FAQ
I want to work in Australia, how do I apply?
A candidate can make their initial inquiry in a number of different ways, Professional Connections processes applications through our:
Website: please go to our Application Form
E-mail: nurses@profco.com, and
Over the Phone:
From Ireland: (01) 679 2277
From the UK: 0800 783 2532 (free phone)
From Finland: (09) 4155 6611
From Sweden: (08) 673 1490
From Europe: 358 9 4155 6611
Rest of the world 358 9 41 55 66 11or 44 800 7832 532
For an initial assessment, Profco will need a detailed cv.
You should commence the process by registering as a nurse with one of the Australian Nurses and Midwives Board now. Professional Connections can give you all the required forms as well as information and advice on the registration process.
Am I eligible to register in Australia and apply for a job through ProfCo?
The requirements for eligibility for registration and application vary depending on your education and work experience.
Nurses trained in *EU countries* can apply immediately after graduating from University, providing that you have received the nurse or midwife registration from the training country and the course also meets the EU Directive.
Nurses trained in non-EU countries are required to have at least 24 months post-registration work experience from a hospital in the UK or Ireland before applying for employment or registration.
* Please note the as a European based agency we can only recruit EU trained nurses or nurses with current work experience from the UK or Ireland.
How will Professional Connections assist me?
We advise each candidate on a number of Nursing Vacancies, these vacancies are specific to each application and are discussed in detail to enable you to decide which one or more to apply for.
We liaise between the chosen hospital and the candidate as soon as information from the hospitals becomes available. Throughout the entire process the candidate is updated and informed of any and all developments.
We will assist, where appropriate in your application to register as a nurse or midwife in Australia.
We assist with your visa application where appropriate and are always on hand for advice or information.
Finally, we liaise with on site staff in Australia, to organise each candidate's "meet 'n' greet" a warm welcome and orientation is given to each candidate on arrival down under
I want to go to Australia ASAP. Is that possible?
The main delay nurses experience in travelling to Australia is with registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board (NMB). Neither sponsorship nor visa's can be processed until the registration certificate is issued. We advise applying for registration as soon as you receive the forms from us.
Other delays:
Often a nurse's CV is not detailed enough to submit to the hospital, which requires us to return the CV to the candidate for additional information.
References: If one of your referees is away and references are not returned within 48 hours of interview this will delay your offer letter. page. When applying outside your country of origin more details are required.
Police Clearance: Police clearances will be required prior to travelling.
Usually visa and registration applications require additional information. We recommend you prepare copies of your Nursing Certificates, Passport and Employment Certificates (letters on headed paper from previous employers verifying all employment on your CV), this is necessary for visa applications and to ensure your salary is paid at the appropriate rate compared to your experience. These should be forwarded to Profco after you send in your CV.
Sounds like a lot of paperwork?
Yes there is and that is why you need our assistance to guide you through each part of the recruitment process. We have helped hundreds of nurses so we know how to get you through it all!
Can you tell me about visas for my family?
If you are travelling with your family under the same visa, paperwork you will need to be submitted for a family and not an individual visa.
Finally, the t's and the i's. The most common form of delay comes from a simple lack of attention to detail. The application packs build a comprehensive account of each candidate and require a great deal of consideration. Often the simplest and most obvious requirements are made invalid because of carelessness, a missing signature, an un-ticked box or a misplaced middle name all halt the process while we locate and erase any problems. We try to make our application packs as stress-free and straightforward as possible but the candidate must take time to cross the t's and dot the i's so we can process them as quickly as possible.
What kind of Visa should I travel on?
In undertaking employment in Australia there are currently three forms of Visa that a candidate may apply for:
Working Holiday Visa (WHV) - It is only applicable to those candidates aged between 18 and 30. This allows you to work for up to a year in Australia but crucially only for six months in one employment position before moving on to a different health board or hospital. The WHV is designed to enable you to work and take a holiday in Australia. This Visa cannot be extended, and it is only offered once in a lifetime, those who wish to remain in Australia must therefore apply for another Visa, as or before the Working Holiday Visa expires. This type of Visa is recommended specifically for applicants looking to experience Australia in a more relaxed setting, and for those unsure if Australia is the right career choice for them.
