Nursing jobs are a popular demand in Australia. The Health Workforce Australia (HWA) reports that there might be a shortage of at least 100,000 nurses by 2025. While Australia accepts nurses from different countries, coming from New Zealand has an advantage. So, if you’re still wondering can New Zealand registered nurses work in Australia, then the answer is a resounding yes!
Here’s a guide on how you can apply as a New Zealand registered nurse in Australia:
Meet the Requirements
If you already hold the title “nurse” in your name, it means that you are already recognised as someone qualified in the field. However, for you to work in Australia, you will need to meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). These organisations ensure the safety of Australian citizens by employing only the most qualified nurses.
If you’re thinking can New Zealand registered nurses work in Australia, the answer lies upon the verification of the requirements of the applicant. As mentioned, Australia has organisations that check the qualifications of aspiring overseas nursing professionals to work in the country. They follow various criteria to assess whether the nurse is worth giving a shot or not in the Australian medical field.
Aside from checking your proof of identity, these institutions also inspect your educational background and professional experience. It’s also a must to be proficient in English as it is the main language used in Australia. Note that New Zealand registered nurses no longer need to provide proof of English proficiency according to the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997. Furthermore, you should be able to provide documentation that you are 100% fit to practise your profession in the country.
Submit a Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Form
Can New Zealand registered nurses work in Australia? Thanks to the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act (TTMRA), working in Australia as a New Zealand registered nurse is made possible. This act allows reciprocal registration between Australia and New Zealand. If you’re already registered in New Zealand as a nurse, you can easily transfer your registration to Australia by filling up a TTMRA application form.
Upon sending this form, you will be placed in a deemed registration period wherein the board will check your background and other credentials anywhere between ten days to three months. The good news is that you may start to practise nursing even if you’re still in a deemed registration period. Once all your details are verified, you will be granted full registration in Australia.
Apply for a VISA
For you to legally live and work as a nurse in Australia, you will need to get a VISA. You can apply for a VISA through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) provisions of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship or by finding nursing agencies that offer sponsorship. Lucky for New Zealand passport holders, a Special Category Visa (SCV) is granted. This is a temporary visa allowing New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia indefinitely. It can also be used for your application for a permanent VISA.
One of the challenges you will be encountering as a registered New Zealand nurse is finding an Australian employer. However, some companies offer sponsorship for overseas nurses in Australia. Sponsorships from agencies usually offer a temporary working visa for overseas nursing professionals. But some employers are also able to provide sponsorship with a permanent visa. Either way, these companies lead the international nurses into working opportunities with clients they have partnered up with that need health care services.
Ready to Be a Practising Nurse in Australia?
Jumpstart your nursing profession by choosing HealthX as your nurse sponsorship Australia agency. Since 2008, they have helped solve the shortage of nurses in the country by sponsoring and employing skilled nurses overseas. Check out the job opportunities they offer for New Zealand registered nurses today!
