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

17 hours ago, martl_2001 said:

Thanks Pooja. This is very useful advice.

When you say 'year end' do you mean calendar year or Aussie government financial year (I think I've read that's a thing!).

You mention renewing skills assessment. If we did take it and it expired, is the 'renewal' just an additional fee to extend the validity of it, or something that you'd need to resubmit all original documentation for?

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.

56 minutes ago, paulhand said:

I think that’s an unnecessary and untrue comment ... I’d be interested in your sample size for such a sweeping ‘observation’?
 

I am still doing paid GSM assessments if clients want them, but I do tell offshore clients upfront that things are very uncertain at the moment and that it is likely that the landscape will change going forward. It’s an investment in information that some people want to make in the hope that they are ready to move quickly when things start to normalise. 

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. 
 

6 hours ago, martl_2001 said:

We've been told (by an agent) that there's no point in doing a formal assessment with an agent until later in the year when we know a bit more about the borders opening.

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.

15 hours ago, bezdo said:

Just wondering, how does the skill assessment work for 190 visa, what do I need to apply for one? Is it a must to have a 1 year work experience in a specific field for that and 190 in general?

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

3 hours ago, bezdo said:

Hi, thank you for this! Really appreciate it! Plus I have a full time job as RN. Don’t know if that helps.

And my best bet is 190 right? 

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.

18 hours ago, armada said:

Re English, definitely do Pearson over IETLS. Pearson is all computer based, so fairer than the IETLS where it is up to the discretion of the person examining you. Our migration agent said that in 10 years she has not known anyone doing the IELTS to pass it first time. Much better prospects with Pearson. Sign up for E2 language online course to prep for Pearson. You get online video classes and can do mock exams to boost your confidence. Both myself and hubby did this and both got 90s across the board. You do have to work for it but once you figure out the formula for each section you'll be fine. We each did about 2-3 weeks prep. We are native speakers mind and have no strong accent. I believe a Liverpudlian recently failed on speaking...so guess there are downsides to computer algorithms.

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

1 hour ago, Domo said:

You're bulletproof kid, go for it! Onshore medical field, doesnt get much better, tbh!

I second that!! 

On 12/02/2021 at 22:24, Catrionaoconn said:

Hi All,

 

i am new to this forum but I wondered if anyone could offer some advise on my situation, I am a nurse in Ireland looking to immigrate to Australia and I would like to try get the skilled visa 189/190 , I have made an appointment with migration agent also. How do I go about booking an English test? And is there a specific one for nurses? I have started the AHPRA process but it will take a few months to be processed. Has anyone any idea how long these applications are currently taking?
 

Also, on a separate note , does anyone know if working holiday visas are still being accepted?
 

I guess what I am trying to ask is what is the best/easiest way to get to Australia? Obviously, in the current pandemic situation leaving Ireland and immigrating is going to be difficult but as things in Australia seem to be improving day by day and fingers crossed it stays that way, is it worth applying for a working holiday visa? And then focusing on getting the skilled visa when I get to Australia. I am so sorry if I have confused anyone, I am just very unsure myself on what is best to do. 

 

catriona 

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!

On 12/02/2021 at 20:40, Jia said:

Hi Bezdo, very few invitations are being issued at the moment. You can check the latest invitation data on the DHA website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds

I believe the next invitation round should be sometime in April because invitation rounds are now quarterly for this year and the last one was in January, according to the DHA website.

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.

On 05/02/2021 at 11:40, bezdo said:

Hi,

 

Planning on applying for a 190 visa as a Registered Nurse (nec). Lived in NSW for over 5 years, graduated from an accredited University with a Bachelor in Nursing. Have my registration and 1 year of work experience so far. Currently residing in NSW, working here and have superior English.

 

Sitting at 85 points so far. How likely am I to get invited?

Any additional tips and info appreciated.

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.

19 hours ago, StevenP said:

Hello, we are in the process now of firstly getting the English test complete and the rest to follow on completion. We have been using Paul Hand who has been very helpful on the best route and what is required. Thanks for the above information I think subject to good result in the English test we will be applying for the above straight after. 

Sounds good. Wish you all the best!

On 19/01/2021 at 22:24, StevenP said:

Hi all, 

I am new to this forum as a member but been watching in for a while. 
 

