Frequently Asked Questions - Nurses
- Why use HealthStaff Recruitment rather than apply directly to the hospitals?
- Should I register with multiple agencies to increase my chances of finding work?
- How much will it cost me to relocate to Australia?
- Do I pay for HealthStaff Recruitment's service?
- What will I get paid in Australia?
- How do I prove my years of service?
- When do I need to start work?
- Can I work part-time?
- How long should Nursing Registration take?
- What should I do if I have not heard from the Registration Board?
- What are the types of Visas I can travel on?
- Can I change the type of Visa I am working on whilst in Australia?
- When do I apply for my Sponsorship Visa?
- Do I send my original documents when applying for my Visa?
- How is my Visa issued?
- Can my husband/wife/child travel on my Sponsorship Visa?
- Can my husband/wife work on my Sponsorship Visa?
- What about my defacto partner?
- Where do I send my Visa application off to?
- How do I pay for my Visa?
- Do I need a medical?
- Does my partner or children need a medical, blood tests, chest x-ray?
- How long will it take to relocate to Australia?
- When can the medicals, blood tests and chest x-rays be performed?
- How do I get the medical and radiology forms?
- Where do I have these done?
- Where should these results go to?
- Do I need to sit an English Exam?
- Do I pay school fees for my child in Australia?
- Am I covered for health insurance?
- Do I pay tax?
- Tax rates 2008-2009
1. Why use HealthStaff Recruitment rather than apply directly to the hospitals?
Job hunting can be a long and difficult task. First you have get your CV/resume together, then you have to work out where all the best nursing jobs are (in a country where you may not know the job market). Once you think you have found the jobs that suit you, you apply for them online. This is before you get to ask any questions or even know where your application is going! Then you sit and wait....
Healthstaff Recruitment spends the time up front with our candidates to understand their needs, the types of jobs they want and give them up to date advice on current job markets. We specialise in healthcare recruitment and have long-established partnerships with hospitals around Australia, New Zealand and Canada. We have preferred supplier Contracts and long-established relationships with a large number of hospitals. In some instances we are the only recruitment company a hospital will use. The hospitals use Healthstaff Recruitment as they know that we have done the work with our candidates and that our candidates are ready to go!. This saves them trawling through hundreds of applications to finally find the right candidate.
Back to Top2. Should I register with multiple agencies to increase my chances of finding work?
Unlike other countries, where you would probably multi-list with Agencies in order to get the best opportunities, in Australia it is best to register with only one. This ensures you get the best possible support from the Recruitment Consultant you are working with. Australia is a limited market and dual or multi agency representation results can result duplicating your application. This can be an embarrassing circumstance for the candidate and sometimes results in the hospital withdrawing their application altogether. Why? Because it sends a message that you don't have control over your applications and could possibly be "scatter gunning" your resume which makes the likely hood of you being interested in their specific hospital less likely.
With HealthStaff Recruitment, you get step-by-step guidance and support from an experienced Recruitment Consultant who has extensive knowledge of Australian towns/cities and up to date job market knowledge. We talk to you in detail to ensure that you (and your family) move to a location that suits your lifestyle and to a job that will match your skills.
- Your application doesn't get "lost" in a large hospital Human Resources Department where you become a "number" with no personal contact.
- " We deal with immigration and relocation issues on a daily basis, so can offer you specialist knowledge and advice, right down to how to ship over your pets!
- If your application to a hospital is not successful for one position, they won't contact you about other opportunities. We know what other options there are and can talk to you about these and represent you for other positions as they come up.
3. How much will it cost me to relocate to Australia?
Costs may vary depending on many things. Some candidates have to do a little more than others to become a Registered Nurse in Australia. We have put together a basic overview of what you can expect to pay for registration and immigration requirements.
- Australia nursing registration Approx AU$650-$220
- UK Police clearance £10
- Australian police clearance (if going to Northern Territories) Approx AU$70
- Visa cost AU$250
- Medical, blood tests and chest x-rays Approx £250 approx AU$600
- Flights Please see your travel agent
- Accommodation Initial, approx AU$ 200-400 per week (then rental property costs will depend on State)
- IELTS English Testing Exam Approx £95 or approx AU$225
4. Do I pay for HealthStaff Recruitment's service?
No, our service is completely free. We also offer relocation assistance and help finding suitable accommodation and free airport pickup to your destination.
Back to Top5. What will I get paid in Australia?
Each State has it's own salary scale set by the State Government. These salaries are not negotiable and are based on your years of service as a Registered Nurse.
Back to Top6. How do I prove my years of service?
