How To Streamline Your Path To Employment And Permanent Residency As A Registered Nurse In Australia. The PCA Transitional Path!

What is the Streamlined Transitional Path to Employment as a Registered Nurse through AusPath?

The biggest hurdles for internationally accredited Nurses that are from Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) recognised Stream B countries, is all of the hurdles and upfront costs required to gain Ahpra registration in Australia to become a Registered Nurse. The costs alone for just studying for and sitting the OSCE exam can be approx $10,000 Aud. With no guarantee of success or sponsorships, leading to permanent residency. This is why many Nurses choose other countries to migrate to and is a big reason why Australia has such a huge shortage of Nurses, and why the demand is growing.

What you are about to read below is our “Transitional Pathway” that now makes Australia one of the most affordable countries in the world for International Nurses to become Registered Nurses. And how International Nurses do not need to pay for the OSCE costs upfront. And guess what else, For Nurses, Australian Nurses can get paid some of the highest salaries in the world. Plus, free Medicare and the 11% Superannuation Guarantee is available. And they will have the opportunity for career advancement and even higher salaries.

Here is the secret to Streamlining your Nursing career in Australia.

AusPath has developed a streamlined approach to approved transitional pathways by the Australian Government for Nurses to get sponsored Visa’s that lead to Permanent residency and an Ahpra Nursing Registration that does not require the OSCE upfront.

The Transitional Path.

For the Transitional Path, International Stream B Nurses will obtain an offer of employment from a DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) approved regional Aged Care facility, Hospital or Medical Facility as a Personal Care Worker (PCW/AIN/PCA). DAMA is a specific type of agreement that allows employers in designated regions facing skill shortages to sponsor overseas workers, including nurses.

The Candidate can then be sponsored under a subclass TSS 482 visa or 494 visa under the Designated Area Migration Area (DAMA) stream. There is also a CSLA (Company Specific Labour Agreement) that is similar and can be approved in a Metro area. It’s worth noting that the CLSA may be phased out in the future. This sponsorship grants Nurses the opportunity to work in the sponsored facility as a PCW and the sponsorship will likely be valid for 1- 2 years. 

While working as a PCW/AIN/PCA, it is crucial to seize the opportunity to advance your Nursing career. Within the initial year you will earn a good salary, allowing International Nurses to save up and complete the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and obtain a positive skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and registration as a Registered Nurse with Ahpra. These are essential for your progression on the Permanent Residency journey.

The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), commonly known as the 482 visa, allows skilled individuals with relevant occupations to work in Australia for employers who are unable to find an Australian worker for the job.

Here are some key points about this visa:

• Purpose: The 482 visa aims to address labour shortages by enabling employers to bring in genuinely skilled workers when they cannot source appropriately skilled Australians for the role.
• Eligibility: To qualify, applicants must have a relevant occupation and meet other specific requirements.
• Sponsorship: Employers sponsor the visa applicants. There are two streams within the 482 visa:
  • Short-Term Stream: For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). This stream allows a stay of up to 2 years.
  • Medium-Term Stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This stream allows a stay of up to 4 years.
• Changes in Sponsorship: If there’s a change in the sponsor’s situation after becoming a sponsor, they need to complete the Notification of sponsor changes form in ImmiAccount.

Remember, this visa is a pathway for skilled workers to contribute to Australia’s workforce and economy. 

For Employers, AusPath have access to thousands of skilled Nurses waiting to be sponsored by Australian Health care facilities under the DAMA or a specific Company Specific Labour Agreement, utilising the TSS 482 or 494 VISA. These 2 visas are not points tested. The points test is a system used by the Australian government to assess the eligibility of skilled visa applicants. The points test takes various factors into account, assigning points based on specific criteria. Usually, a score of 65 is required. The points test is commonly associated with visas such as the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent visa), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated visa), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional visa).

The AusPath Transitional Pathway Solution.

Each candidate must have the required recent and validated clinical experience, English Literacy qualification, has passed police and background checks and have already studied and completed the NCLEX-AU, and are now awaiting their chance to sit the OSCE examination, to become Registered Nurses with Ahpra in Australia.  Whilst passing the NCLEX is not a requirement for the DAMA Visa as a PCA, it is a requirement for us to get you an employment sponsorship, as our Employers will want to see that the Candidate is able to pass the OSCE also and is committed to becoming an RN.

These candidates can become eligible to be employed immediately as a Personal Care Worker (AIN), (ANZSCO 423313: Personal Care Assistant), in specific DAMA areas or if Employers have a Company Specific Labour Agreement that caters for this, and work full time, till they achieve their Registered Nurse equivalency.

For Aged Care Employers, during this 6-12 month Transitional Pathway, these Nurses can assist with AN-ACC care minute targets. With the TSS 482 visa being a pathway to the Transitional 186 visa after 2 years now and or 494 being a pathway to the 191 visa with Permanent Residency after 3 years.

