What is the Streamlined Transitional Path to Employment as a Registered Nurse through AusPath?
The biggest hurdles for internationally accredited Nurses that are from Ahpra recognised Stream B countries, is all of the hurdles and upfront costs required to gain Ahpra registration in Australia. The costs alone for just studying for and sitting the OSCE exam can be approx $10,000 Aud. With no guarantee of success or sponsorships, leading to permanent residency. This is why many Nurses choose other countries to migrate to and is a big reason why Australia has such a huge shortage of Nurses, and why the demand is growing.
What you are about to read below is our transitional pathway that now makes Australia one of the most affordable countries in the world for International Nurses to become Registered Nurses. And how International Nurses do not need to pay for the OSCE costs upfront. And guess what else, Australian Nurses can get paid some of the highest salaries in the world. Plus, free Medicare and the 11% Superannuation Guarantee. And you will have the opportunity for career advancement. and even higher salaries.
Read on:
What is required to become a registered Stream B migrant Nurse in Australia?
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), which is responsible for the registration of Nurses in Australia, has specific requirements for the registration of internationally qualified Nurses that are identified as Stream B, including those from countries such as the Philippines & India.
The requirements may vary depending on the state or territory in which the Nurse intends to work. Generally, to become a registered Nurse in Australia, internationally qualified Nurses, including those from the Philippines, must first have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) prior to Ahpra registration.
The ANMAC requires that the Nurse has completed a minimum of three years of Nursing education and training, which includes both theory and clinical components.
The requirement for internationally qualified Nurses to have completed a minimum of three years of Nursing education and training refers to the duration of the Nursing program that the Nurse completed, and not to the amount of clinical experience they have. However, when assessing the Nurse’s application for registration, Ahpra may consider the Nurse’s clinical experience in addition to their education and training.
The exact requirements for clinical experience may vary depending on the state or territory in which the Nurse intends to work and the type of registration they are applying for. In general, Ahpra requires that Nurses applying for registration in Australia have recent and relevant clinical experience. Ahpra considers recent experience to be within the last five years, but again, the specific requirements may vary depending on the state or territory in which the Nurse intends to work and the type of registration they are applying for.
What is the minimum number of hours over 5 years IQNM’s need to have worked to meet the AHPRA recency of practice requirements?
- To meet the requirements of this registration standard for recency of practice IQNM’s must be able to demonstrate an adequate connection with the profession and complete a minimum of:
- 300 hours of practice in the previous two years, or.
- 450 hours of practice in the previous three years.
In addition to the educational requirements, the Nurse must also demonstrate proficiency in English by passing an English language proficiency test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) & also pass the Health & Police Checks.
Once the Nurse’s qualifications have been assessed and they have met the requirements of the ANMAC, they may then complete the OBA and apply for registration with Ahpra. Ahpra will assess the Nurse’s application and determine whether they meet the requirements for registration as a nurse in Australia.
Can I come to Australia as a Personal Care Assistant and then study for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?
To work as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) in Australia, if you are not already a registered Nurse, you would need to complete a Certificate 3 or higher in Individual Support, including a practical component, which is not available to undertake in the Philippines or outside of Australia.
Even if you could complete this course, it will not lead to you being registered as a Nurse in Australia and enjoy all the benefits that come with this career. You could work as a PCA but that is as far as your career will likely go at that stage. Because you would still need to pay the huge costs to study for the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to become a registered Nurse in Australia. Currently, as of June 2023, a PCA is not on the Temporary Skills Shortage list.
Don’t be fooled by agencies telling you that you can just get a Certificate 3, work as a Personal Care Worker, then become a Registered Nurse later easily.
Can I come to Australia on a Student Visa and do the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?
On average, international students can expect to pay between AUD 30,000 to AUD 45,000 per year for a Bachelor of Nursing degree in Australia. There are other expenses such as health insurance, textbooks, and accommodation. The total cost of a Bachelor of Nursing degree in Australia for international students would depend on the duration of the program, which is typically three years.
