Australia continues to be a preferred migration destination for many skilled workers, particularly registered nurses (RNs). Since there has been an increase in the population significantly outpacing the number of healthcare professionals in Australia. In fact, nursing is one of the primary occupations included in the list of skilled occupations permitted in Australia. Hence, many RNs have pursued various pathways, including the PR Visa for Registered Nurse to apply for a Permanent Residency (PR) visa.
Therefore, in case you’re a registered nurse willing to move to Australia and become a permanent resident of the country. You will obtain country-specific knowledge and skills after reading this guide.
Why Australia Needs Registered Nurses?
The healthcare system in Australia is under immense strain as a result of the aging population and the growth of the country’s medical system. RNs contribute a significant part in filling this gap. Which is the reason as to why the nursing profession is always on Australia’s Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Consequently, enrolment as a registered nurse opens up a number of pathways for permanent residency. As there are many visa pathways available. Apart from this, Australian nurses enjoy a decent wage, a pace of life that suits their work, and a good career progression, among other factors that appeal to them.
1. Choose the Right PR Visa Pathway
As a registered nurse, you have more than one option of a visa that can result to attaining permanent residency in Australia. The main visa subclasses to consider include the following:
a. Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa
Subsequently, the 189 is a point-based immigration program available to skilled workers or professionals. Among these, registered nurses, as an alternative to securing state sponsorship or nomination. However, when applying under this visa subclass, nurses are also required to ensure that the nursing occupation is listed on the MLTSSL and is able to meet the points requirement of the visa.
b. Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa
Unlike the 199 visa, the 190 visa is an indefinite or permanent visa, which mandates that there is a nomination from a state or territory government. This will be more useful when your nursing occupation is on shortage lists for certain Australian states. The 190 visa also enables one to earn additional points. Which add up to the total score, and that increases the chances of being granted the invitation to apply.
c. Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
491 is a visa that is available to nurses who are ready to work and settle in specific designated regional areas. It is a temporary one, even though it leads to permanent residency after certain conditions are fulfilled. However, first, nurses who are willing to apply for the 191 visa in order to be granted permanent residency must obtain a regional state or territory nomination and agree to stay and practice in a regional location for a minimum of 3 years.
2. Meet the Eligibility Requirements
When applying for a PR visa as a registered nurse, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- Nursing Qualifications: You must possess a recognized qualification that is at least equivalent to Australian standards, which is most of the time a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
- AHPRA Registration: Under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), registration is necessary for nurses. In the absence of this, you are not permitted to work as a nurse in Australia, and your application for PR will not be entertained.
- English Language Proficiency: Approval of English language tests such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET has to be undertaken to be able to practice nursing in Australia. Further, some requirements include obtaining an IELTS 7.0 band in all the sections.
- Skills Assessment: To pass your skills assessment, you need to have a skill assessment by ANMAC APPROVED. This assessment verifies that your skillful and professional qualifications are up to the requirements of the Australian nursing industry.
3. APPLY & SUCCESSFUL BASE PREREQUISITE (PG3) Positive Skills Assessment with ANMAC
The first and foremost essential step within the entire picture of applying for a PR Visa would be ANMAC’s positive skills assessment. The skills assessment ascertains whether the qualifications as well as work experience as registered nurses in Australia are at par or not.
How to Apply for a Skills Assessment:
- Send all documents/requirements that include your degree/oath and appointment letters from the work done certificates and operations passes test.
- Settle required charges and submit your application through ANMAC’s online system.
- Verification of the qualifications with other prerequisite work experience leads to the grants of constructive skills assessment outcomes, which is a need for the visa application.
4. Take a chance and Submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
The next step after a positive skills assessment would be to submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Which is an online structure by the Australian government in place for skilled migration applications. The EOI requires the applicant to describe the qualifications possessed and skills. The points that define the chances of the ability to invite the applicant for a visa application.
The points were assigned given the age, level of education to the applicant, the ability to speak the English language as well as work experience. Manuals say that at least 65 points must be scored to qualify one for an invitation to make a visa application. Although having higher scores improves the chances of getting an invitation.
5. Get a Nomination from a State or Regional Authority (if Applicable)
If applying for visas 190 of 491, it is a requirement to obtain a nomination from a state or regional authority. There is a shortage list in every state, and nurses are in very high demand. EOI nominations also add points to it and the chances of getting an invitation go high.
6. Make Application for Visa—Demonstrate Skills and Experience
Once you get the invitation to apply, it is to be noted that a PR visa application shall be lodged with the Department of Home Affairs with the Application for Residence for Australia (931 document). It is important to also include supporting documents, including:
- ANMAC skills assessment report.
- Refresher evidence in AHPRA.
- Results from tests of the English language.
- Letters from employers.
- Requirements for health and character.
The length of time required to process the PR Visa applications differs from one case to case. But from experience, three months should be set aside for a decision to be arrived at.
7. Accept Life As A Permanent Resident
The moment you are granted the PR visa, you will have the right to reside anywhere in Australia without any restrictions or time limitations. As a registered nurse, you’ll benefit from public Medicare, career opportunities, and possibly even obtain citizenship in Australia subsequently.
With the current economic situation in Australia, registered nurses earn quite a decent salary ranging from AUD 70,000 up to AUD 100,000 per annum, depending on different factors like experience and location. Also, the widespread need of nurses in one or other healthcare establishments guarantees employment as well as plenty of room for career progression and specialization.
Conclusion
Gaining a PR visa for registered nurse is within reach. Provided one bears the necessary qualifications and follows through the processes in the right manner. The prospects of gaining a PR visa and embarking on a great career in Australia. Are enhanced by selecting the appropriate mode of visa, undertaking a skills assessment, registering with AHPRA, and lodging a successful EOI application.
World Class Consultants aims to assist registered nurses with obtaining Australian PR visas. Let us understand your nursing qualifications and take you through ANMAC assessments and visa applications. Is it time to move ahead in your nursing career? Get in touch for individualized solutions and advice.