Working Holiday Visa for Nurses
If you’re a registered nurse between the ages of 18-30 and are looking for a new challenge, then you may want to consider the Working Holiday in Australia.
In order to do so, you’ll need a Working Holiday Visa. This visa is a great way of extending your stay in Australia, allowing you to supplement your travel funds by earning an income during your stay. Not only will you be able to really immerse yourself in the way of life down under, but it’s a great opportunity for you to gain new nursing skills too, working in a completely different environment to back home. A working holiday in Australia is also a great way to dip your toes in and see whether it’s something you might want to consider on a more permanent basis!
The Working Holiday Visa will allow you to live and work in Australia for 12 months.
Working Holiday Visa Requirements
You must be over 18, but not yet turned 31 at the time of your Working Holiday Visa application. (This will rise to 35 years of age soon, keep looking on www.border.gov.au for updates).
- You must apply for your Working Holiday Visa before you arrive in Australia
- You can’t have entered Australia on a Working Holiday Visa previously
- Your country of residence must be participant in the Working Holiday Visa scheme, and you must hold a valid passport for that country.
- If you plan on nursing in Australia you must complete a medical that consists of a chest x-ray and a set of bloods
To check the full requirements for the Working Holiday Visa and confirm your eligibility, please check the Australian Border and Immigration website.
Finding Work in Australia
Once you have your Working Holiday Visa you’ll need to find a job in Australia. As a registered nurse with overseas qualifications, you’ll need to register with the Nurses Registration Board (AHPRA) in any state (a similar organisation to the NMC in the UK) as registration is country wide. You must present yourself to a AHPRA office with 100 points of ID in order activate you PIN to commence work.
This is a completely separate process to your visa application. The registration board cannot assist in finding you employment during your stay; however you will need to provide proof of registration when you apply for any nursing jobs, so it’s wise to wait until your eligibility has been confirmed before applying for any positions. A good way to apply for nursing jobs in Australia is through an Australian nursing agency. This way, you’ll get access to many jobs, shifts and it will ensure all your paperwork is in order.
Nurses are generally in high demand in Australia, so as long as you have the relevant qualifications it shouldn’t be too much of a problem to find nursing jobs. Most overseas nurses will find work in the larger city hospitals, but you may also find opportunities in the more rural, remote and regional areas of the country for an altogether different experience.
If you are looking for flexibility in your role that will allow you to continue your travels, then it may be worth considering signing up to a nursing agency. This will enable you to control the hours that you work, so you can ensure you still have time to experience all you want to about Australia.
For more information or to sign up to find nursing jobs in Melbourne contact us today at recruitment@australiannursingagency.com.[/fusion_text][/one_full][/fullwidth]
