Pooja Negi

Good to hear that an offshore RN got his/her visa grant. I'm a RN too waiting since 03/2020; filed visa for 190-VIC. Although RNs are a high priority occupation during covid/post covid but it doesn't seem that DHA is finalizing applications based on that. Another RN friend of mine is waiting since Dec 2019 and hasn't received any update; it still says "received" on his immi account. So, its more of luck I would say! lol

The Aus FY will end in June and it doesn't seem the borders will open up for all by then, So year end basically means 2021 Dec. I even read on the news that they wont open up until 2022 mid year so its just wait and watch and counting your stars! The renewal of skill assessment depends upon the authority. Since you haven't mentioned her job code, So I wont be able to comment on what will be the exact procedure. As @DukeNinjamentioned that for RNs, its ANMAC who does the assessment for Nurses and the LOD is valid for 2 years. In case it gets expired before receiving an invitation, one has to submit fresh professional references, Good standing certificates and English tests should be valid at that time along with paying the renewal fee in order to get the re issuance. Might be similar for other job codes but cant be sure.

I'm sorry Paul for generalizing it by saying that. I do understand that there are plenty of genuine MARA agents out there but at the same time there are agencies/agents who are just looting PR aspirants by showing a fake picture of Australia Immigration. New Applicants do need to know that things have changed drastically since 2019 (even before covid) hence there is no use in getting stuck by applying for Aus rather one should look for other countries who are still welcoming immigrants just like before.

For the first time I'm hearing this from a migration agent (Most of them just want client's money) but I definitely agree with this statement. Since you are offshore, there is no use starting your journey now by investing your time in English test and skill assessments when you have no idea about the future of 189/190/491. There are so many people waiting without invitations since 1-2 years and are just losing their money by re attempting PTE/IELTS/OET or renewing skill assessments as most of these docs expire while waiting for an invitation. It doesn't seem the borders will open by this year end so you will just lose your documents validity if you get these done now. It would be better to wait and see how things turn out for immigration in the future. Or maybe look for other countries in the meantime. And you can submit separate EOIs for both 190 and 491.

You will be applying for a Modified skills assessment with ANMAC. If you are gaining GSM points from your professional experience then you need minimum 3 years of full time experience. The below ANMAC website will give you more info on this assessment. https://www.anmac.org.au/skilled-migration-services/modified-skills-assessment

Not sure if having a job will have any direct affect on your invitation chances. Your best bet is 190 for now. You can submit an EOI for 189 as well, no harm in doing that. DHA is having quarterly invitations for 189 so the waiting time will be more for sure. Have you tried asking your employer to sponsor you for 186 (Employer sponsored nomination) Visa? That could be another option you can try.

I agree with you. PTE is way easier than IELTS/OET. I gave PTE to increase my point scores for GSM and ended up getting 89+ in first attempt. Well, PTE doesnt actually test one's english skills but if you need scores then go for it. I just practiced 2 weeks before the exam and went through E2 language free videos on youtube and it was enough whereas I worked on IELTS for two months and still ended up giving it twice. lol

I second that!!

Hello Catrions, I agree with what @Marisawright said. The journey to reach Aus will be a very long one this time! In regards to your query for English language test, you can try OET (occupational English Test) which is designed specifically for Healthcare Professionals and is considered easier than the IELTS Academic in regards to getting the scores. When I appeared for an English test, Aus/AHPRA was not accepting OET (in 2017) so I had to go with writing IELTS twice to get the required score. Also, the overseas AHPRA application process for you might be a bit different than what I did back then as you are a RN in Ireland so I feel it will be smooth but expect a few delays thanks to COVID19. I'm a RN from India so we have to follow a complete different pathway for AHPRA registration. Anyway wishing you luck with your Aussie journey!

Jia, She/he is asking regarding 190 invitations which happens as per the state's wishes. You are talking about 189 invites which will be quarterly for this year.

Hello, Glad to see a fellow nurse here. I believe your chances of receiving an invitation are very bright seeing you are an onshore nurse and living in NSW since the last 5 years. It's just a matter of time, so submit your EOI and wait! Wish you luck

Hello James, Your ROI will only be considered if it is submitted during the "Submission Window". Also, in order to submit ROI, you will first have to create an account on liveinmelbourne website ( https://vicgov.force.com/liveinmelbourne/s/login/SelfRegister ). Once you have created an account, there will be an option to apply for ROI which you can do during the submission window as mentioned in their website ( https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas/registration-of-interest-for-victorian-state-visa-nomination ). I hope this information is helpful.

