dudzy

to everyone here in this thread, continue pursuing your Oz dream of becoming an RN.. never give up... happy to see there are still those familiar names providing info to fellow nurses.. Im one of those successful filipino nurses who aspired to be an RN1 in Australia and I made it! I worked as RN1 in ICU after the bridging course at ETEA..

hey ryan09!!! hows it going? i got your sms but im already here in the US.. i was reading your posts here, happy to know you got a job already.. congrats mate!

your course provider will have a specific list for the vaccinations that they will require from you. In my case, MMR, Varicella, Hep A, Hep B booster, DTaP. The bridging course was quite difficult. You have tasks to accomplish, paper works, and you have to prove you are practicing SAFELY in the clinical placement.

Thank you 4vida for your appreciation.. I am just happy helping fellow nurses and sharing what I know.. It doesnt do me any good if I keep my knowledge to myself might as well share it and be able to help out other people.. Just paying forward the blessings I have received.. :) Through this forum, sharing of knowledge benefits not just a few but many people in a wilder scale..

Your medical exam for the 457 visa will depend on what your case officer will require from you. The cost of the complete medical exam is $248. You may check it online at www.hsagroup.com.au. The school will submit your result to the nursing board by the time you complete the course, that is on the last day of your bridging course and you have been evaluated as competent. Btw, how long is your bridging course? In my case, ETEA submitted immediately the result of the bridging course to NBV in just 1 working day. Yes you need to update your employer that you are commencing the BP. I would like to stress this, your employer will file the nomination and sponsorship, you will apply for the 457 after they have filed the nomination and sponsorship. You may download the information booklet about 457 visa in the immigration website. In my case, I applied and paid for my 457 visa online, medical exam, and police check (Australian Federal Police). Just ask your employer about how they do the immigration stuffs and regarding the payments.

I bought two way ticket and I have the return trip refunded (takes 3-5 months with PAL). But I know of some who just bought one way ticket and it was okay. They just signed a waiver with the airline. You might as well do that. You have the burden of proof to prove to immigration that they can support your stay there. I think with the statutory declaration added with the capacity to support you is strong evidence that they have the funds to support you. You may ring immigration regarding that matter. AU$1000/month is enough for your expenses so for 3 months you need $3000.

I see.. Then you have your employer already.. I came here alone because I'm not married yet (about to). You may include your family even in your 456 visa if you have the funds and the support then you'll not have any problems with that.. So that when you apply for the 457 they will also be automatically be in your application and also when you apply for the permanent residency (PR)... Your 457 should be applied onshore so that your application for PR will also be onshore you dont need to go home once your PR is granted. During my first day of the bridging course, I was quite anxious but we were not hands on yet so it was good to just observe and learn.. We didnt to any hands on during the first week not unless we were very confident to do it.

im registered here in victoria..

In addition to that, granting that you have been sponsored and you have lodged your 457 visa by that time, your 457 visa will not be granted without your registration. You have to work things out between your employer, your course provider to submit the result of the bridging course completion (competent!), and the nursing board for your registration to be issued. With that completed and your medical exam, your 457 will be on its way.

Do you already have an offer of employment and employment contract? I think it is best to inform them that you have enrolled for the bridging course. Also inform them when are you commencing, graduating and when will you be expecting your registration. You also have to inform them the status of your visa, when it is expiring so that they will also lodge the nomination and sponsorship for you. You need that before you can apply for the 457 visa. You apply onshore for the 457 visa. You don't have to go home.

I applied and submitted my CV to hospitals and also online job postings before my visa expired.. I did not apply for an extension because I already had an employer who sponsored me for my 457 visa and during that time my 456 was still valid 10 days before expiring when I lodged my 457 visa.. But if worst comes to worst that you dont have an employer yet, you can extend your stay by applying for further stay onshore 676 visa that is tourist visa.. You can extend as long as there is no 'NO FURTHER STAY' condition on your 456 visa.

I am here in Australia waiting for my 457 visa... I didnt go back home anymore.. You will have your medical exam with HSA Group.. That is the accredited facility for immigration medical exams.. You will be instructed by your case officer about that once your application will be lodged.

You just tell them that its for Australian visa application and they know already.. You will be scheduled for an appointment with them. You have to ring them first..

As long as my visa 457 is granted, I can start work.. It is illegal to work without a valid visa that permits me to work and employers make sure you have one before commencing.. Waiting period is approximately 6 weeks as advised by my case officer.. I just hope it will be granted earlier..

I am sorry I really have no idea as to the rates but I guess that will depend on what type of accommodation you want.. My classmates who were renting were paying $120-150/week excluding food.. What i also know is that you need to sign a contract with an agent the property manager.. Just check with the websites to be sure..