FAQs - Permanent NursingWhy use a recruitment company instead of going direct to the hospital?Austra Health is a specialist healthcare recruitment agency, with preferred supplier contracts and long-established relationships with many hospitals throughout Australia. We are often able to negotiate incentives not available if you apply directly to a hospital. We'll help you with your Nursing Registration, visas and we charge no fees! Should I register with more than one agency?Unlike the UK, where you would probably multi-list with agencies, it's a good idea to register with only one agency to get the best possible support from the recruitment consultant you are working with. Australia is a finite market and dual or multi-agency representation results in duplication that can affect priority given to you by both the agency and the hospital involved. Do I need to use a Migration Agent?Austra Health are not Migration Agents but we deal with immigration and relocation issues on a daily basis, so can offer you specialist knowledge and assistance. How much will it cost me to relocate to Australia?Your costs may include:
Accommodation, approx AUD $300-700 per week (temporary accommodation is always more expensive than long term accommodation and will vary according to location) Rental properties require 2 months rent in advance - one months rent and one months rent as a bond. Australia Nursing Registration - depends on the state, but approximately AUD $145. Is relocation assistance available?Some hospitals offer financial assistance or temporary accommodation on arrival. The assistance offered varies between hospitals. Do I pay for Austra Health's service?No, our service is completely free. What will I get paid in Australia?Each state has its own salary scale set by the State Government (or individual hospitals in the private sector). Salaries are not negotiable and are based on your years of service as a Registered Nurse. Your salary will be advised when you are offered a position and upon receipt of proof of years of service. How do I prove my years of service?As you are paid according to your years of service, it is important that you can provide evidence of when and where you have worked and whether you worked full or part time. This information must be presented on the hospital's letterhead, and signed by your employer or HR department. When do I need to start?If you are successful you will be offered a position that is available at the time that you indicate you are likely to arrive. Like any other job offer, it is essential that you organise yourself to arrive and start at that time. Positions cannot be held indefinitely. How long will it take to relocate to Australia?On average, we say to allow a minimum of 6 months from your initial enquiry to arrival in Australia. This takes into account gaining Nursing Registration, job offers, processing visas and giving notice to present employers. If you have already started the process of Nursing Registration with the relevant Nursing Registration Board, then you could be here within 4 months. Can I work part-time hours?If you are sponsored, you need to work a minimum of 38 hours a week. This requirement is set by DIAC as a condition of a sponsorship visa and is not negotiable. How long does a Nursing Registration application take?The process can take anywhere between 2-4 months, so if you are keen to travel you should start your Nursing Registration application as soon as possible. It is also essential to have valid Nursing Registration before a sponsorship visa application can be finalised, so early applications for Nursing Registration can save time in your visa processing. What should I do if I have not heard from the Nursing Registration Board?Ring them 3-4 weeks after you have submitted your application to check how your application is going. What are the types of visas I can travel on?There are several types of visas available to work in Australia. For further information about visa and sponsorship options, click here. Can I change the type of visa I am working on, whilst in Australia?Yes you can, if you are on a Working Holiday Visa and want to "stay on" just contact Austra Health as we are an approved Business Sponsor, or, we can organise a permanent placement for you. Can my husband/wife/child travel on my Sponsorship Visa?Yes, your immediate family can be included as dependants on your visa. Can my Husband/Wife work on my Sponsorship Visa?Yes, dependants can work without restrictions. What about my de facto partner?Immigration requires that you prove that you have been cohabiting with your partner for a minimum of 6 months. Please see http://www.immi.gov.au/ for more information. Can my children go to school?Yes, if they are of school age they are entitled to attend school. Do I pay school fees?In New South Wales, people on Sponsorship Visas are required to pay international school fees. At the present time, other States do not charge international fees. However, you will be required to pay the regular school fees, which are approximately AUD $60 per term. When can the visa medicals, blood tests and chest x-rays be performed?You should not have your visa medical or chest x-rays more than 4 weeks before applying for your visa. Your case officer from DIAC will notify when and which visa medicals are required. Where can the visa medicals, blood tests and chest x-rays be performed?You need to use a panel Doctor and Radiologist approved by DIAC. Click here for a list of panel doctors. How do I arrange my flights to Australia?We advise that you do not book flights until your visa is granted. Once you have your visas you can organise your flights. Will I need health insurance?Sponsored nurses are often required to have private health insurance as part of their contract. Do I pay tax?Yes! Income is taxed progressively, which means the more you earn, the more you pay. For more information click here You will need a Tax File Number (TFN) to work in Australia; these can be applied for upon arrival in Australia and will be sent to you within 28 days of application. You need to present proof of applying for the tax file number when you start work, otherwise your employer will be required to pay tax you at the highest rate (48%).
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