As part of the registration process you will be asked to provide a "Statement of Service" from your employer. Please ensure that each of your past and present employer states your position e.g. Staff Nurse, the actual day, month and year that you commenced and completed your employment, and if you worked part or full-time within this position (if you worked part-time your employer must state the hours you worked per week). This information must be presented on the hospital's letterhead, and signed by your manager or human resources. For your current position, you can ask your employer to write this for you on your last day so that it states the maximum time you have worked. It is in your favour to have these completed as the more hours you can prove you worked, the higher the salary level you will be on in Australia
Back to Top7. When do I need to start work?
If you are successful, you will be offered a Letter of Offer and a Contract by the Hospital. HealthStaff Recruitment will manage this on your behalf. We will also negotiate an estimated start date for you based on when you are hoping to be in the country along with registration and immigration requirements. It is important for you to organise yourself and work towards the estimated start date. If you come across any hurdles, please let your consultant know asap. Hospitals cannot hold a job open for you for an unexpected period of time and failure to get organised can lead to the hospital withdrawing their offer.
Back to Top8. Can I work part-time?
You can only work part time if you meet the following criteria:
- You are a permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand
- You are coming to Australia on your partner's visa
- You are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa
Back to Top
9. How long should Nursing Registration take?
This should only take 1-2 months however often the registration board will hold on to your application if there was a document missing or it was not certified correctly, without letting you know. To avoid this, make sure you have all documentation complete before sending it the Nursing and Midwifes Board. Some candidates like to get their registration underway before they start applying for roles as this shows employers that they are ready to move quickly.
Back to Top10. What should I do if I have not heard from the Registration Board?
It is always advised to contact the board a day after you have lodged your application to make sure they have received it. Ring them again approximately 3-4 weeks after this to ensure no delays.
Back to Top11. What are the types of Visas I can travel on?
Working Holiday Visa (417)
You can apply for a Working Holiday Visa if you are between the ages of 18 and 30.
This allows you to work in Australia for up to one year but only for 6 months with one employer.
After 6 months, Healthstaff can source other opportunities for you depending on where you are travelling to.
Most hospitals like a 6 month commitment, however some will accept 3 months depending on their needs at the time.
Your visa cannot be extended beyond the 1-year period. The Department of Immigration do consider extensions
for individuals who work in a rural area doing fruit picking etc and we suggest you see their website for
detailed information regarding this. You are only allowed on 417 Visa in your lifetime. If you decide that
you want to stay in Australia longer than your 417 visa will allow then Healthstaff Recruitment can assist you
with gaining sponsorship.
Sponsorship (Long Stay Temporary Business Visa Subclass 457)
Certain hospitals will be prepared to sponsor you to work in Australia for up to 4 years and may also agree to
sponsor your dependents/spouse etc. This process takes approximately 4 months and cannot be commenced until you
accept a job. There are certain requirements to be made prior to the hospital applying for your sponsorship
nomination and your Healthstaff Recruitment Consultant will walk you through this step by step.
Permanent Residency
You can apply for Australian Residency, which can take up to 18 months if you do this from outside of Australia.
We advise you to contact the Australian Consulate for advice on this at www.immi.gov.au If you are
applying for a position in New South Wales; your application can be as little as 3 months. Your consultant will
advise you of the details.
12. Can I change the type of Visa I am working on whilst in Australia?
Yes you can. Check with the Immigration Department about the conditions.
Back to Top13. When do I apply for my Sponsorship Visa?
You can apply for your Sponsorship Visa as soon as we give you your sponsorship nomination number, which the hospital applies for. Some hospitals require your Australian nursing registration and police clearance before applying for your sponsorship nomination number, and others do not. Your HealthStaff Recruitment Consultant will let you know what is required. The important thing is that you do not apply for your sponsorship visa until we instruct you to, otherwise you may have to start over again and repay the fee. You do not need anything from us to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. You can do this at any time.
Back to Top14. Do I send my original documents when applying for my Visa?
No, it is important that you keep these with you. You will be asked by the hospital on your arrival to show them your original documents. Please only send copies of your documents to immigration.
Back to Top15. How is my Visa issued?
It is now not necessary to send your passport with your visa application. You will be sent an e-mail or letter from Immigration when your visa has been granted. Please inform your consultant as soon as you receive this so that we can inform the hospital and make arrangements for you. You will need to take this letter with you to the airport. When you arrive in Australia you will need to go to the immigration office to have your passport stamped within a certain time frame.
Back to Top16. Can my husband/wife/child travel on my Sponsorship Visa?
Yes. We will require your spouse and children's full names and dates of birth. The hospital will then include them on the sponsorship nomination.
Back to Top17. Can my husband/wife work on my Sponsorship Visa?
Yes, s/he is entitled to the same benefits as you, however they do not need to work full time hours.
Back to Top18. What about my defacto partner?
Immigration requires that you prove you have been cohabiting with your partner for a minimum of 12 months. This includes documents such as joint utility bills etc. Please see www.immi.gov.au for more information on this.