This creates a win-win situation for all, as this effectively provides a handy solution for staff retention for Employers. The TSS 482 visa is designed for skilled workers to fill positions in Australia, while the 494 visa is a regional visa that allows employers in regional areas to sponsor skilled workers covered under their areas DAMA. It comes with some extra benefits.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 191 Visa:

You cannot apply directly for the 191 visa. You must first have held the 491 visa or 494 visa for at least three years. You must have maintained residency in a regional area. Although you’re not restricted to stay in the same state or regional area. You must have complied with the conditions of the regional provisional visa which includes working in a regional area.

For Regional Provisional Visas Stream:

• Hold and continue to hold a subclass 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years working in a designated regional area before applying.
• Comply with visa conditions.
• Provide ATO notices of assessment for at least 3 income years out of the 5 years holding the qualifying visa.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• No minimum income criteria.

Benefits of 191 Visa:

• Stay permanently.
• Live, work, and study without restrictions.
• No Age restrictions. However, there is for the qualifying visas.
• Enrol in Medicare.
• Sponsor eligible relatives.
• Travel to and from Australia as permitted.
• Apply for bank loans and attend free English language classes.
• Family members can be included in the application.
• Family members must comply with visa conditions on their qualifying visas.
• Health waiver available under PIC 4007.
• Case-by-case assessment by the Department and Medical Officer of the Commonwealth.
• Submission of compassionate and compelling circumstances required.
• Subclass 191 visa offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
• Apply for Australian citizenship, after one + years.

Read on:

What is required to become a registered Stream B migrant Nurse in Australia?

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), which is responsible for the registration of Nurses in Australia, has specific requirements for the registration of internationally qualified Nurses that are identified as Stream B, including those from countries such as the Philippines, India and other countries that are not in Stream A such as the UK, US, Ireland, Canada, NZ and Hong Kong.

The requirements may vary depending on the state or territory in which the Nurse intends to work. Generally, to become a registered Nurse in Australia, internationally qualified Nurses, including those from the Philippines, must first have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) prior to Ahpra registration.

The ANMAC requires that the Nurse has completed a minimum of three years of Nursing education and training, which includes both theory and clinical components.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is the organization responsible for assessing internationally qualified nurses and midwives for migration purposes. The specific requirements for Nursing experience may vary depending on the type of Nursing registration or visa you are applying for.

For General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas, such as the subclass 189 or 190 visas, ANMAC typically requires a minimum of three years of full-time equivalent (FTE) post-registration Nursing experience. This experience is usually assessed based on the period after you have completed your initial Nursing education and gained registration in your home country.

It’s important to note that ANMAC’s requirements can change, and it’s crucial to refer to the latest guidelines on their official website or contact ANMAC directly for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, if you are applying for a specific visa subclass, such as employer-sponsored visas or regional visas, the requirements may differ, and you should check the specific guidelines for that visa category with a registered Migration Agent.

The requirement for internationally qualified Nurses to have completed a minimum of three years of Nursing education and training refers to the duration of the Nursing program that the Nurse completed, and not to the amount of clinical experience they have. However, when assessing the Nurse’s application for registration, Ahpra may consider the Nurse’s clinical experience in addition to their education and training.

Regardless of the chosen visa pathway, certain terms hold true for all visas offered by the Australian government. These include signing the Australian values statement, meeting health and character requirements, and demonstrating competent English. However, exemptions may apply for native residents of Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the US, Hong Kong or the UK.

It is worth noting that the clinical hours experience requirements for the visa such as TSS 482 and 494 visa are generally more than what is required for Ahpra registration.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) sets the standards for the registration of healthcare professionals, including Registered Nurses (RNs). The clinical hours experience required by Ahpra for Nursing registration is generally based on the completion of a recognized nursing program, which includes a specified number of clinical placement hours. The specific requirements can vary based on the level of qualification and the country where the qualification was obtained. The Department of Home Affairs sets the requirements for visas.

On the other hand, visa requirements for nurses, including those applying as a PCW/PCA/AIN under the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), may have different criteria. DAMA is a specific type of agreement that allows employers in designated regions facing skill shortages to sponsor overseas workers, including nurses.

The DAMA for nurses might have provisions that consider the unique circumstances of the designated region and the healthcare needs of that area. Visa requirements, including clinical experience, may be influenced by the agreement between the employer, the regional authority, and the Australian government.

As a general guide, under the TSS 482, Nurses must have 2 years clinical experience in the last 5 years showing working at least 20 hours a week. But under the DAMA for a PCA/PCW/AIN it is only 1 years’ work showing at least 20 hours a week in the last 5 years. Employer would still want to see that Candidates have enough clinical work experience to transition to RN asap. The work hours as a PCA in Australia would count to that also.