Sounds good. Wish you all the best!

Since your wife is a registered mental health nurse in home country, has she applied for her AHPRA registration? I would suggest doing that as once she is a licensed Registered Mental Health Nurse in Aus, she can apply for employer sponsorship jobs. Also, she will be needing her AHPRA license in case she is applying for 189/190.

Also (jut out of curiosity), are you onshore or offshore?

Why would you want to apply for employer sponsored visa when you have already got a 189 invite? You do realize that 189 is a PR visa and will have other government benefits (including childcare) attached with it once granted. I agree the processing time for 189/190 have skyrocketed post covid but it will come sooner or later unless one has supplied forge documents or have a criminal record. There will definitely not be a refund if its refused/rejected/takes a long time to grant. But I dont see any point not accepting this invite as long as you have a clear record and have all the evidence for the points you claimed in your EOI. You are one lucky person who received an invite for 189 at 70 points which is very rare seeing there are so many waiting without an invite at 90+ points for so many months. Wish you luck!

This is too funny!!!

Hey Cobs_Ahoy, Yes, you are correct about the employer sponsored visas, hardly any hospitals/age care gives sponsored visas to offshore applicants. This is coming from a fellow nurse who applied to many places but didn't get a positive response (every time they would ask my citizen/residency status before even looking at my profile). Having said that, one of my RN friend was lucky (very lucky) enough to grab one and she went to Australia in July (got a travel exemption as well because of our occupation). But in order to apply for an employer sponsored visa, you should have your AHPRA License. If not, I would suggest that you apply for one as COVID has really changed the status of our occupation not just in Aus but all over the world. Once you have your AHPRA license, it will be easy to grab one of the employer sponsored visas as I believe (guess) now more hospitals/age care/nursing homes would be willing to sponsor offshore applicants because of the PMSOL. And anyway, even if you have to choose the (Sensible) long term plan, you would need your AHPRA license. Wish you luck!

Maybe ask the employer to write something regarding "Compassionate reasons". Why would a partner stay away from the other especially during this pandemic time. That's the only thing I can think of tbh.

Usually (Pre Covid) ANMAC takes around 4 weeks to give a decision on the application. When I applied (Last year), I got it exactly after 4 weeks and same with my friends. But as mentioned in their website now, it could be delayed. And usually they do update the account to "further assessment" (after a CO Contact) and then "finalized" when its done. So just hang in there, it will be coming soon! Wish you Luck!

There are many Australian Hospitals who give sponsorship visas (TSS) to nurses working in UK, Ireland, USA. I would suggest that you apply for jobs in seek/indeed and if selected, employer sponsored visas are now under PMSOL (Priority Migration skilled occupation list) and RNs are included in that list so there will be priority processing of your Visa and you will be getting a travel exemption too. If you are thinking of the PR pathway, then yes go ahead get your ANMAC Skills assessment, write PTE/IELTS/OET and get proficiency scores to increase your overall points for GSM (189/190) Visa. Wish you luck!

For which profession are you inquiring?

Most of the states have now got interim quota for 190/491 until 6th Oct, 2020. So, they will be sending few invitations only for critical care occupations. Most of the states have posted the official announcement on their website, so please check for each state. Also, hope for offshore applicant as of now is NEGLIGIBLE. Maybe things improves post budget announcement. Best of Luck!

What's your ANZSCO code? Which all states have you applied for 190? Also, 190 program is currently closed now and the states will start sending out invites only after they receive the Annual Migration Quota from the federal gvt which is scheduled for 6th Oct, 2020. Having said that, some states have updated on their websites, that until they receive the quota, they might send out few invites only to occupations critical/relevant to the economy during this pandemic. So, if you are from a critical care occupation, you might expect some movement soon. If not, it will be a long waiting time for you. In addition to that, states invites people whose skills are in need of the particular state and high points do not really matter much. They can invite someone with 70 points and not invite one with 95 points. Answer to your second question: Applicant files for state nomination application when their EOI gets picked by any/particular state. However, for some states and occupations (example-VIC for occupations OTHER THAN ICT, Nursing & Engineering occupations), one can submit 190 EOI and can simultaneously file state nomination application and the state will process the application and will declare the outcome-accepted/rejected/refused.

Yes Maria. OET is just equivalent to the other English language tests. Also, I'm offshore and I have lodged my Visa Application in March, 2020, still waiting for the grant.