US RN with questions about travelling to AUS

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I am currently an RN in the US interested in travel nursing in Sydney. Can anyone give me information on what to do first? Line up an agency and a site or apply for a visa, find info on licensure, etc.? I've heard it can take 6months to get a work visa. I've registered with several agencies, but haven't received any responses yet. Any advice on a plan of action?

Thanks,

Sarah

Specializes in ICU.

I would be best to kick off the working visa soonest. That can take quite a while even for the so called "fast tracking" for registered nurses. What can I say - DIMIA is a beurocracy:p

But many hospitals will also help you come over by assisting with your visas. If you are only interested in a working holiday you are best to apply for registration through the NSW registration board.

But why limit yourself to Sydney - Queensland is looking for nurses:D

PS - there is no such thing here as a "travel agency":(

I think the agency that keeps calling me is Global Medical. Do a search on the net and if it doesn't come up I'll see if I can find out their web site for you. I know they have emailed me. They only staff in Australia. Right now they only have openings in Tasmania though, but you never know what might come up. What they offered sounded great to me but I would have to bring my family with me and the airline ticket is $1400 a piece. Too steep for me. Otherwise I'ld go. They help you with everything you need. Good Luck!

Specializes in OB/GYN Med/Surg.

i am from the us and have been living in au for three years. most of the nursing agencies (i am in melbourne) will sponsor you.

i know a girl from south africa that was directly sponsored by the hospital we were working at.

you can also apply for permanent residency under skilled migration. i would think that it would be a faster process for you to go through an agency though.

life is soooo different here than in the us, but it's good. good luck to you.

lava rn

Specializes in ICU.

Our hospital is also willing to sponsor RN's on a working or business visa. So, not all hospitals will do it but there are some who definitely will.

Specializes in Psych.

Hey,

The first thing is to get registered in the state in which you would like to work. Sydney is in NSW. You can not get a job or visa without registration. I am in the US, but registered in NSW and QLD. It is not hard, but takes a bit of time. My visa took less than a month once I had a job offer, a physical exam which includes a chest xray, Hepatitis screening and an HIV test. You don't need an agency; most hospitals will sponsor you. Your visa will depend on your employer, so if you change jobs a new visa will be necessary. You will have to work full time in any position. You can also work for an agency and travel, but many of them are very stingy with time off. You can always quit, but your visa will be cancelled.

I thought that an agency would set up free housing for you.... am I wrong in my understanding? Does anyone have an idea of what a 1 bedroom apt. in Melbourne or Syndey runs in A$?

Specializes in ICU.
I thought that an agency would set up free housing for you.... am I wrong in my understanding? Does anyone have an idea of what a 1 bedroom apt. in Melbourne or Syndey runs in A$?

The cost of course, depends on where in Sydney or Melbourne you want to live. Close in the higher the cost, but on the other hand you do not want to be caught in the middle of some of the less savoury suburbs.

http://www.realestate.com.au/realestate/sydney/rental+properties/apartments

This gives a guide but to be honest they often have the high rise high rent apartments listed first.

Can you name some areas that are better to live in than others in Sydney... to help direct my apt. search.

Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.

I live on the north shore and love it - 15 mins on the train to the city, lovely leafy seaside areas. Areas around here are Willoughby, Chatswood, Artarmon, Lane Cove, Greenwich.

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