The exact requirements for clinical experience may vary depending on the state or territory in which the Nurse intends to work and the type of registration they are applying for. In general, Ahpra requires that Nurses applying for registration in Australia have recent and relevant clinical experience. Ahpra considers recent experience to be within the last five years, but again, the specific requirements may vary depending on the state or territory in which the Nurse intends to work and the type of registration they are applying for.

What is the minimum number of hours over 5 years, Internationally Qualified Nurses & Midwifes (IQNM) need to have worked to meet the Ahpra recency of practice requirements?

• To meet the requirements of this registration standard for recency of practice IQNM’s must be able to demonstrate an adequate connection with the profession and complete a minimum of:
  • 300 hours of practice in the previous two years, or. 
  • 450 hours of practice in the previous three years.

In addition to the educational requirements, the Nurse must also demonstrate proficiency in English by passing an English language proficiency test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) & also pass the Health & Police Checks. To do an English test review go here.

Once the Nurse’s qualifications have been assessed and they have met the requirements of the ANMAC, they may then complete the OBA and apply for registration with Ahpra. Ahpra will assess the Nurse’s application and determine whether they meet the requirements for registration as a nurse in Australia.

It is worth noting that the clinical hours of experience requirements for the visa such as 191, TSS 482 and 494 visa are different to Ahpra registration. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) sets the standards for the registration of healthcare professionals, including Registered Nurses (RNs). The clinical hours experience required by Ahpra for RN registration is generally based on the completion of a recognized nursing program, which includes a specified number of clinical placement hours. The specific requirements can vary based on the level of qualification and the country where the qualification was obtained. The Department of Home Affairs sets the requirements for visas.

On the other hand, visa requirements for nurses, including those applying under the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), may have different criteria. The DAMA for Nurses might have provisions that take into account the unique circumstances of the designated region and the healthcare needs of that area. Visa requirements, including clinical experience, may be influenced by the agreement between the employer, the regional authority, and the Australian government.

As a general guide, under the TSS 482 or 494 visa Nurses must have 2 years clinical experience in the last 5 years showing working at least 20 hours a week. But under the DAMA for a PCA/PCW/AIN it can be only 1 years’ work in the last 5 years. However, you will still require 2-years clinical experience in the last 5 years to become a Nurse.

Can I come to Australia as a Personal Care Assistant and then study for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?

To work as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA/PCW/AIN) in Australia, if you are not already a registered Nurse abroad, you would need to complete a Certificate 3 or higher in Individual Support, including a practical component, which is not available to undertake in the Philippines or outside of Australia.

Even if you could complete this course, it will not lead to you being registered as a Nurse in Australia and enjoy all the benefits that come with this career. You could work as a PCA but that is as far as your career will likely go at that stage. Because you would still need to pay the huge costs to study for the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to become a registered Nurse in Australia. Currently, as of Jan 2024, a PCA is not on the Temporary Skills Shortage list.

Don’t be fooled by agencies telling you that as an international Nurse, you can just get a Certificate 3, work as a Personal Care Worker, then become a Registered Nurse later easily.

Can I come to Australia on a Student Visa and do the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?

On average, international students can expect to pay between AUD 30,000 to AUD 45,000 per year for a Bachelor of Nursing degree in Australia. There are other expenses such as health insurance, textbooks, and accommodation. The total cost of a Bachelor of Nursing degree in Australia for international students would depend on the duration of the program, which is typically three years.

Based on the average cost per year, the total cost of a Bachelor of Nursing Degree in Australia for international students would range between AUD 90,000 to AUD 135,000 + other costs. If you compare that to getting a Nursing degree in the Philippines for example, that would only be on average around PHP 200,000 to 800,000 or AUD $5,300 to $21,200.

What about the Conversion Program?

The cost of a Nurse conversion program in Australia can vary depending on the education provider and the duration of the program. On average, the cost of a Nurse conversion program for a registered Nurse from overseas is estimated to cost up to AUD 30,000. Migrant Nurses in Stream B will need to get a Student Visa and can only work 40 hours per fortnight in general or fulltime during breaks.

It’s important to note that these are rough estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the chosen university, accommodation options, and lifestyle choices. International students in Australia are generally required to study full-time, which means enrolling in at least 3-4 subjects per semester or the equivalent.

It’s worth noting that studying full-time in Australia can also have additional costs beyond tuition fees, such as textbooks, materials, and accommodation, so it’s important to consider these expenses when budgeting for your studies. This is an expensive pathway and quite difficult. You will need to live in Australia during the training and pay all the living costs on top also. There is no guarantee of registration and no access to a graduate visa either.

So, if you are not a registered Nurse overseas before getting your Visa to work in Australia as a PCA, then it is highly likely that you will not become a Nurse in Australia whilst working, as it will be very difficult to be able to study for it on a 4-year work Visa and the costs are very high. But it’s not impossible.

