Australia is currently facing a shortage of nurses and other healthcare professionals. This presents a great opportunity for overseas nurses looking to relocate. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities in Australia are actively recruiting nurses from abroad and are willing to sponsor them.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about finding nursing jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship.
Top Locations Hiring Overseas Nurses
High demand regions actively recruiting overseas nurses on 482 or 186 visas include:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Northern Territory
- Australian Capital Territory
Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth offer abundant openings. Regional and rural areas also sponsor nurses.
Visa Options for Overseas Nurses
The two main visas overseas nurses can obtain sponsorship for include:
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 482)
- Temporary 2-4 year visa
- Pathway to permanent residency
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Permanent residency visa
- Requires at least 3 years of prior work experience in Australia
Some employers also sponsor nurses under the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) by nominating them for state migration plans.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Nursing Jobs with Sponsorship
Follow these key steps for overseas nurses seeking sponsored roles in Australia:
1. Research Job Opportunities
- Identify employers recruiting overseas nurses in your specialization
- Check if they can provide visa sponsorship
2. Prepare Application Documents
- Get skills assessment from the NMBA
- Update resume as per Australian standards
- Collect other required paperwork
3. Find a Recruitment Agency
- Engage a specialized nursing recruitment agency for guidance
- Get help with visa process and job search
4. Apply for Suitable Vacancies
- Tailor resumes and cover letters for each application
- Provide all required documentation
5. Prepare for Interviews
- Research the facility and role in depth
- Brush up on latest clinical practices
6. Accept Job Offer
- Negotiate suitable salary and benefits
- Clarify visa sponsorship offering
7. Obtain Visa
- Work with employer on visa paperwork
- Get health checks and police clearance certificates
- Apply for visa and await approval
8. Relocate to Australia
- Resign from current job after visa grant
- Book flights and arrange accommodation
- Ship belongings or travel light
9. Start Your New Nursing Career!
- Attend orientation and onboarding
- Get registered and accredited
- Begin working as a nurse in Australia!
Why Australia Needs Overseas Nurses
Australia’s rapidly ageing population and the increased prevalence of chronic diseases have contributed to the growing demand for healthcare services and nurses in particular. Some key facts about the nursing shortage in Australia include:
- Australia will need an additional 123,000 nurses by 2025 to meet healthcare demands. This presents excellent job opportunities for overseas nurses.
- 33% of the 400,000 registered and enrolled nurses in Australia were born abroad. International nurses play a vital role.
- Nurses from countries like England, New Zealand, India, Canada, Malaysia, and China have migrated to Australia.
To fill urgent skills shortages, many Australian healthcare facilities are sponsoring qualified nurses from overseas on temporary and permanent residence visas.
Types of Nursing Jobs In Australia
There is a vast scope for overseas nurses in Australia. Some common nursing specializations that are in high demand and offer visa sponsorships include:
- Registered Nurses: Work across healthcare settings like hospitals, aged care, community health etc. Most common nursing role with a 3-year Bachelor’s degree requirement.
- Enrolled Nurses: Provide basic nursing care under the supervision of Registered Nurses. Complete a Diploma in Nursing.
- Nurse Practitioners: Advanced practice nurses that can autonomously diagnose and treat patients. Have a Master’s qualification.
- Aged Care Nurses: Specialized RNs that provide geriatric care in nursing homes, assisted living facilities etc.
- Disability Care Nurses: Support people with disabilities by providing nursing care.
- Mental Health Nurses: Care for patients with mental health issues like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia etc.
Requirements for Overseas Nurses in Australia
To work as a nurse in Australia, international candidates need to fulfill the following main requirements:
1. Nursing Qualification and Registration
- Possess an approved nursing degree/diploma from your home country.
- Get nursing qualifications evaluated by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
- Apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) under AHPRA.
2. English Language Proficiency
Prove English fluency by taking one of the following tests:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 7 with a 7 band in each module.
- OET: Grade B or higher in all sections.
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 65 with 65 in each communicative skill.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 94 with a minimum score of 24 in listening/reading and 27 in writing/speaking sections.
3. Visa Sponsorship
- Find an employer willing to sponsor your work visa.
- Common temporary visas are Subclass 482 TSS and 407 Training.
- These visas can later lead to permanent residence.
So by meeting the eligibility criteria for skills, English language abilities and securing visa sponsorship, overseas nurses can successfully work in Australia.
Documents Required for Nursing Jobs in Australia
When applying for nursing positions in Australia, candidates should prepare the following key documents:
- Resume: Highlight relevant Australian nursing experience, clinical skills and qualifications.
- English Test Scores: IELTS/OET/PTE Academic/TOEFL iBT results.
- AHPRA Registration: Provide NMBA registration number.
- Passport: Include passport pages showing identity, nationality, expiry date etc.
- Qualification Certificates: Nursing degree/diploma certificates and detailed mark sheets.
- Work Experience Letters: From previous healthcare employers.
- Professional Membership: For groups like nurses associations etc.
- Police Clearance Certificates: From all countries lived in.
- Reference Letters: From nursing supervisors or managers.
Preparing these documents in advance will help fast-track the hiring process after getting a job offer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Nursing Jobs in Australia from Overseas
If you want to successfully secure an Australian nursing job and visa as an overseas candidate, follow these key steps:
Step 1: Self-Assessment for Nursing Registration
Start your application by completing the self-check on the AHPRA website. This will help determine your eligibility for nursing registration in Australia.
