macpao87

i am not aware of any computation regarding that. when i applied for a 456 short stay business visa, i was not asked to provide any show money - but I did, just to be safe. I think the most important thing is the document from your school saying that you have paid the tuition fee and have a guaranteed slot if granted a visa.

Thanks. I think with the right experience, there are still hospitals who really sponsor foreign nurses. Try applying everywhere. I applied for every position I could find. It takes a lot of time really, I also received hundreds of rejection letters, but you just have to be patient and wait for the right job offer to come.

I was given multiple entry without any conditions like no further stay. I was able to get an employer before the 90 days, but I decided to come home to Manila while the employer fixed my documents needed for the sponsorship. I think it would be useless to stay there since I'm not allowed to work on my 456 and will spend a lot more if I decided to stay there.

You can try asking the clinic where you will have your medicals done how long before the results are sent to VIA. I did my medicals 1 month before I applied for a 456 visa to be safe. Just tell them that you are in a hurry because your class will start soon. I'm not sure if they will consider, but there's no harm in trying.

I didn't request for my visa to be 1 year, they just gave me that. To be clearer, the validity of the visa is 1 year, but you are only allowed to stay 3 months per entry.

Yes. A medical exam is required to get a 456 visa. The results of that same medical exam can be used when you lodge your application for a 457 visa. Medicals are valid for 1 year. I was given a 456 with multiple entry valid for 1 year. Also, there is a police station about 5 minutes from the CON - you can get your police clearance certificate there.

As long as you have a confirmation of enrollment from your school, I think you will get your 456. Try calling your school and insist that a letter coming from them instructing on the kind of visa needed for your course is required to get a visa. I took my course at the College of Nursing and they sent me a letter confirming my slot in the BP contingent to acquiring the "appropriate visa". That is how they stated it in the letter, I had no problems getting my 456.

I don't think any of those courses are required by any of the schools offering the BP. Each school has it's own set of admission criteria. Some of the schools require 1-2 years post registration experience. It's best to look at each school's website and contact them for more information.

I agree, 8 weeks is still better than what I had to go through with AHPRA VIC - 9 months just for an eligibility letter. Crazy slow.

I don't think Australia would and could do that. That is clearly racial discrimination - if they pin point nurses coming from a specific country (unless there is a clear and impending reason for them to do so). If they do stop hiring foreign nurses in the future, it would probably be because they no longer have a need for them. This would mean a halt, not just with nurses coming from a specific country, but all foreign nurses who are in need of visa sponsorship.

I have several friends and schoolmates who only had 6 months volunteer experience/ training. Some of them got jobs in hospitals, most in nursing homes. I think it depends on how impressive your resume is and of course, how you do on the interview.

I'd resign when everything has been finalized. (Bridging Course and Visa). A lot of things can go wrong - and it's very difficult to be unemployed. I resigned the day my 456 visa arrived.

Hi guys! Just wanted to share something regarding the whole process I had to go through. I am currently waiting for my work visa to arrive, hopefully it comes in a few weeks time. In NSW, I believe there are a lot of job openings for nurses. If you try to look at job search engines, you will see what I am talking about. I tried applying for every job opening I could find and luckily I was able to get interviews lined up. Take note that not all hospitals are allowed or willing to sponsor foreign nurses, so make sure to clearly state on your cover letter that you need 457 WORK VISA SPONSORSHIP. I think it is quite important for nurses applying in Australia now to have adequate experience, otherwise the hospitals have no reason to sponsor you - as there are many fresh graduates of nursing in Australia. If you have experience in a specialty area, I think there is a higher possibility that you will get a job quickly. Bottom line is, I think it's pretty risky going to Australia with no experience at all. Hope this helps. Cheers.

I went with miks and the others at the CON for the April 2011 intake. I think you're pretty much in. They only accept payment once you are accepted in the programme. The letter they will send you will confirm your slot and for which date - this will support your visa application.

go to the AHPRA website, download the form required, send it via post with the listed requirements and wait for the instructions from AHPRA.

Thanks for the tip bobby123. I hope I get a job soon!

Yup, I was in the April intake of the course. I have to say, CON is stricter compared to other bridging courses, especially the ones in Victoria. (Based on what I hear from my friends who took theirs in Victoria). The good thing about CON is that it is only 2 months, plus it is 10-15 minutes away from the city - I wasn't bored at all during the course because I had a chance to tour Sydney after classes. Anyways, there were 23 students in our class, 9 were pinoy - everyone in the class was friendly and it was a good group. There is a Math Exam that you have to get 100% correct as well as an online exam for physical assessment. There are also return demonstration of clinical procedures. I don't know if anyone failed but most of us passed and are all registered now with AHPRA. Goodluck Lithotomy, sweet tooth and ojos asi! It's better that you know who you're classmates are gonna be, I have to say - my classmates like mikyong, cerydwinRN, miks and others who I met here in this forum really helped me not to get homesick.

Good luck to the 2 of you! Just finished my course at the CON. Just remember to smile all the time, be nice and corteous, but always stand up for what you believe in. I recommend you guys get a place in Burwood, NSW. Some place that is perhaps walking distance to the college, trains and buses can be expensive on top of the accommodation.

Hi Guys! After more than 1 year of processing, taking the bridging course and registration, I'm finally a registered nurse in Australia! Now it's time to look for a job. Any tips?

Hi! I don't think there are available accommodation for students near the area. If you want to save money, I suggest you look for an apartment where you can stay for 1 month. Look for somewhere where you don't have to pay a deposit. Try gumtree, I think they have good ads there where you can look for share accommodation.

Thanks! I'm praying hard for it too. Good luck to you too. Are you starting this July? Keep in touch if you have any questions. I'll try my best to answer them.

No one has failed yet. The college of nursing had a hard time looking for clinical placements in hospitals, so others had to start later than some. Still waiting for registration- I hope AHPRA, VIC doesn't take too long.

Hi! Yup, finished already with the Assessment of Competence Programme at CON. It was a bit difficult but fortunately most of us were able to pass. Some of the others are not done yet with the programme. It's a bit difficult but passable. Just concentrate and listen to instructions. Hope this helps!

Hi! I didn't do my BP at VCHN. I applied and got a letter of offer but I chose to do mine at the College of Nursing since their course is only 2 months. I suggest apply to different schools right away after you receive your eligibility letter from AHPRA.

Hi guys, Just finished with my bridging course at the CON - currently waiting for my registration with mikyong, miks and the others. Ceridwyn amazing got his registration after 2 days - I guess it really depends on your registration officer - anyone know what the usual timeline is for AHPRA VIC to process registration? Thanks!