The 494 Visa and the DAMA.

The subclass 494 visa is a 5-year visa granted to applicants sponsored by a regional employer. This visa can be utilised as part of the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for Regional Australia.

The DAMA can enable specific Regional Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers. Employers experiencing skills and labour shortages can apply for endorsement to enter into a DAMA labour agreement. This enables them to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers with more flexible requirements than are available via the standard skilled visa programs. PCW’s and RN’s are occupations that can fall under the DAMA agreement.

Importantly, there is an age concession for both the Aged Carer and Registered Nurse (Aged Care). Approved employers can employ foreign workers under 55 and offer permanent residency. The cut-off age for skilled migration or employer sponsored migration is 45 if not under a DAMA.

The visa holder does not require a sponsor to obtain the permanent subclass 191 visa after three years of employment with the sponsor. This saves the sponsor money and provides the visa applicant with a reason to remain in the employment of the sponsor as they know permanent residency is definitely available. If the visa applicant is on a TSS 482 visa with the promise of being sponsored for permanent residency, they are still not sure if the employer will follow through with permanent residency.

Under the subclass 494 visa, the visa holder has access to Medicare which means the employer has no responsibility for the visa holder’s medical bills. Medicare is Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. It guarantees all Australians (and some overseas visitors) access to a wide range of health and hospital services at low or no cost. Comparatively, although the visa holder has to carry health insurance as part of the 482 visas, if the insurer does not cover the medical care or the visa holder does not maintain insurance and then has a medical issue, the sponsor may be required to pay. So, access to Medicare for the 494-visa holder is important for both the employer and employee.

So, the subclass 494 visa has more benefits for a sponsor than a subclass 482 visa. It is also beneficial for the visa applicant as there is more security with permanent residency and they have access to Medicare. Access to Medicare can be a game changer to those visa holders who have their immediate family members join them, as overseas visitors’ health insurance can be very expensive for a family.

There are many benefits to working in regional areas in Australia for migrant Nurses. First of all, under the DAMA, the Visa approval is much easier and faster. You will almost most definitely have your Visa application approved quickly if you qualify and you’ll start your employment in a short period of time from accepting your employment offer. Most of the regional areas are quite large, like cities, and the accommodation is more affordable and transport to work and back is much easier. Most of our employers are large organisations with multiple facilities that you could elect to transfer too after you gain PR.

The CSLA

For Employers that are not in a DAMA area, there is also another Pathway under the Company Specific Labour Agreements. For more info on a CSLA for Employers, go to our blog post at Company Specific Labour Agreements.

Here are the 3 occupations that are relevant:

Aged or Disabled Carer (ANZSCO code: 423111): This occupation involves providing personal care, support, and assistance to the elderly or individuals with disabilities in residential or home care settings. It could be a potential alternative occupation for personal care assistants.

Personal Care Worker (ANZSCO code: 423312): This occupation involves assisting individuals with their daily personal care needs, including grooming, bathing, dressing, and other activities. Personal care workers often work in aged care facilities, hospitals, or home care settings.

Community Support Worker (ANZSCO code: 411711): This occupation involves providing support and assistance to individuals in the community who require help due to age, disability, or other circumstances. Community support workers may assist with personal care, domestic tasks, and emotional support.

For International Nurses, a more practical path to building a career in Nursing in Australia, if you are a Stream B applicant, and don’t want to have to go down the path of Ahpra registration first, is to undertake a Bachelor’s in Nursing and obtain at least 2 years of clinical experience in your home country.

Once you have completed this, you can do the Ahpra Self-Check, be identified as Stream B, and then complete the NCLEX training in your home country, such as the Philippines with review centres such as IPass Processing and pass the NCLEX test.

You can take an IELTS test, and if you can obtain at least a 5 across all sections, as well as obtain a positive skills assessment from ANMAC as a personal care worker, you can then apply to work as a Personal Care Assistant in Aged Care in Australia on a TSS 482 or 494 Visa. You could also elect to do the PTE English exam which is slightly easier many have said.

Language Certification Requirements:

For applicants from other countries, language certification is crucial. Acceptable certifications include:

Competent English (homeaffairs.gov.au)

Visa Category	IELTS	TOEFL	PTE	OTE	Cambridge C1 Advanced Test
DAMA/CSLA – PCW etc*	5 in all skills	Listening 4, Speaking 14, Reading 4, Writing 14	36 in all skills	At least B for all skills	154 in all skills
(Other Visas) RN etc*	7 in all skills	Listening 12, Speaking 18, Reading 13, Writing 21	50 in all skills	At least B for all skills	169 in all skills

* Scores may vary based on occupation.