Based on the average cost per year, the total cost of a Bachelor of Nursing Degree in Australia for international students would range between AUD 90,000 to AUD 135,000 + other costs. If you compare that to getting a Nursing degree in the Philippines for example, that would only be on average around PHP 200,000 to 800,000 or AUD $5,300 to $21,200.
What about the Conversion Program?
The cost of a Nurse conversion program in Australia can vary depending on the education provider and the duration of the program. On average, the cost of a Nurse conversion program for a registered Nurse from overseas is estimated to cost up to AUD 30,000. Migrant Nurses in Stream B will need to get a Student Visa and can only work 40 hours per fortnight.
It’s important to note that these are rough estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the chosen university, accommodation options, and lifestyle choices. International students in Australia are generally required to study full-time, which means enrolling in at least 3-4 subjects per semester or the equivalent.
It’s worth noting that studying full-time in Australia can also have additional costs beyond tuition fees, such as textbooks, materials, and accommodation, so it’s important to consider these expenses when budgeting for your studies. This is an expensive pathway and quite difficult. You will need to live in Australia during the training and pay all the living costs on top also. There is no guarantee of registration and no access to a graduate visa either.
So, if you are not a registered Nurse overseas before getting your Visa to work in Australia as a PCA, then it is highly likely that you will not be able to become a Nurse in Australia whilst working, as it will be very difficult to be able to study for it on a 4-year work Visa and the costs are very high.
Here is the secret to Streamlining your Nursing career in Australia.
AusPath is streamlining approved transitional pathways by the Australian Government for Nurses to get sponsored Visa’s that lead to Permanent residency and an Ahpra Nursing Registration that does not require the OSCE upfront.
The 494 Visa and the DAMA.
The subclass 494 visa is a 5-year visa granted to applicants sponsored by a regional employer. This visa can be utilised as part of the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for Regional Australia.
The DAMA enables Regional Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers. Employers experiencing skills and labour shortages can apply for endorsement to enter into a DAMA labour agreement. This enables them to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers with more flexible requirements than are available via the standard skilled visa programs. Aged carers and Registered Nurses (Aged Care) are occupations that fall under the DAMA agreement.
Importantly, there is an age concession for both the Aged Carer and Registered Nurse (Aged Care). Approved employers can employ foreign workers under 55 and offer permanent residency. The cut-off age for skilled migration or employer sponsored migration is 45.
The visa holder does not require a sponsor to obtain the permanent subclass 191 visa after three years of employment with the sponsor. This saves the sponsor money and provides the visa applicant with a reason to remain in the employment of the sponsor as they know permanent residency is definitely available. If the visa applicant is on a TSS 482 visa with the promise of being sponsored for permanent residency, they are still not sure if the employer will follow through with permanent residency.
Under the subclass 494 visa, the visa holder has access to Medicare which means the employer has no responsibility for the visa holder’s medical bills. Medicare is Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. It guarantees all Australians (and some overseas visitors) access to a wide range of health and hospital services at low or no cost. Comparatively, although the visa holder has to carry health insurance as part of the 482 visas, if the insurer does not cover the medical care or the visa holder does not maintain insurance and then has a medical issue, the sponsor may be required to pay. So, access to Medicare for the 494-visa holder is important for both the employer and employee.
So, the subclass 494 visa has more benefits for a sponsor than a subclass 482 visa. It is also beneficial for the visa applicant as there is more security with permanent residency and they have access to Medicare. Access to Medicare can be a game changer to those visa holders who have their immediate family members join them, as overseas visitors’ health insurance can be very expensive for a family.
There are many benefits to working in regional areas in Australia for migrant Nurses. First of all, under the DAMA, the Visa approval is much easier and faster. You will almost most definitely have your Visa application approved quickly and you’ll start your employment in a short period of time from accepting your employment offer. Most of the regional areas are quite large, like cities, and the accommodation is more affordable and transport to work and back is much easier. Most of our employers are large organisations with multiple facilities that you could elect to transfer too after you gain PR.
Here are the 3 occupations that are relevant:
Aged or Disabled Carer (ANZSCO code: 423111): This occupation involves providing personal care, support, and assistance to the elderly or individuals with disabilities in residential or home care settings. It could be a potential alternative occupation for personal care assistants.
Personal Care Worker (ANZSCO code: 423312): This occupation involves assisting individuals with their daily personal care needs, including grooming, bathing, dressing, and other activities. Personal care workers often work in aged care facilities, hospitals, or home care settings.
Community Support Worker (ANZSCO code: 411711): This occupation involves providing support and assistance to individuals in the community who require help due to age, disability, or other circumstances. Community support workers may assist with personal care, domestic tasks, and emotional support.
A more practical path to building a career in Nursing in Australia, if you are a Stream B applicant, and don’t want to have to go down the path of Ahpra registration first, is to undertake a Bachelor’s in Nursing and obtain at least 2 – 3 years of clinical experience in your home country.
Once you have completed this, you can do the Ahpra Self-Check, be identified as Stream B, and then complete the NCLEX training in your home country, such as the Philippines with IPass Processing, and pass the NCLEX test.
You can take an IELTS test, and if you can obtain at least a 5 across all sections, as well as obtain a positive skills assessment from ANMAC as a personal care worker, you can then apply to work as a Personal Care Assistant in Aged Care in Australia on a 494 or TSS 482 Visa. You could also elect to do the PTE which is slightly easier.
One of the other benefits of this process, rather than applying directly as a registered Nurse, as is currently available, is you won’t need to obtain a 7 across all sections of the IELTS test. Anyone who has taken an IELTS test will tell you it is a lot easier to obtain a 5 than a 7! Another benefit is the cost. By following this pathway, you will heavily reduce the upfront costs.
You also will not need to apply for a Tourist Visa to sit the OSCE exam. A Tourist Visa has a higher chance of refusal than a subclass 494 or 482 and could take several months to obtain. If you are granted this Visa, and that is a big if, you would not be able to work at all whilst holding this Visa. So not only will you have to pay to undertake the OSCE training and exam, but you will also need substantial funds to travel & support yourself in Australia. This is still an option; nothing has changed with this process.
Now, when it comes to getting the sponsorship & employment offer you want in Australia, having completed the NCLEX beforehand, indicates to the employer that you are committed and capable of becoming a Nurse later. Which is what they would want. Employers need to pay substantial fees upfront to sponsor employees.
These costs to employers can be many thousands of dollars and carry some further risk. And it is a bit of a benefit to employers, as your pay as a PCA will be a bit less before becoming a Nurse, and that helps the employers in the beginning to reduce costs, whilst you are still fitting into the role.
Once AusPath Agency secure your sponsorship and employment in Australia as a Personal Carer in Aged Care, you may be able to travel to Australia on a subclass 494 or TSS 482 visa and begin working as soon as you arrive. This means you won’t have to save a lot of money to pay for all the OSCE training & fees upfront, before you get Ahpra and Visa approval. And the Visa process is much quicker and easier on this path.
The added benefit to get your Sponsorship through AusPath Agency.
Another benefit to getting employment through AusPath Agency is that all our Nurses with employment offers can get free training in the LeeCare Platinum6 Aged Care program, and free access to the Ausmed online training platform for the 8 core modules in Aged Care and CPD Points management. The LeeCare program is in over 6 countries worldwide and is used all over Australia.
Plus, all AusPath Nurses get FULL ACCESS to the COMPLETE complement of Ausmed Training with over 1,275 online training courses, including all CPD Modules valued at $432 p/a, and a CPD Points Passport to transfer skills from employers. Making you a valuable Employee in Australia and the world. This is an exclusive offer to AusPath Agency Nurses only.
Get the FREE Ausmed Passport offer here now.
Whilst you are in Australia, working and earning Australian dollars, you can then afford to undertake the OSCE training and exam. And some states are even currently providing up to $15,000 in relocation support to offset your relocation costs and subsidise short term housing.
Whilst holding the subclasses 494 or 482 Visa, you can undertake the OSCE training online at your own pace and will only need a few practical training days. You can then take the exam when you feel ready before your Visa expires. This will really reduce your stress levels to have more freedom in this process. We recommend you do this as soon as possible.
While there is generally no specific time limit for sitting the OSCE exam, it is important to keep in mind that the OBA process should be completed within a reasonable timeframe to avoid any potential expiration of documentation, changes in regulations, or other factors that may affect the assessment outcome. It’s recommended to initiate and complete the OBA process in a timely manner to ensure a smooth progression towards obtaining your Nurse registration in Australia.
And don’t forget, you will have more time to brush up on your English skills whilst working in Australia to obtain that 7 on the IELTS test. Without thinking, your English will improve whilst you use it every day in a work setting. Many of your patients and colleagues will love to help you improve your English whilst you work! That can help reduce the pressure to meet this requirement as we have already acknowledged the difficulty of obtaining a high score on the IELTS test. Financially and stress-wise, this pathway just makes sense.
Now, once you meet these requirements, you may obtain Ahpra registration and change your subclasses 494 or 482 visa from working as a Personal Carer, to a Registered Nurse on a 5-year subclass 494 and then apply yourself after 3 years for permanent residency on a 191 visa without needing a Sponsor. Or after 2 years on a TSS 482 your workplace can sponsor you for permanent residency. This was previously 3 years.
The best part about transferring from a Personal Carer to a Registered Nurse in Australia will be the pay increase and the advancement in your career.
So, in conclusion, you will have kept your costs low to obtain your work Visa, already be working in Australia and earning Australian dollars whilst undergoing the required OSCE exam & Ahpra registration and have improved your English so you do well on the IELTS test.
This is a much easier, affordable, faster & practical pathway.
Option 1: The Full Steps – Stream B RN – From Ahpra Self-Check To Employment:
- Ahpra Self-Check.
- IQNM Assessment.
- Orientation Part 1.
- Provide a portfolio of documents and proof of qualifications.
- NCLEX Training. (Davao, Manila, Cebu) (Stream B Only)
- NCLEX-RN MCQ Exam. (Manila) (Stream B Only)
- Police Check.
- Literary Test. 7 score. (Stream B Only)
- Health Check.
- AusPath Employment & Sponsorship Offer.
- OSCE Training Online. (Stream B Only)
- Tourist Visa Lodged & Approved.
- OSCE Test. (Adelaide) (Stream B Only)
- ANMAC Skills Assessment. (Depends on Visa)
- Insurance Certificate.
- Ahpra Registration Application & Approval.
- VISA Lodged & Approved.
- OEC Approved – Orientation Seminars. (Filipino Only)
- Fly to Australia – Accommodation
- Start Employment.
The Table below shows the breakdown of associated costs for Stream B Applicants. If you are a Stream A Applicant, then Ahpra will notify you if you are able to proceed straight to the ANMAC Skills Assessment. That would mean you do not need to do NCLEX-RN MCQ & OSCE training or tests, so your costs are significantly reduced. All Applicants will require a Health-Check & Insurance also.
| Self – Check (Free initial assessment & then payment is required upfront by the Nurses to to do the IQNM Assessment and proceed to OBA) | $640 |
| AusPath Onboarding & Support | FREE |
| NCLEX Training (Davao, Manila, Cebu) (Stream B) | $500 |
| NCLEX-RN MCQ Test Fee (Manila) (Stream B) | $526 |
| Police check | $50 |
| Literacy test (Stream B) | $300 |
| OSCE Training (Online and Live Stations Practice) (Stream B) | $3,500 |
| Tourist Visa, Flights & Accommodation (To Adelaide for OSCE and back. Est) | $1,500 |
| OSCE Exam Fee (Adelaide) (Stream B) | $4,000 |
| ANMAC Full Skills Assessment | $515 |
| NMBA Ahpra Registration & Licence (est) | $489 |
| Visa Temporary Skills Shortage 482 (Migration Agency fees may also apply) | $2,770 |
| Flights (To Australia) + Housing bond and 2 weeks accommodation (If applicable) | $1500 |
| Total Funding Required AUD | $16,290 |
| Relocation Fee Rebate (If Applicable.13k Metro, 15k Regional) (See below) | $15,000 |
| Net Est Cost AUD (Estimated for 15k Regional or less 2k if Metro) | $1,290 |
Option 2: From PCA To Employment To RN:
- Ahpra Self-Check.
- IQNM Assessment.
- Orientation Part 1.
- Provide a portfolio of documents and proof of qualifications.
- NCLEX Training. (Davao, Manila, Cebu) (Stream B Only)
- NCLEX-RN MCQ Exam. (Manila) (Stream B Only)
- Police Check.
- Literary Test. 5 score. (Stream B Only)
- Health Check.
- AusPath Employment & 482 Visa Sponsorship Offer.
- ANMAC Skills Assessment. (Depends on Visa)
- Insurance Certificate.
- VISA Lodged & Approved.
- OEC Approved – Orientation Seminars. (Filipino Only)
- Fly to Australia – Accommodation
- Start Employment.
- OSCE Training.
- OSCE Test.
- RN Approved.
- Convert to 494 Visa.
- Apply for PR later.
The Table below shows the breakdown of associated costs for Applicants as a PCA. That would mean you do not need to do OSCE training or tests prior, so your costs are significantly reduced. You can do that when working. All Applicants will require a Health-Check & Insurance also.
| Self – Check (Free initial assessment & then payment is required upfront by the Nurses to to do the IQNM Assessment and proceed to OBA) | $640 |
| AusPath Onboarding & Support | FREE |
| NCLEX Training (Davao, Manila, Cebu) (Stream B) | $500 |
| NCLEX-RN MCQ Test Fee (Manila) (Stream B) | $526 |
| Police check | $50 |
| Literacy test (Stream B) | $300 |
| OSCE Training (Online and Live Stations Practice) (Stream B) | $0 |
| Tourist Visa, Flights & Accommodation (To Adelaide for OSCE and back. Est) | $0 |
| OSCE Exam Fee (Adelaide) (Stream B) | $0 |
| ANMAC Full Skills Assessment | $515 |
| NMBA Ahpra Registration & Licence (est) | $0 |
| Visa Temporary Skills Shortage 482 (Migration Agency fees may also apply) | $2,770 |
| Flights (To Australia) + Housing bond and 2 weeks accommodation (If applicable) | $1500 |
| Total Funding Required AUD | $5,775 |
| Relocation Fee Rebate (If Applicable.13k Metro, 15k Regional) (See below) | $15,000 |
| Net Extra AUD (Estimated for 15k Regional or less 2k if Metro) | -$9,225 |
As you can see in these examples, the cost to get your Sponsorship to begin working in Australia is significantly less in Option 2 as a PCA. And with relocation support you will be in profit to pay for things like accommodation. Then do your OSCE & Ahpra when working in Australia, convert to RN Sponsorship and apply for 191 Visa & Permanent Residency after 2 or 3 years.
And here is another secret: If you’re coming direct from the Philippines to be an OFW. You are required to get the DMW approval and an OEC. This is a Philippine law requirement. And under this the Employer is to pay for your Visa and Flights. So, take off another $4,270 Aud and the upfront cost estimates are only $1,505 Aud.
That makes Australia the most affordable country in the world now for Philippine Nurses to become International Registered Nurses. And guess what else, Australian Nurses can get paid some of the highest salaries in the world. Plus, free Medicare and the Superannuation Guarantee. And you will have the opportunity for career advancement. and even higher salaries.
Superannuation Guarantee:
And as an added benefit, international Nurses working in Australia are entitled to receive Superannuation. The minimum superannuation employers must pay for each eligible employee is 11% of their ordinary time earnings (OTE). This is called the super guarantee (SG) and is paid at least quarterly into the nominated superfund. Normally Australian workers are not entitled to receive this superannuation until retirement, and not as a lump sum.
However, when an international worker returns home, there is the possibility to receive this payment as a lump sum. That means that on an average income of $100,000 p/a over 4 years, if they return home and do not extend their work visa, they are be entitled to receive their Superannuation as a lump sum, which would be around $44,000 Aud +/- whatever growth the fund received based on this estimate. Or if the Nurses decide to gain Permanent Residency, then they will continue receiving Superannuation from their employment paid into their nominated Superfund to access upon retirement.
Conclusion
Firstly, for the Streamlined Path, you will obtain an offer of employment from a regional aged care facility as a Personal Carer and then be sponsored under a subclass 482 visa under the Designated Area Migration Area (DAMA) stream. This sponsorship grants you the opportunity to work in the sponsored aged care facility as an aged care worker and the sponsorship will likely be valid for 1-2 years. The reason it is a shorter-term sponsorship is because we want you to be able to eventually utilise your skills as a Registered Nurse in the facility. It also will be under the DAMA program, as Aged Care Worker is not an option under the general subclass 482 sponsorship process.
Importantly, there is an age concession for both the Aged Carer and Registered Nurse (Aged Care). Approved employers can employ foreign workers under 55 and offer permanent residency. The cut-off age for skilled migration or employer sponsored migration is generally 45 but this gives those more experienced nurses also an opportunity to not only work in Australia but also have a pathway to permanent residency.
While working as a Carer, it is crucial to seize the opportunity to advance your Nursing career. Within the initial year, it is advisable you will earn a good salary, allowing you to hopefully complete the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and obtain registration as a Registered Nurse and a positive skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). These are essential for your progression on the permanent residency journey.
Once you obtain the registration and skills assessment, your current employer can then sponsor you for the Subclass 494 SESR visa. This visa provides a stable pathway to permanent residency in Australia. Unlike the TSS 482 visa, which necessitates employer sponsorship for the transition to permanent residency, the Subclass 494 visa affords more independence and control over your future.
Aside from the remarkable career and residency opportunities, one of the significant advantages of the Subclass 494 SESR visa is access to Australia’s renowned public healthcare system, Medicare. This ensures that you and your family have access to essential healthcare services, providing peace of mind throughout your stay in Australia. Under the subclass 482 visa, it is a condition of your visa that you maintain private health insurance, so not having to pay for private health insurance will provide you with significant savings under the subclass 494 visa.
After dedicating a minimum of three years to your role and meeting the requirements of the Subclass 494 visa, you may become eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. The Subclass 191 visa does not require employer sponsorship, eliminating the uncertainty and reliance on your employer’s support during the permanent residency stage. This empowerment allows you to plan for your future in Australia.
Keep in mind this is general information and there can be exceptions in the processes, but this process is the preferred option so you can maintain control as you move towards permanent residency for you and your family in Australia.
Embarking on the journey from a carer to a registered nurse in Australia presents a world of possibilities and personal growth. Through the TSS 482 visa pathway, you can enter Australia as a Carer, gain valuable experience, and progress towards becoming a Registered Nurse (Aged Care). The Subclass 494 SESR visa offers stability and serves as a pathway to permanent residency, granting you the independence to shape your future. With access to Medicare and a thriving healthcare sector, Australia offers a welcoming environment for skilled healthcare professionals like yourself.
In our opinion, we think it is also best for the Employee/PCA/Nurse to move to Australia by themselves at first. Especially as you will be on Probation at first. It also means you can then settle down first into affordable accommodation such as shared housing, which is a lot cheaper and easier to get. Then once you’re here, you can find the permanent accommodation that suits, to bring your partner and family.
We also suggest that gaining your sponsored employment into a regional area at first is highly beneficial. Especially because that is where the demand is most, there are more incentives to go there, the accommodation is easier to get and a lot more affordable. For example, if you got employment in Sydney for example, it would be hard to find affordable accommodation nearby, it would be very expensive, and you may be required to travel for hours every day.
Most of our Employers are large Health Service Providers with multiple facilities in multiple locations. Once you are established with them, it becomes much easier for you to apply for transfer to a preferred location within the same organisation. And you should have a nice amount of savings in the bank by then.
It’s important to note that the requirements for registration may change over time, so it’s always best to check the most up-to-date information on the Ahpra and ANMAC websites.
For info on how to become a registered Nurse in Australia, i.e., Option 1, read our blog post here. https://www.auspath.agency/how-to-become-a-registered-international-nurse-to-work-in-australia-through-auspath
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