Overseas-trained nurses wanting to apply for permanent residence through the General Skilled Migration program may soon need to undertake an outcomes-based assessment instead of a three-month bridging program to qualify. The outcomes-based assessment will require overseas-trained nurses to be assessed based on cognitive and behavioural components, and previous qualifications and experience.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia announced last year that the bridging program may be phased out as early as mid 2019, however an implementation date is yet to be confirmed. Currently, referrals for the bridging program are still being issued, however SBS News have reported that an extensive number of overseas-trained nurses are on the waiting list and some providers are already at full capacity.
Permanent residence for overseas-trained nurses
The bridging program is currently used as a pathway to qualify for permanent residence as a nurse in cases where an applicant’s overseas qualifications do not meet the Australian equivalent standard. This option may soon be replaced by the outcomes-based assessment.
An alternative permanent residence pathway is for overseas-trained nurses to complete a Bachelor Nursing degree in Australia on a Student Visa. Students gain credits for the studies they have undertaken overseas, and in some instances, will only need to complete one and a half years of study to obtain the Australian qualifications.
To migrate to Australia as a Registered Nurse, visa applicants also need to be registered with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). This process requires applicants to achieve a positive skills assessment.
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Our team of Registered Migration Agents regularly assist overseas-trained nurses with the skilled migration process to live and work in Australia. You can read more about Australia’s General Skilled Migration program here or to understand how these changes may impact your permanent residence pathways, we encourage you to contact us on +61 8 9221 3388 (or National Free Call 1800 449 858) or visa@interstaff.com
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