One of the other benefits of this process, rather than applying directly as a registered Nurse, as is traditional, is you won’t need to obtain a 7 across all sections of the IELTS test. Anyone who has taken an IELTS test will tell you it is a lot easier to obtain a 5 than a 7!  Another benefit is the cost. By following this pathway, you will heavily reduce the upfront costs.

You also will not need to apply for a Tourist Visa to sit the OSCE exam. A Tourist Visa has a higher chance of refusal than a subclass TSS 482 or 494 Visa and could take several months to obtain. If you are granted this Visa, and that is a big if, you would not be able to work at all whilst holding this Visa. So not only will you have to pay to undertake the OSCE training and exam, but you will also need substantial funds to travel & support yourself in Australia. This is still an option; nothing has changed with this process. We call that Option 1 the Traditional Path and our Option 2 as the Transitional Path.

Subclass 500 Student VISAs.

AusPath also have many candidates already in Australia on Subclass 500 Student VISAs that are RN’s back in their home country, who are completing courses, such as the Certificate 3 in Individual Support for Aged Care and Disability, many of whom are already working as PCW’s/PCA’s/AIN’s, and who are also looking for Sponsorship as a Pathway to Permanent Residency.

These Nurses can also be transferred to the 482 VISA. Once they pass the OSCE and OBA they can apply to become Registered Nurses with Ahpra.

NB: Subclass 500 Student VISA candidates are eligible to work 24hrs / week and full-time during semester breaks, until they have finished their courses. They can be workplace ready, get an appropriate visa to work in DAMA (areas) or for companies with a CLSA in place.

Now, when it comes to getting the sponsorship & employment offer International Nurses want in Australia, having completed the NCLEX beforehand, indicates to the employer that you are committed and capable of becoming a Nurse later. Which is what they would want. Employers need to pay substantial fees upfront to sponsor employees, so they want to be certain the employees they take on are committed to the role and capable.

These costs to employers can be many thousands of dollars and carry some further risk. And it is a bit of a benefit to employers, as the pay as a PCA will be a bit less before becoming a Nurse, and that helps the employers in the beginning to reduce costs, whilst you are still fitting into the role.

Begin Working.

Once AusPath Agency secure your sponsorship and employment in Australia as a Personal Carer in Aged Care, you will be able to travel to Australia on a subclass TSS 482 or 494 Visa and begin working as soon as you arrive. This means you won’t have to save a lot of money to pay for all the OSCE training & fees upfront, before you get Ahpra and Visa approval. And the Visa process is much quicker and easier on this path.

The Added Benefit To Get Your Sponsorship Through AusPath Agency.

Another benefit to getting employment through AusPath Agency is that all our Nurses with employment offers can get free training in the LeeCare Platinum6 Aged Care program, and free access to the Ausmed online training platform for the 8 core modules in Aged Care and CPD Points management. The LeeCare program is in over 6 countries worldwide and is used all over Australia.

Plus, all AusPath Nurses get 1 years FREE FULL ACCESS to the COMPLETE complement of Ausmed Training with over 1,275 online training courses, including all CPD Modules valued at $432 p/a, and a CPD Points Passport to record skills for employers. Making you a valuable Employee in Australia and the world. This is an exclusive offer to AusPath Agency Nurses only.

Get the FREE Ausmed Passport offer here now.

Whilst you are in Australia, working and earning Australian dollars, you could then save money and then afford to undertake the OSCE training and exam. And some states are even currently providing up to $15,000 in relocation support to offset your relocation costs and subsidise short term housing. Please note, this is not a lump sum payment and is only for the genuine relocation expenses.

Whilst holding the subclasses 482 or 494 Visa, you can undertake the OSCE training online at your own pace and will only need a few practical training days. You can then take the exam when you feel ready before your Visa expires. This will really reduce your stress levels to have more freedom in this process. We recommend you do this as soon as possible. 

While there is generally no specific time limit for sitting the OSCE exam, it is important to keep in mind that the OBA process should be completed within a reasonable timeframe to avoid any potential expiration of documentation, changes in regulations, or other factors that may affect the assessment outcome. It’s recommended to initiate and complete the OBA process in a timely manner to ensure a smooth progression towards obtaining your Nurse registration in Australia. 

And don’t forget, you will have more time to brush up on your English skills whilst working in Australia to obtain that 7 on the IELTS test. Without thinking, your English will improve whilst you use it every day in a work setting. Many of your patients and colleagues will love to help you improve your English whilst you work! That can help reduce the pressure to meet this requirement as we have already acknowledged the difficulty of obtaining a high score on the IELTS test. Financially and stress-wise, this pathway just makes sense.   

Now, once you meet these requirements, you could obtain Ahpra RN registration. If you meet the requirements, you could change your subclasses 482 visa from working as a Personal Carer, to a Registered Nurse on a 5-year subclass 494 and then apply yourself after 3 years for permanent residency on a 191 visa without needing a Sponsor. Or after 2 years on a TSS 482 your workplace could sponsor you for permanent residency. This was previously 3 years.

The best part about transferring from a Personal Carer to a Registered Nurse in Australia will be the pay increase and the advancement in your career.

So, in conclusion, as an International Stream B Nurse, you will have kept your costs low to obtain your work Visa, already be working in Australia and earning Australian dollars whilst undergoing the required OSCE exam & Ahpra registration and have improved your English so you do well on the English test.

This is a much easier, affordable, faster & practical pathway.

Option 1: The Full Steps – Stream B RN – From Ahpra Self-Check To Employment:

1. Ahpra Self-Check.
2. IQNM Assessment.
3. Orientation Part 1.
4. Provide a portfolio of documents and proof of qualifications.
5. NCLEX Training. (Stream B Only)
6. NCLEX-RN MCQ Exam. (Stream B Only)
7. Police Check.
8. Literary Test. 7 score. (Stream B Only)
9. Health Check.
10. AusPath Employment & Sponsorship Offer.
11. OSCE Training Online. (Stream B Only)
12. Tourist Visa Lodged & Approved.
13. OSCE Test. (Adelaide) (Stream B Only)
14. ANMAC Skills Assessment. (Depends on Visa)
15. Insurance Certificate.
16. Ahpra Registration Application & Approval.
17. VISA Lodged & Approved, Tax File Number.
18. OEC Approved – Orientation Seminars. (Filipino Only)
19. Fly to Australia – Accommodation
20. Start Employment.

The Table below shows the breakdown of associated costs for Stream B Applicants. Individual costs may vary. If you are a Stream A Applicant, then Ahpra will notify you if you are able to proceed straight to the ANMAC Skills Assessment. That would mean you do not need to do NCLEX-RN MCQ & OSCE training or tests, so your costs are significantly reduced. All Applicants will require a Health-Check & Insurance also.

Self – Check (Free initial assessment & then payment is required upfront by the Nurses to to do the IQNM Assessment and proceed to OBA)	$640
AusPath Onboarding & Support	FREE
NCLEX Training (Davao, Manila, Cebu) (Stream B)	$500
NCLEX-RN MCQ Test Fee (Manila) (Stream B)	$526
Police check	$50
Literacy test (Stream B)	$300
OSCE Training (Online and Live Stations Practice) (Stream B)	$3,500
Tourist Visa, Flights & Accommodation (To Adelaide for OSCE and back. Est)	$1,500
OSCE Exam Fee (Adelaide) (Stream B)	$4,000
ANMAC Full Skills Assessment	$515
NMBA Ahpra Registration & Licence (est)	$489
Visa Temporary Skills Shortage 482 (Migration Agency fees may also apply) (Non-Filipino)	$2,770
Flights (To Australia) + Housing bond and 2 weeks accommodation (If applicable) (Non-Filipino)	$1500
Total Funding Required AUD (Non-Filipino)	$16,290
Total Funding Required AUD Filipino (Fights & visa paid by Employer)	$12,020
Relocation Fee Rebate (If Applicable.13k Metro, 15k Regional) (See below)

Option 2: From PCA To Employment To RN:

1. Ahpra Self-Check.
2. IQNM Assessment.
3. Orientation Part 1.
4. Provide a portfolio of documents and proof of qualifications.
5. NCLEX Training. (Stream B Only)
6. NCLEX-RN MCQ Exam. (Stream B Only)
7. Police Check.
8. Literary Test. 5 score. (Stream B Only)
9. Health Check.
10. AusPath Employment & 494 PCA DAMA Visa Sponsorship Offer.
11. ANMAC Skills Assessment. (Depends on Visa)
12. Insurance Certificate.
13. VISA Lodged & Approved, Tax File Number.
14. OEC Approved – Orientation Seminars. (Filipino Only)
15. Fly to Australia – Accommodation
16. Start Employment.
17. OSCE Training.
18. OSCE Test.
19. Complete OBA & RN Approved.
20. Convert to 494 RN Visa.
21. Apply for 191 visa with self-sponsored PR later and Citizenship.

The Table below shows the breakdown of associated costs for Applicants as a PCA (Option 2). That would mean you do not need to do OSCE training or tests prior, so your costs are significantly reduced. You can do that later when working. All Applicants will require a Health-Check & Insurance also.

Self – Check (Free initial assessment & then payment is required upfront by the Nurses to to do the IQNM Assessment and proceed to OBA)	$640
AusPath Onboarding & Support	FREE
NCLEX Training (Davao, Manila, Cebu) (Stream B)	$500
NCLEX-RN MCQ Test Fee (Manila) (Stream B)	$526
Police check	$50
Literacy test (Stream B)	$300
OSCE Training (Online and Live Stations Practice) (Stream B)	$0
Tourist Visa, Flights & Accommodation (To Adelaide for OSCE and back. Est)	$0
OSCE Exam Fee (Adelaide) (Stream B)	$0
ANMAC Full Skills Assessment	$515
NMBA Ahpra Registration & Licence (est)	$0
*Visa Temporary Skills Shortage 482 (Migration Agency fees may also apply) (Non-Filipino)	$2,770
*Flights (To Australia) + Housing bond and 2 weeks accommodation (If applicable) (Non-Filipino)	$1500
Total Funding Required AUD (Non-Filipino)	$6,751
Total Funding Required AUD Filipino (Flights & visa paid by employer)	$2,481
Relocation Fee Rebate (If Applicable.13k Metro, 15k Regional) (See below)

NB: All Nurses are required to have Professional Indemnity Insurance and Health Insurance.

As you can see in these examples, the cost to get your Sponsorship to begin working in Australia is significantly less in Option 2 as a PCA. And if your eligible for relocation support you could get repaid for things like travel, removalists & short-term accommodation. Then do your OSCE & Ahpra when working in Australia, convert to RN Sponsorship and apply for 186 Visa after 2 years or 191 visa after 3 years which include PR.

And here is another secret: If you’re coming direct from the Philippines to be an OFW. You are required to get the Direct Migrant Workers (DMW) approval and an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). This is a Philippine law requirement. And under this the Employer is to pay for your visa and flights. So, the upfront cost estimates can be as low as only $2,481 Aud.

That makes Australia the most affordable country in the world now for Philippine Nurses to become International Registered Nurses. And guess what else, Australian Nurses can get paid some of the highest salaries in the world. Plus, free Medicare and the Superannuation Guarantee. And you will have the opportunity for career advancement. and even higher salaries.

Superannuation Guarantee:

And as an added benefit, international Nurses working in Australia are entitled to receive Superannuation. The minimum superannuation employers must pay for each eligible employee is 11% of their ordinary time earnings (OTE). This is called the Super Guarantee (SG) and is now paid monthly into the nominated superfund. Normally Australian workers are not entitled to receive this superannuation until retirement, and not as a lump sum.

However, when an international worker returns home, there is the possibility to receive this payment as a lump sum. That means that on an average income of $100,000 p/a over 4 years, if they return home and do not extend their work visa, they are be entitled to receive their Superannuation as a lump sum, which could be around $44,000 Aud +/- whatever growth the fund received based on this estimate. Or if the Nurses decide to gain Permanent Residency, then they will continue receiving Superannuation from their employment paid into their nominated Superfund to access upon retirement.

Employers Aged Care 24/7 Care Minutes Requirements Obligations

It is important to stress that care provided by RNs, ENs, Personal Care Workers (PCWs) and Assistants in Nursing (AINs) can be counted for the purposes of meeting the Aged Care minutes targets.

Overview of the Commission’s Regulatory Approach.

Where facilities are not meeting the 24/7 RN responsibility, the Commission will consider the steps a provider has taken to fulfil their responsibilities, and the clinical governance and clinical care arrangements in place to ensure that the clinical needs of residents are met.

Where providers can show, they are actively working to comply with their responsibilities, the Commissions response will be different from the actions taken if a provider is unable to demonstrate a suitable response, or deliberately avoids meeting their obligations and may be placing residents at risk of harm.

If Aged Care Providers are not meeting the 24/7 RN responsibility, but can show ongoing efforts to comply, and are providing safe and quality care to residents at all times, the Commission are unlikely to take enforcement action.

Enrolled nurses and other care staff, such as PCW’s, may make up a valuable part of a provider’s strategy to ensure the clinical care needs of their residents when an RN is not on-site.

“Enforcement action is unlikely where providers are making efforts to achieve 24/7 coverage and continuing to provide safe and quality care to residents, including through alternative clinical care arrangements when an RN is not on-site and on duty“

Conclusion

Firstly, for the Streamlined Path, International Stream B Nurses will obtain an offer of employment from a DAMA approved regional Aged Care facility or Hospital or Medical Facility as a Personal Car Worker. They can then be sponsored under a subclass TSS 482 visa under the Designated Area Migration Area (DAMA) stream or CSLA.  This sponsorship grants you the opportunity to work in the sponsored Aged Care facility as a PCW and the sponsorship will likely be valid for 1- 2 years.

The reason it is a shorter-term sponsorship is because we want you to be able to eventually utilise your skills as a Registered Nurse in the facility.  It also will be under the DAMA program, as Personal Care Workers are not an option under the general subclass 482 sponsorship process.

Why the 482 Visa. Because it is cheaper than the 494 Visa. Currently it is $2,770 Aud compared to the 494 Visa which costs $4,640 Aud. But this is something you may want to consider or negotiate with your employer. Remember, the 482 Visa leads to PR under the 186 Visa in 2 years, And the 494 leads to the 191 Visa after 3 years but comes with Medicare and Self Sponsorship.

