Australasia FAQs

Why are HCL International placing candidates in Australia?

Australia is currently experiencing a serious shortage of Registered Nurses in all fields. Australia has a relaxed lifestyle and Nurses are well paid. There is also a great diversity of climates from tropical to alpine meaning that your off duty time can be fun and exciting. The country has enormous potential and can afford a great lifestyle for all applicants from single professionals as well as those with families.

Where can I find out information on how to apply etc?

Australia has 8 separate registration boards and you can find all the information you need on how to apply, why you need to be registered as a nurse and the costs and renewal dates on the individual websites. There are marginal differences in registration cost, but all experiencing similar registration process times of 3 to 4 months.

Nurses Board of Victoria
Nurses Board of South Australia
Queensland Nurses Council
Nurses Board of New South Wales
Nurses Board of Western Australia
Nurses Board of Tasmania
Nurses Board of Northern Territory

How long does the process take?
The overall process is averaging 3 - 6 months from initial registration with HCL International to being in a position to start employment as a qualified Nurse in Australia.

A very simplistic quick guide is as follows:

• Assess candidates qualification.
• Submit completed application with payment and supporting documents to Nursing and Midwifery Board ($80)
• f applicant from favoured countries list, (If candidate not from favoured country list all nurses and midwives who are applying for migration to Australia must demonstrate English language proficiency by taking an English language test. This ensures that they are able to communicate competently and safely with patients and their families, colleagues and other health professionals. There are two tests that can be taken.
  These are:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test Nurses and midwives must achieve a minimum of 6.5 in each of the sections and receive a minimum overall band score of 7.)

• Pay balance of registration to receive Nursing certificate ($80)
• Market successful candidates to potential employers
• Set up Client / Candidate Interviews (usually carried out by telephone)
• Upon successful outcome initiate sponsorship process (most common is the skilled migrant visa subclass 457) - process takes 4 - 6 weeks - current cost is $525
• Visa issued electronically and then validated in the country the candidate is travelling from.
• Candidate able to travel to Australia to commence employment.

Am I eligible for registration?

If you undertook your initial nurse training/undergraduate degree in any of the following countries they will most probably be able to directly transfer your registration.

United Kingdom
Republic of Ireland
New Zealand (fairly hassle free registration for NZ Nurses, can take as little as 10 days depending on which state you register with)
USA
Canada
South Africa **
Singapore **
Hong Kong **

** Nurses with qualifications obtained in these countries may be eligible to register with Australian Nursing Authorities but will most probably have to show evidence of level of English skills.

If I am applying for a permanent placement, what sponsorships are available?

1. Temporary Visas (up to 4 Years)
2. Permanent Residence Visas
3. Working Holidays visa's only allow 6 month contract employment

How do I qualify for a sponsorship?

In order to qualify for sponsorship, nurses must possess the following:

• Recognised Tertiary Qualification requiring at least 3 years full-time study
• Registration with the Nurses Board in Australia (e.g. Western Australia)
• In the case of Permanent Residence, have a minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience

What documentation will I require for a sponsorship?

Sponsorship is a simple and straight forward process that takes between 4-6 weeks, provided that all relevant information is given. For sponsorship, requirements are:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Two References
3. Nurses Board Registration in Australia (Copy certified by either a Justice of the Peace, Notary of Public, Postmaster, Commissioner of Declarations)
4. Signed Employment Contract for Immigration Form Medical examination and Chest X-ray

How long can I work in Australia and can I apply for permanent residency?

You will be offered up to a four year contract.

Following successful registration, nurses have two choices. They can either apply for a work permit or residency on your own. Although, once you receive an offer the client will work with you to apply for your visa and this will be granted as the client will act as your sponsor. Once you have worked at most locations for a period of over 3 months if wanted the client will apply for permanent residency for you.

Who can I take with me?

After offer of a job, the client will request details of immediate family members and they will be able to relocate with you on your sponsorship. This will apply to your Husband/Wife and any children under the age of 21 years.