Temporary Long-Stay Business Visa (subclass 457) - It is valid for up to four years and requires your potential employer to sponsor you and (if necessary) your spouse and dependants. Application for the 457 cannot begin until you accept a job offer from a hospital in Australia. The process takes on average eight weeks. There are a number of requirements to be met prior to a hospital applying for your Sponsorship Nomination. Each candidate will be assisted throughout this process by his or her personal Recruitment Co-ordinator. The 457 is recommended to those candidates who already know about living in Australia and are looking to further their career without committing entirely to one nation. The 457 is the most commonly requested and issued Visa among all of our applicants. Apply online
Permanent Residency Visa(PR) - It is the most time consuming and potentially problematic Visas offered by the Australian authorities. Applying for the Permanent Residency Visa outside of Australia takes three to six months to process and requires a great deal of paperwork. As always your personal Recruitment Co-ordinator will assist and advise you through the process. However, the Permanent Residency Visa is only recommended to those candidates who are prepared for a longer recruitment process and are certain that employment in Australia is the right career path for them.
Can I change the type of Visa I am working under while I'm in Australia?
Yes. We understand that the recruitment process is complicated and often unpredictable and should personal circumstances or future plans change the option is available to change the type of Visa.
Do I need to submit my original documentation when applying for my Visa?
No. Your original documentation from education, registration and employment, will be required by your new hospital when you arrive. It is important to send certified copies when applying for your Visa. In addition, the copies need to be authenticated by a solicitor as a true-copy of the original, before being submitted for evaluation.
You mentioned I need a detailed CV, how much detail is required?
When applying for a post outside your own country, those reading your CV may not be familiar with your hospital or the system of nursing in your country. Therefore it is important to briefly describe your working environment and the duties you carry out at work.
How do I register as a Nurse in New South Wales?
You can go to the NMB website and read the instructions on how to register and proceed by downloading the relevant forms. If you cannot do this, then Professional Connections will post you the appropriate application forms along with instruction sheets.
When you have the pack, we are happy to discuss the process with you and give advice as and when required.
I am not sure whether I want to apply or not, can I have information first?
Yes, much of the information you require is on this website, however please call us and we will discuss your options further to help you decide.
How long do I have to commit to?
Unlike travel to other parts of the world, in Australia nurses are not given contracts. However, for visa purposes you will have to commit to a term of employment. At present, you can travel for 3 months to 6 months, given that you are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa. You can also opt for a long-stay business visa (up to 4 years), or a permanent residency visa.
When in Australia, you can extend or change your visa if you wish to become a permanent resident.
How long will the process take?
After the interview, once your references are submitted, it should take about 5 days to get an employment offer.
After you are police cleared and the hospital has a copy of your NMB Registration Certificate, sponsorship takes 1 – 8 weeks depending on whether is long stay or permanent residency visa. The long stay visa (for 1 year to 4 years) can be applied for online and it usually takes about 2 to 3 months depending on how fast your medical is cleared. Permanent residency takes 5 to 7 months on average.
Therefore the average time from initial inquiry, registration, interview to travel will take 6 to 8 months for a 457 long stay visa and 9 to 12 months for Permanent residency visa.
How will I be interviewed?
Hospital personnel will conduct personal large-scale interviews in Europe when vacancies arise.
If you have missed these interviews for any reason, depending on vacancies you may be pre-screened and then interviewed directly from Australia over the telephone.
I am not registered as a nurse in Australia. Will this take long?
The registration process is currently taking on average of 3 to 6 months, depending on which registration board you are applying for and given that all your paperwork is perfect. We suggest you to send the registration paperwork for us to check so as to making sure that you have included all required documentation before sending it to Australia.
For full details on registration see our section on registration information
Will there be housing for me / my family on arrival?
Yes, however initially, you may have to take what is available at the time, and may not be able to select the location or type of accommodation. Depending on availability and circumstances accomodation is arranged by either the client hospital or Professional Connections through an on-site agent in Australia.
Who pays for the housing?
You will pay the rent for the housing but as always Professional Connections will be on hand for detailed information and advice on the best way to settle into your new locality.
What happens if I want to work in another hospital after I arrive?
As you will be sponsered for a 457 Temporary visa by New South Wales Health it is possible to move hospitals. If you go on a Permanent Residency visa you have to work for your sponsor for the first three years
Will my children get free schooling?
Nurses on permanent residency visas will get free education for their children however, when you arrive on a temporary working visa there will be school fees to pay. More detailed information can be had at www.schools.nsw.edu.au.
How much do the visas cost?