Importantly, there is an age concession for both the Aged Carer and Registered Nurse (Aged Care) under the DAMA. Approved employers can employ foreign workers under 55 and offer permanent residency. The cut-off age for skilled migration or employer sponsored migration is generally 45 but this gives those more experienced nurses also an opportunity to not only work in Australia but also have a pathway to permanent residency.

So, if you are over 45 you would likely want the 494 Visa so you can transition to the 191 Visa after 3 years working in a regional area.

While working as a PCW/AIN/PCA, it is crucial to seize the opportunity to advance your Nursing career. Within the initial few months, it is advisable you will earn a good salary, allowing International Nurses to hopefully complete the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and obtain a positive skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and registration with Ahpra as a Registered Nurse. These are essential for your progression on the permanent residency journey.

Once you obtain the registration and skills assessment, your current employer can then sponsor you for the Subclass 494 SESR visa as an RN. This visa provides a stable pathway to permanent residency in Australia. Unlike the TSS 482 visa, which necessitates employer sponsorship for the transition to permanent residency, the Subclass 494 visa affords more independence and control over your future.

Aside from the remarkable career and residency opportunities, one of the significant advantages of the Subclass 494 SESR visa is access to Australia’s renowned public healthcare system, Medicare. This ensures that you and your family have access to essential healthcare services, providing peace of mind throughout your stay in Australia.  Under the subclass TSS 482 visa, it is a condition of your visa that you maintain private health insurance, so not having to pay for private health insurance will provide you with significant savings under the subclass 494 visa.

After dedicating a minimum of three years to your role and meeting the requirements of the Subclass 494 visa, you become eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. The Subclass 191 visa does not require employer sponsorship, eliminating the uncertainty and reliance on your employer’s support during the permanent residency stage. This empowerment allows you to plan for your future in Australia.

Keep in mind this is general information and is not personal advice and there can be exceptions in the processes, but through this process you can maintain control as you move towards permanent residency for you and your family in Australia. It also provides comfort to your employers as they seek retention of staff.

Embarking on the journey from a PCW to a Registered Nurse in Australia presents a world of possibilities and personal growth. Through the TSS 482 visa pathway, you can enter Australia as a Carer, gain valuable experience, and progress towards becoming a Registered Nurse (Aged Care). The Subclass 494 SESR visa offers stability and serves as a pathway to permanent residency, granting you the independence to shape your future. With access to Medicare and a thriving healthcare sector, Australia offers a welcoming environment for skilled healthcare professionals like yourself.

In our opinion, we think it is also best for the Employee/PCA/Nurse to move to Australia by themselves at first. Especially as you will be on Probation at first. It also means you can then settle down first into affordable accommodation such as shared housing with fellow Nurses, which is a lot cheaper and easier to get. Then once you’re here, you can find the permanent accommodation that suits, to bring your partner and family. Many or our regional employers can offer solutions for this.

We also suggest that gaining your sponsored employment into a regional area at first is highly beneficial. Especially because that is where the demand is most, there are more incentives to go there, the accommodation is easier to get and a lot more affordable. For example, if you got employment in Sydney for example, it would be hard to find affordable accommodation nearby, it would be very expensive, and you may be required to travel for hours every day.

Most of our Employers are large Health Service Providers with multiple facilities in multiple locations. Once you are established with them, it becomes much easier for you to apply for transfer to a preferred location within the same organisation. And you could have a nice amount of savings in the bank by then.

Transitional Path Steps for Stream B Nurses:

1. Do the Ahpra Self-Check if a Nurse or your appropriate body.
2. Begin OBA with Ahpra and register with AusPath here.
3. Pass your NCLEX exam.
4. Pass your English test and fulfil your other requirements.
5. Have at least 1.5 years clinical experience and get employment offer through AusPath as a PCA.
6. Get your 482 visa and begin employment in Australian DAMA areas as a PCW.
7. Begin your OSCE studies.
8. Pass OSCE asap and become RN with Ahpra and transfer to 494 Visa.
9. After 3 years self-sponsor for 191 Visa.
10. After a further 1+ years apply for Citizenship in Australia.

It’s important to note that the requirements for registration may change over time, so it’s always best to check the most up-to-date information on the DOHA, Ahpra and ANMAC websites.

For info on how to become a registered Nurse in Australia, i.e., Option 1: The Traditional Path, read our blog post here. https://www.auspath.agency/how-to-become-a-registered-international-nurse-to-work-in-australia-through-auspath

Register with AusPath today. Register With AusPath Here!

1. Select Nurse Registration. (Enter your details, status & upload supporting docs & CV) 
2. Your Members Portal will then be created for you to log in and update your status and upload further documentation.
3. Use our Book a Call calendar to speak to our Onboarding manager. 

Nurse Candidates