Step 2: Qualification Assessment by ANMAC
Get your overseas nursing qualification evaluated through the ANMAC skills assessment process. This will decide if you’re eligible to register as a nurse in Australia.
Step 3: English Language Testing
Take one of the approved English tests like IELTS/OET and achieve the minimum passing scores required for nursing registration.
Step 4: Apply for AHPRA Registration
Create an account on AHPRA and submit an online application for nursing registration. Provide all supporting documents.
Step 5: Nursing Job Search
- Search job boards, healthcare employers’ sites and contact recruiters to find relevant nursing vacancies. Apply to jobs that offer visa sponsorship.
- Update your resume and tailor cover letters for each application.
- Prepare well for phone and face-to-face job interviews.
Step 6: Visa Application
Once hired, apply for a suitable temporary or permanent employer-sponsored visa in consultation with your recruiting organisation.
Step 7: Prepare For Move To Australia
On visa approval, start preparing for your move to Australia! Arrange logistics like flights, accommodation, bank accounts etc. before you begin working.
By following this step-by-step process, overseas nurses can successfully achieve their migration goals and launch an enriching career in Australia.
Average Salaries for Nurses in Australia
Nursing salaries in Australia are quite lucrative when compared to many other countries.
Below is an overview:
- Registered Nurses earn average base salaries of AU$73,000 per year. With allowances and overtime, their salary range is AU$60,000 – AU$90,000 annually.
- Enrolled Nurses receive approximately AU$55,000 as median yearly pay. Their overall salary range is AU$47,000 – AU$65,000.
- Nurse Practitioners earn an average annual salary of AU$124,000 due to their advanced qualifications. Their broad salary band is AU$100,000-AU$145,000.
- Aged Care Nurses make around AU$70,000 per year on average. Including extras, they earn AU$55,000 – AU$80,000.
- Mental Health Nurses receive average yearly salaries of AU$75,000 with overall earnings potential of AU$65,000 – AU$90,000.
Along with these attractive salary packages, nurses also get allowances, superannuation benefits, annual paid leave, insurances and more.
Tips for Getting Nursing Jobs in Australia from Overseas
To boost your chances of getting hired for nursing positions in Australia from overseas, keep these helpful tips in mind:
1. Have Your Documents Ready
Prepare all essential documents like English tests, nursing registration, qualification certificates, police checks etc. in advance before job searching.
2. Optimize Your Resume
Tailor your nursing resume to Australian standards and include relevant clinical experience, key skills and achievements.
3. Apply for Multiple Job Openings
Don’t restrict yourself to just one or two job applications. Apply to as many suitable openings as possible across employers.
4. Prepare for Interviews
Research common Australian nurse interview questions and practice responses to impress hiring managers.
5. Highlight Your Adaptability
Emphasize your ability and willingness to adapt to the Australian healthcare environment during job interviews.
6. Be Open to Rural & Regional Locations
Consider nursing job openings in rural and regional areas which often struggle to attract local Australian nurses.
7. Accept Temporary Contracts Initially
Take up temporary contracts of 6-12 months to gain local Australian experience before applying for permanent nursing roles. Following these handy tips can help overseas nurses secure exciting nursing careers in Australia with visa sponsorships.
Job Opportunities for Overseas Nurses in Australia Without IELTS
Many overseas nurses worry about clearing stringent IELTS score requirements for registration and employment in Australia. The good news is that certain alternative pathways and nursing job opportunities in Australia without IELTS exist!Some options include:
1. Jobs Under Labour Agreements
Specific employers have labour agreements with the Australian government allowing them to sponsor overseas nurses without mandatory IELTS scores.
2. Locum Nursing Jobs
Short-term temporary locum nursing assignments of under 3 months may waive English test requirements in some cases.
3. Nursing Assistant Jobs
Assistant in nursing (AIN) roles may have relaxed or no IELTS score requirements for overseas applicants.
4. Enrolled Nursing Jobs
Enrolled nurses require overall IELTS scores of just 6.5 bands so this is an easier pathway for those struggling to achieve higher test scores. So while most nursing jobs in Australia need IELTS, flexible alternatives allow overseas nurses to enter the country’s booming healthcare sector without top English test scores.
Nursing Registration Process in Australia for Overseas Nurses
Overseas nurses have a structured registration pathway to practice as nurses in Australia:
Step 1: Self-Check
Determine your eligibility by completing the NMBA registration self-check.
Step 2: Pay Assessment Fees
Pay the AU$640 assessment fees to Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Step 3: Orientation Module 1
Complete the 1-hour e-learning orientation module on AHPRA’s portal.
Step 4: Submit Portfolio
Upload properly attested identity, qualifications and other required documents.
Step 5: Nursing Exams
Pass the NCLEX-RN and OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) tests.
Step 6: Apply for Registration
Pay AU$475 registration fee and submit online application to AHPRA.
Step 7: Orientation Module 2
Finish the second e-learning orientation module within 6 months of registration.So by completing this 7-step process, overseas candidates can become eligible to practice nursing in Australia.
Conclusion
Australia offers overseas nurses incredible prospects to live and work in a beautiful country with world-class healthcare facilities, high salaries, dedicated professional support and pathways to permanent settlement.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for skills, language abilities and visa sponsorships, grasp these life-changing Australian nursing job opportunities!
Follow the step-by-step application guidelines, prepare the necessary documents, apply for suitable openings and land your dream nursing job in Australia. The comprehensive information in this guide will equip you with everything required to successfully launch an international nursing career in Australia and enjoy an enviable lifestyle.
So start your journey today!
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