or translated, this will add further time. Being well-prepared and methodical in gathering your paperwork can prevent unnecessary delays later in the process.
Once you’ve gathered your documents, the next step is document verification. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your qualifications, experience, and other credentials are recognized in Australia.
– NZNC Pathway: Nurses using the New Zealand Nursing Council (NZNC)registration pathway must go through the CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) for document verification.
How Long Does It Take?
The document verification process can vary depending on your pathway:
– NZNC Pathway: For those going through the NZNC, the CGFNS verification process can take several months. After the CGFNS verification is completed, there is currently a minimum 5-month processing delay before the NZNC progresses your application further. This is a significant waiting period that must be factored into your overall migration timeline.
Nurses migrating to Australia must demonstrate English language proficiency by taking a recognized test such as IELTS, OET, or PTE Academic. The specific score requirements vary depending on whether you’re applying for AHPRA registration, NZNC registration, or a visa. Generally, the minimum scores are:
– OET: A minimum score of B in each section
– PTE Academic: Equivalent scores that meet AHPRA registration requirements
How Long Does It Take?
Meeting the English language requirement can take a few weeks to several months, depending on your level of proficiency. Many nurses find that they need to retake the test to meet the required scores, which can add time to the process. Additionally, scheduling your test and receiving your results may take several weeks. If English isn’t your first language or you’ve been out of practice, preparing in advance is essential to avoid further delays.
AHPRA Pathway
– Direct Registration: Some nurses can apply directly for AHPRA registration. This involves verifying qualifications, English proficiency, and work experience.
– Additional Requirements: Depending on your qualifications and experience, you may be required to complete additional exams such as the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) or an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). Others may need to undertake bridging programs to upgrade their qualifications to meet Australian standards.
NZNC Pathway
– CGFNS Verification: Nurses using the NZNC pathway must first have their documents verified through CGFNS. Once verification is complete, a minimum 5-month processing delay follows before the NZNC progresses your application.
– NCLEX and OSCE Requirements: After CGFNS verification, you will be required to pass the NCLEX exam, followed by an OSCE in New Zealand to ensure your qualifications meet New Zealand’s nursing standards. Only after completing these steps can you apply for NZNC registration, which can then be transferred to AHPRA via the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Scheme (TTMRS).
How Long Does It Take?
The AHPRA registration process can take up to 6 months, or longer if you need to pass additional exams or complete a bridging program. For nurses going through the NZNC pathway, the process can take up to 12 months or longer, depending on how long it takes to pass the NCLEX and OSCE and navigate the 5-month NZNC processing delay after CGFNS verification.
Step 5: Determining Visa Eligibility
– Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This points-based visa does not require sponsorship and grants permanent residency.
– Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory and leads to permanent residency.
– Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): A points-tested visa requiring nomination by a regional state or territory, leading to permanent residency after three years.
– Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482/186): Requires sponsorship from an Australian employer and can lead to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 visa.
How Long Does It Take?
Visa processing times vary depending on the type of visa, whether state or employer sponsorship is involved, and the current workload of the Department of Home Affairs. On average, processing can take 6 to 12 months or longer. Delays can occur if there is a high demand for skilled visas or if additional information is required for your application.
– Have you gathered and verified your documents?
– Do you have the required English language proficiency scores?
– Have you completed your AHPRA or NZNC registration?
– Are you ready to apply for the appropriate visa?
It’s important to understand that the migration process is rarely straightforward. Delays can occur at various stages—whether during document verification, English language testing, or the visa application process. Planning for potential setbacks and staying proactive will help you manage the timeline and ensure that you’re on track to achieve your goal.
About Rhea Fawole
Rhea’s passion to establish SOLVi Migration cane from 12 years of working in senior roles at the Australian Immigration Department, including in the Immigration Minister’s office. She also gained an abundance of government liaison and Australian government policy experience in other agencies.
SOLVi Migration has been founded with a vision to collaborate with Australian businesses and skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia.