Australia’s healthcare system is set to benefit from a influx of internationally qualified nurses, thanks to new streamlined processes that will significantly reduce red tape and speed up registration for nurses from comparable countries.
In the past financial year alone, 16,622 nurses from overseas registered to practise in Australia – three times the number recorded in the final year before COVID-19 (2018/19). Over the last two years, 27,810 internationally trained nurses have made Australia their new home, with the majority (70%) arriving from New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman agreement.
Other key source countries include Canada, Ireland, Singapore, Spain, the UK, and the USA, contributing 4,476 nurses to Australia’s workforce.
Starting in March 2025, nurses from these comparable health systems will be able to bypass unnecessary delays, reducing the time it takes to get registered by up to 6-12 months. This means they can start working in hospitals, aged care, and clinics much sooner, filling critical shortages in the healthcare sector.
What’s Changing?
Nurses from Ireland, Singapore, Spain, the UK, USA, and Canadian provinces (British Columbia and Ontario) will no longer need to complete extra exams or upgrade qualifications to register. The process will be simpler, faster, and cheaper, aligning with the recommendations of the Kruk Review. To maintain high patient safety standards, all internationally qualified nurses must still meet Australia’s existing regulatory requirements.
This major reform is part of a $90 million government initiative aimed at growing and supporting Australia’s health workforce. The changes are expected to significantly boost nurse numbers while maintaining Australia’s world-class healthcare standards.
Since October 2024, a similar fast-track pathway has already been in place for general practitioners from New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland, with an average of 11 applications per week being received. Additional fast-track pathways for other specialist medical practitioners will be introduced later this year.
This announcement is great news for overseas nurses looking to build their careers in Australia. By removing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers, Australia is making it easier and faster for experienced nurses to contribute to the country’s growing healthcare system.
If you are a nurse looking to migrate to Australia, now is the perfect time to start planning your move. Regional Migration Australia is here to guide you through the visa and migration process, ensuring a smooth transition into your new life in Australia.
Original Source:
More Nurses Sooner: Removing Red Tape for Record Numbers of Nurses Moving to Australia
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