Ahpra application refusal

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Hi everyone,

I´m a registered nurse from Germany with 4 years experience. Went to the whole registration process with ahpra and waited 7 months. Today I received an email, that they are considering to refuse my application. The reason for that is, that they do not consider my training as equivalent with the Australian one. That is really a joke. Has someone ever been in this situation before? How did you write your appeal letter?

I would revise the idea there are 'lots' of employers willing to sponsor, locals are not getting work, employers before they sponsor have to try to get a local for the job over someone from overseas, Australia is a magnet for overseas nurses and midwives at the moment plus nurses from our sister country NZ who do not need sponsorship, you do the math.

Most overseas nurses now with 3 years or more are applying for a permanent visa so they can stay and be treated for nursing positions exactly the same as citizens just to get work.

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Specializes in Cath Lab.

I'm not interested in a sponsorship visa. I just don't want to be "tied" to a specific employer for a number of years because if things go wrong with this employer it will be much harder to find a new one. I will be applying for a permanent visa and thus having to have my nursing degree evaluated twice. ANMC evaluates for visas - and it will be easier for me to obtain a permanent visa with their approval. It's a much more expensive way to go but it will offer me the freedom I want. I'd like to be able to find a new employer without any problems as well as maybe undertaking further studies but at a cheaper cost than if I was applying as an international.

Australia has more options for further education being a nurse than, say Denmark. It's one of the reasons I'd like to move there - and simply because I feel Australia is my home and where I belong. It's been heart breaking every time I've left the country.

I am keeping myself updated on the economic situation in Australia. Australia's been one of the only countries not to have been affected by the World economic crisis but things are changing. So as a - hopefully - new member of the Australian society soon - these are things I have to consider.

Good luck to all and if anyone is interested in my progress with ANMC - just ask :)

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Yes, the crisis has arrived in Australia. I hope that the country will not be as much affected as Europe. Lisbeth, you seem to know very well your next move. I admire people with strong will and solid plan, and I think you are one! Good luck to you! Soon you will be here under the hot Australian sun!

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Hi everybody,

I am from Belgium and I have a bachelor of nursing, as well as an one year specialization in intensive care and emergency care. I sent the application form about two months ago thinking that I had all the chances to get accepted but after reading most of your posts, I have to admit that I am getting pessimistic.

I think it is a shame that so many people get refused because when you check the ahpra's webiste, it looks like people applying from overseas have all their chances to get accepted, especially due to the lack of nurses in Australia. Moreover, it takes a lot of time and money to fill in the application form (IELTS, translations of diplomas, certified and notarised copies, etc.)

I still cross my fingers for all the people who have applied...

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Specializes in Cath Lab.

Nosilea - any news regarding your appeal?? Crossing my fingers that you also got a positive response. One really needs to be very determined if wanting to migrate and work in Australia. My stubbornness finally comes in handy :)

Happy New Years to all :)

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Hi guys, I am planning to apply AHPRA for registration. Could anybody suggest me the best city/ branch to apply in australia for positive outcome? Has anyone experienced smooth registration process without much hurdle and which ahra office was it? I would

greatly appreciate your suggestions

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You are asking what city office of AHPRA are lenient on application assessments and do not question any abnormalities. Hopefully no office does this. As AHPRA moto is 'protecting the Australian community". As for how busy all offices are, it is the time for all AHPRA graduates to be registered locally and there are record graduates this year, international applicant may wait, that bit longer :( from any office, it is also impossible to say how many are applying to each office, some try the NT and Hobart offices in the hope that they do not have many applicants, however they have many less assessors, pick one and send your application.

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Happy New Year to you all!!! They informed my that they will let me know about the outcome of my application by next week!! Its already more than one month from the review by the Board!! I just try my best to be patient. Dont apply with the Melbourne branch, too slow.

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Specializes in Cath Lab.

bobby82 - I don't really think it will matter which office you apply to. I have heard that there used to be differences but that this has all changed. I chose the office in the state where I was most likely to go live/work.

nosileia - I'm stunned that you still haven't heard anything. especially because it was an appeal case. I know they might be busy but they know the outcome of the board meeting so why not give it to you. At least I heard within a week of the meeting - so in all it took me 8 months in limbo before I could proceed. It's a roller coaster ride emotionally. I feel with you. I'm crossing my fingers that you will have a positive outcome. If not ask them to be very specific in what they would need to give you an approval. Maybe I can help.

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Specializes in Stroke Unit.
Hi everybody. My case officer emailed me today (without me emailing her first....and that's a first!!). They have now found me suitable for registration and I have received an in-principle approval letter of registration. My registration will be final when I show up in person at an APHRA-office in Australia before December 2014. And thus no need for me to do a Bridging Program.

So now I can proceed and get my approval from ANMC before applying for a visa. Hopefully this will be easier than APHRA. It's been one of the best Monday's in a while.

No answer as to what ended up being the deciding factor in my appeal. I've sent them an email and asked them to elaborate - though I doubt they will. If they do I will pass it on...as it might help others.

Nosilea - have you heard anything??

Hi lisbeth22, I am wondering if you would like to share some more details or documents (EU vs AUS education comparision) about what you have send AHPRA in your submission about the refusal? Actually I am in a similar situation. Being a German nurse for more than 10 years and having a PR (ANMAC assessed) but got a refusal from AHPRA because of the not equivalent education... Thanks for your support

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Specializes in Stroke Unit.

Ceridwyn, in my opinion it's more a protection of well know standards against best practice expertise from other high developed countries (as European ones) that could lead to changes in the system. In fact, the Australian health system could really need positive changes... Just my thoughts.

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Specializes in Cath Lab.

danapal - send me your email here (or send me a private message through this website) and I can send you a copy of my comparison - note that I compared the Australian nursing standards to the Danish (and EU directive) as well as the bachelor degree programme in Denmark (I had an English version from my nursing school). If you want you can easily write me in German - ich spreche auch Deutsch :)

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