PR visa cost: AUD$1420
Temporary long-stay visa cost: AUD$250
I am going alone with my child. Is there childcare available?
Some hospitals have childcare facilities, however, there can be a waiting list for places. Each candidate's personal circumstances are reviewed prior to arrival and a personalised and detailed plan for Australian integration is outlined. After the personalised integration plan is formed it is our job to ensure that everything is in place for the candidate when they arrive.
Do I get a free flight?
No, you will pay for your flight to Australia. Some regional hospitals might provide incentive by e.g, paying for one-way airfare from point of origin to Australia. However, it is not provided by all hospitals in NSW, please check with your Recruitment Coordinator.
Do my family get free flights?
No, you get the same benefits package whether you bring a family or not.
Do I have to take an English Language test?
Updated April 2009
Applicants demonstrating English language competence through an IELTS test should note revised requirements. All applicants, whose education as nurses or midwives was undertaken outside Australia, are required to provide the results of an English language test in order for their applications for registration or enrolment to be assessed.
The Nurses and Midwives Act 1991 requires that all nurses and midwives must have an adequate command of the English language and thus in many cases the Nurses and Midwives Board will require the submission of English Language Test Results.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic modules with a minimum score of 7 on each of the individual bands of reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Further details on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) in your country can be had by visiting www.ielts.org/
I am working in Europe now, however I do not have an EU passport, can I still apply?
Yes, if you are eligible to register with the Nurses and Midwives Board of New South Wales without having to do the Overseas Qualified Nurse Programme. All current posts are for nurses who can fully register.
I am living in the Philippines now, however, I have worked in UK before. Can I apply?
Yes, if you are eligible to register with the Nurses and Midwives Board of New South Wales without having to do the overseas qualified nurse programme. All current posts are for nurses who can fully register.
I am living outside the EU now and have never worked in Europe can I apply?
Yes, if you are eligible to register with the Nurses and Midwives Board of New South Wales without having to do the overseas qualified nurse programme. All current posts are for nurses who can fully register.
How much money should I carry?
You should have enough money for immediate use on arrival. You will need to pay for transport, accommodation, food, telephone calls and other expenses. Current exchange rates can be viewed on the Internet
We suggest you bring at least AUD 300 in cash and have easy access at least AUD 2000 more e.g bank key card, or in travellers cheques. Do not bring all your funds in one cheque that needs to be cashed at a bank. It can take several weeks from some countries to be cleared for cashing by the banks in Australia. This could leave you in a difficult situation with no money for accommodation or other necessaties. Having a credit card as a back up is always a good option.
Credit cards accepted in Australia include American express, Diners Card, Visa and Mastercard.
Do I have to pay for medical care?
New Residents- who is eligible?
You are eligible if you have a permanent residency visa. You need to enrol in Medicare from the website www.medicareaustralia.gov.au.
If you travel on a 457 visa you are not eligible for medicare. In Australia the sponsors of 457 visa holders are entirely liable for all medical and hospital expenses, other than costs that are met by health insurance, incurred in Australiaby sponsored employees adn their dependants. This is by virtue of thier sponsorship Agreement with the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs ( DIMA)
This responsibility commences upon the employee's arrival in Australia and explains why many employers either provide health insurance as part of the employment package or require the employee to take out health insurance as part of their employment contract.
Medicare Coverage
Sponsored employees directly recruited from a county with which Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement ( RHCA) may be eligible for limited Medicare benefits though only for "immediate necessary treatment". For taxation purposes,these visa holders are treated in the same manner as Australia citizens and are subject to the same tax payments ( Medicare levy) and penalties as Australian citizens. RHCA Agreements are currently in place wtih the following Countries.
- United Kingdom
- New Zealand
- Sweden
- Finland
- Netherlands
- Malta
- Italy
- Norway
- Ireland ( hospitals only)
Private Health Funds
Australian Health Plans www austhealth.com AHP is a leadind long term provider of health plans for temporary residents working in Australia on 457 and other visas.
Australian Health Insurance Association
www.ahia.org.au
All members of the Australian Health Insurance Association are registered as health benefits organisations with the Commonwealth Government and therefore comply with Government standards adn regulations in benefits and solvency.
For information about health cover for people from overseas- visitors and temporary visa holders visit
www.ahia.org.au/ovhc.pho
Can I bring my dog or cat?
http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/cat-dogs
