Nursing Jobs in Australia > Australia FAQ's > Australia Applying, Visas and the Recruitment Process

Australia: Applying and the Process

I want to work in Australia, how do I apply?

A candidate can make their initial inquiry by sending their resume/CV to jobs@profco.com

WhatsApp +447393535590 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Profco/

You should commence the process by registering with the nursing and midwifery board of Australia. Professional Connections can provide advice on the process.

Am I eligible to register in Australia and apply for a job through Professional Connections?

We seek at least one year of post-graduate experience in the ward/speciality area you are applying for if you want to travel on a SID 482 visa and three years of post-graduate work experience if you wish to receive sponsorship for a PR 186 visa.

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. You can also call us and we are happy to answer your questions as well as discuss plausible options that fit within your skills and experience.

How will Professional Connections assist me?

We advise AHPRA-registered nurses, mental health nurses and midwives on the vacancy options. These vacancies are specific to each application and are discussed in detail to enable you to decide which one(s) to apply for.
We assist you in preparing a CV.
We provide interview training.
Upon a successful interview, we advise and assist you with the Occupational Health Screening and Vaccination requirements, the recruitment and onboarding logistics, and what to prepare for your visa application.

How long do I have to commit to?

Every applicant is different. Some nurses want to go and work in Australia for six months to four years and then return home, while others plan to stay permanently. We work to match you with the right opportunity for your goals.

What can you tell me about the Visa types?

Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa

You can stay for up to 2 years or up to 4 years.

This temporary visa lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position they can't find a suitably skilled Australian to fill. Read more here

Permanent Residency

Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa

These are for workers who have an Australian employer sponsoring them to work in Australia. Read more here

Other Information

Health and character criteria will also need to be met. Police clearance certificates are required for every country in which the applicant has lived for 12 months or more since turning 16 years of age, within the last ten years.

Source

How long will the process take?

Following an interview it should take about 5 days to receive your employment offer.

Once you are licensed as a nurse with the nurses and midwifery board of Australia and we have completed the compliance checks (e.g Occupational Assessment Screening and Vaccinations check, reference checks, criminal record checks, verification of qualifications) the employer will apply for the visa nomination from your hiring hospital in Sydney.

The current processing times are:-

Visa processing times as of April 2025. Source

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) decided in 44 days (increased from 18 days)

PR Visa 13 months

How will I be interviewed?

Interviews currently take place virtually for International applicants.

What paperwork will be required?

For your employer:

CV: When applying for a post outside your own country, those reading your resume/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. Professional Connections will provide you with a sample CV and a login to build your CV on our CV builder.
OASV- Occupational Assessment Screening and Vaccination compliant.
References: Professional Connections will contact your references.
Police clearances will be required from every Country you have lived or worked since turning 18.
Visa application paperwork: Professional Connections will detail what is required at application stage.

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 thousands of nurses so we know how to get you through it all!

How much will it cost in total for me to become a nurse in Australia? Apply through Profco and some of our Client hospitals may reimburse some of your costs*

APHRA registration
Application fee $475
Registration fee $185
Certifying documents for APHRA
English Language Test- $300-$400- IELTS, OET, PTE, or TOEFL accepted
International Criminal History Check (ICHC)- Cost varies- Required if you've lived outside Australia for 6+ months in the past 10 years
Visa fees View Home Affairs Visa Pricing Table
Flight cost
Accommodation costs: deposit and rent, variable.

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