I have tied myself in knots and become so confused by the entire process or relocating which inevitably will require professional assistance through i migration agent sooner rather than later but would love some opinions from members who have made this move. 
 

So here goes apologies in advance. Bit of our story

so my wife is a qualified (degree) mental health nurse with an additional diploma in CBT therapy. My job is within aviation as a compliance monitoring auditor with a few basic auditing certs ISO9001 nothing to gain points. We have 1 child aged 2 and another due in September. 
 

where is have tied myself up in knots is firstly what visa to go for. My wife is on the list but not sure how many EOI’s they are accepting. Then I was informed my a agent  they were only dealing with people with sponsorships firstly how easy is that to obtain and secondly does this come with a big risk of the sponsor tearing up the sponsorship? 
 

Because this is such a big life changing move I really want to make sure that it’s done right for my family and I am not left stuck in Perth having to return home. 
 

I am sorry for all the information but it’s unfortunately all that is going on in my head and the lack of clarity due my own misunderstanding is causing a bit of stress. 
 

any help I would really appreciate it. 
 

Steven 

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.

On 21/10/2020 at 05:14, Maussie said:

Have just checked my junk mail and been invited to apply for a 189!  

My dates were:

4/9/20 EOI submitted

2/10/20 EOI amended

21/10/20 Invitation received

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

19 hours ago, Maussie said:

Thanks.  Will have to give it some serious thought about whether to apply for 189 or aim for employer sponsored. 

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!

On 20/10/2020 at 04:24, DrDougster said:

Here's Ranjana doing a nursing training course...

This is too funny!!! 

On 19/10/2020 at 11:43, Cobs_Ahoy said:

Thanks Marisa,

I did contemplate it In the initial stages of my planning (when I had read about the glory days of relocation packages and streamlined processes for nurses!), but I would be bringing a husband and two young children so it’s a bit of a gamble. Although I think that would probably make PR more likely as the Australian work experience would bump my points up to be competitive. 

I haven’t read much about the employer sponsored visas as I was under the impression they didn’t really exist for nurses anymore, or at least not in the same numbers, not sure if the PMSOL and Covid has changed that, but it’s definitely food for thought.

Thanks both for the advice, much appreciated!

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!

14 hours ago, PickledRic said:

Hi everyone,

I’m just looking for a bit of advice on a travel exemption application I currently have open, I’ll give some background info first:

491 visa granted March 2020 based on partners skills - secondary school teacher.

Obviously corona is here and our plans to travel to Oz in September were scuppered but I’m not one to give up! 

Ive secured a job in Australia as a mental health practitioner so have applied for a travel exemption for me and my partner on the basis of critical skills. 
I supplied as much evidence as I had available at the time (it all happened quite quick).

 

They have since come back and asked for some more evidence, one being the contract which is no problem but the other is a supporting letter from the employer about why my partner should be exempt.

I have no idea what they are expecting an employer to say about that, does anyone have any idea what they’re looking for?

I have provided financial evidence as well which suggests we have more than enough money for a year unemployed in Australia but they still want the employer one for him?

Thanks in advance!

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!

On 02/07/2020 at 08:55, ABARNA said:

Hello,

                  I have done with my APHRA registration.I am working in the uk as of now.How can I get job in Australian hospitals

 

Thanks in advance

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!

22 hours ago, KangaKit said:

I have emailed  them but does anyone know whether the timescale for presenting documents to the employer rather than an Aphra office which is the usual route is still 3 months or whether this has been scrapped?

 

For which profession are you inquiring?

On 03/09/2020 at 04:28, ZakiaNawaz said:

Hi,

I am planning to submit an EOI soon in this month of September. I heard from few places that 491 applications has been closed for offshore applicants however, I have not yet come across such an announcement from any official body.

Can anybody share some knowledge regarding this corcern of mine?

Thank you.

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!

23 hours ago, BecaG said:

Hey, 

ive just submitted my EOI for my 190 skilled visa. Does anyone know on average how long it takes for the government to review this? I’m a bit confused with the difference between the Expression of interest and the State nomination application and how these impact each other? 
Thanks in advance!

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.

On 13/07/2020 at 15:04, Maria18 said:

Thank you, Pooja. I think I will be going for the OET. Do you know if this is still as recognised and accepted as the IELTS?

Congrats on getting your visa by the way. Are you in Aus now?

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.