Back to Top19. Where do I send my Visa application off to?
It is recommended that you apply for your visa online www.immi.gov.au however if you do not have access to the internet, you need to ensure you have all the required paperwork and send your application to the Australian address at the bottom of your nomination approval letter (N.B this is different from the address where your medical and chest x-ray results are sent to).
Back to Top20. How do I pay for my Visa?
This needs to be paid in Australian dollars and can be made via credit card or money order, made payable to DIAC, which can be applied for at your local bank.
Back to Top21. Do I need a medical?
As you will be working in the health profession you will need a full medical, chest x-ray and blood tests, including Hepatitis B and C and HIV. It is advised that you only do this once your consultant advises you to. This will ensure that your medicals are as up to date as possible and avoid you having to do them again.
Back to Top22. Does my partner or children need medicals, blood tests and chest x-rays?
We have been informed by immigration that unless your partner will be working in the health or education field, or s/he has a pre-existing medical condition, s/he will only require a chest x-ray. Children 11 years and over require a chest x-ray and a medical exam, but no blood tests. Children under 11 must have a medical examination only, and no blood tests. If children are turning 11 during the visa process, they require a chest x-ray as well.
Back to Top23. How long will it take to relocate to Australia?
On average, we say to allow a minimum of 6 months from the initial enquiry to arrival in Australia. This takes into account gaining registration, job offers, work visas and giving notice to present employers. If you have already started the process of registration with the Australian Registration Board, then you could be here within 4 months.
Back to Top24. When can the medicals, blood tests and chest x-rays be performed?
Do not have medicals or x-rays more than 4 weeks out from when you're applying for your visa.
Back to Top25. How do I get the medical and radiology forms?
These cannot be downloaded from the Internet as they are self sealing. You will need to apply for these forms by e-mailing forms. lhlh@dfat.gov.au or write to Medical Information, DIMIA, Australia House, Strand, London WC2B 4LA.
Back to Top26. Where do I have these done?
These must be performed by an immigration approved panel doctor and radiologist. Your HealthStaff Recruitment Consultant will send you a list of these. If you do not have these done by an approved doctor or radiologist you will not be granted a visa and will have to pay an additional cost of having these done correctly. www.immi.gov.au/allforms/doctors/index.htm
Back to Top27. Where should these results go to?
The doctor and radiologist should send the results directly to:
- Local Clearance Centre, DIAC, Level 6, 26 Lee Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
28. Do I need to sit an English Exam?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It is a test designed to determine each individual's standard in the four language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. As of July 2010, it is the requirement of The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Board that all applicants applying for registration who have undertaken their nursing education outside Australia demonstrate English language competence. Nurses must sit and successfully pass an IELTS examination with a minimum score of 7 in all categories of the entire examination.
Please see the website below for more information on IELTS and to book in for a test in your area.
Back to Top29. Do I pay school fees for my child in Australia?
Only in New South Wales, people on Sponsorship Visas are required to pay international school fees. The fees are as follows:
- Children from kindergarten (5 years) to Year 10 - $4,500
- Senior year of high school Year 11 - $5,500
- One off application fee of $110.00
30. Am I covered for health insurance?
The Australian Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with the governments of the Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Malta, Italy and New Zealand. This entitles you to limited subsidised health services for immediately necessary treatment. The website for the Medicare Public Insurance Scheme is www.hic.gov.au Please see: www.hic.gov.au/Yourhealth/services_for_travellers/vtta.htm If you are not eligible for Medicare you must take out private health insurance or travel insurance. This is also recommended if you want additional private cover for other services.
We recommend the following Health Insurance Providers:
- HBA www.hba.com.au
- Iman Health Care www.iman.com.au/
- Medibank Private www.medibank.com.au
- MBF www.mbf.com.au/member/index.html
- Australian Unity www.austunity.com.au
31. Do I pay tax?
Yes, the tax rate depends on how long your contract is for. Tax rates are higher for those working for less than a 12 month period. Income is taxed progressively which means, the more you earn the more you pay. Please go to the Australian Taxation Office website to find out the exact rates for you. www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content.asp?doc=/content/12333.htm
Back to Top32. Tax rates 2009-2010
| Taxable income | Tax on this income |
|---|---|
| $0 - $6,000 | Nil |
| $6,001 - $34,000 | 15c for each $1 over $6,000 |
| $34,001 - $80,000 | $4,200 plus 30c for each $1 over $34,000 |
| $80,001 - $180,000 | $18,000 plus 40c for each $1 over $80,000 |
| $180,001 and over | $58,000 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000 |
You will need a Tax File Number (TFN) to work in Australia; these can be applied for upon arrival in Australia and will be sent to you within 28 days of application. You will need to present proof of applying for the tax file number at your Pre-employment Appointment. Without this number your employer will tax you at the highest rate (45%).
Back to Top