NSW FAQs
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:
For an initial assessment, the hospital 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. If you are holding a diploma, you might be asked to provide evidence of post graduation courses you have undertaken to support your registration application. You will also need to have some post graduate experience.
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, due to recent registration policy changes nurses holding a diploma in nursing or midwifery might be requested to show evidence of post-graduation courses they have undertaken.
* 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?
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 or if you have the facilities.
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. We strongly advise each candidate to review our detailed CV page. When applying outside your country of origin more details are required.
References: If one of your referees is away and references are not returned within 48 hours of interview this will delay your offer letter - we are happy to apply for references in advance of your interview, if you give us permission.
Police Clearance: Police clearances from the UK and Ireland usually take about 4-5 weeks for it to be sent to you from the authority. Police clearance is also only valid with 3 months of the date of issue. We advise all candidates to apply for an update Police Clearance as soon as possible.
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 PC/ICE after you send in your CV.
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:
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. For more information see writing a detailed CV.
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. If you need copies of the information on this website posted or e-mailed to you, we are happy to do so.
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 tp 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.I am registered in Western Australia will that suffice to work in Sydney?
PR visa cost: AUD$1390 (Sept 2007)
Temporary long-stay visa cost: AUD$190 (Sept 2007)
Will there be housing for me / my family on arrival?
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.
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?
If you trained and work in a country where the first language is not English you will be required to pass an IELTS test (International English Language Testing System) from your local British Council. You will need an overall score of 7 with no less than 6.5 in each band. This is a high score and we recommend you read the course material before taking the test, no matter how proficient in English you are. However, if you have worked as a registered nurse or midwife for 12 months out of the past 24 months in the UK, Ireland or USA, you are exempt from doing the IELTS test, but may require a written recommendation from a Nurse Manager outlining your level of competence with English language.
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. 
