Confused about visa 457 English requirement

[nemo_nemo]

Hi, everyone

I have been NZ RN for 5 years. I endorsed my registration to Australia last year. Now I am a OZ RN.

I plan to apply for visa 457 and move OZ soon, just check immigration website. there is some English requirements as follow

All primary Subclass 457 visa applicants who are sponsored by a Standard Business Sponsor must demonstrate that they have English language proficiency that is equivalent to an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score of at least 5 in each of the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening. Prior to 14 September2009, applicants required an average test score of at least 5 across the four test components.

Where the nominated occupation requires a higher level of English (equivalent to IELTS test score of more than 5 in each of the four test components) because it forms part of that occupation's registration, licensing or membership requirement, the visa applicant must have at least the standard of English language proficiency required for the grant of that registration, licence or membership.

Do I have to redo IELTS for visa 457 application ? or because I have current registration, means I demonstrat my English language proficiency meets the requirement? Thanks

[K+MgSO4, BSN]

I'm pretty sure that you have to sit the English test. All forgien trained RNs have to since sept 09. I know friends from Ireland have had to do it for their rego as well. If you are being sponsored through a hospital give them a ring and see what they say seeing you are from NZ there may be special dispensations. My Knowledge is from Ireland and we have to do it now to get registered anyway. Best of luck

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

As I said before in another post, probably best to contact the Immigration Department and speak to them to clarify this question.

[nemo_nemo]

Thank you for your reply. My situation is different from Ireland nurse as I have already registered in OZ. Ireland nurse comes to OZ needs registered with council, hence need to meet English requirments. But I am offically a Registered Nurse in Australia, the only thing is I live overseas.

[K+MgSO4, BSN]

because it forms part of that occupation's registration, licensing or membership requirement, the visa applicant must have at least the standard of English language proficiency required for the grant of that registration, licence or membership.

What you have quoted suggests that you would have to have an IELTS but your best bet would be to contact the Dept of Immigration and the hospital that you intend to work for for the current rules.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Because you are asking about a work visa requirement for Australia I have moved this to the International forum as per the red banner

[ceridwyn]

This is just it, works both ways a suppose, if you are a registered nurse in New Zealand and that nurses board has registered you, there is reciprical agreement, called Tasman Agreement, or something or other, fill out the form for Australian nurses on the New Zealand nurses board, pay the money and just walk in, this is of course if you are permanent resident of New Zealand......this is a big controversy not for nursing as I heard NZ board is tougher than Australian, but everthing else. Its how many çommonwealth and pacific peoples can get into Australia easier than applying for visa, permanent residency in Australia, as they say, go the New Zealand route.

Once permanent resident New Zealand, Australian benefits are all yours.....lol give or take a few weeks to get correct visa for Australia.

[nemo_nemo]

This is just it, works both ways a suppose, if you are a registered nurse in New Zealand and that nurses board has registered you, there is reciprical agreement, called Tasman Agreement, or something or other, fill out the form for Australian nurses on the New Zealand nurses board, pay the money and just walk in, this is of course if you are permanent resident of New Zealand......this is a big controversy not for nursing as I heard NZ board is tougher than Australian, but everthing else. Its how many çommonwealth and pacific peoples can get into Australia easier than applying for visa, permanent residency in Australia, as they say, go the New Zealand route.

Once permanent resident New Zealand, Australian benefits are all yours.....lol give or take a few weeks to get correct visa for Australia.

Thank you for your reply. What you mentioned is an old story. Nowadays, only NZ citizen is allow to go to OZ without any visa. New Zealand permanent resident do not have this benefit anymore.

However, you are right! There is a Tasman Agreement which allow NZ nurse registered with OZ nursing board directly after paying the money.

[ceridwyn]

Ok I stand corrected, just feels like most of NZ lives here. How hard is to become NZ resident after working there for 5 years? As kiwi, citizens can walk right in.....

once here Australian citizenship is real easy to get.....like opening up kelloggs wheaty packet slowly after 2 short years. You don't really need to get Aussie citizenship.