Immigration New Zealand have streamlined the pathway for nurses and other related healthcare professionals to apply for work visas.
The three steps are that:
1. You must become registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ);
2. You may be asked to complete a Competence Assessment Programme (CAP); and
3. You must meet all other visa requirements.
Becoming registered with NCNZ
The NCNZ website has more information on how to register. Please look at the links below depending on your situation:
You have an Australian registration - https://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/IQN/T2.aspx?WebsiteKey=fa279da8-a3b1-4dad-94af-2a67fe08c81b
If you have a nursing registration from somewhere else- https://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/IQN
Completing your CAP
The NCNZ will tell you if you need to apply for CAP. If you do not, you can move straight on to applying for a work visa. If you do need one, please refer to the following link again- https://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/IQN
If you need to complete a CAP, you can apply for a special visitor visa called the Occupational Registration Visitor Visa. This will let you come to New Zealand to visit so that you can be tested to see if you are qualified to become a nurse here. You can apply for a work visa after you have completed your CAP and are registered with NCNZ.
Applying for a work visa
You will need to apply for a work visa to work as a nurse in New Zealand, even after you complete the CAP. For most nurses, this will be the Accredited Employer Work Visa. This is the standard work visa in New Zealand, but you will need to have a job offer to apply. Health New Zealand can help you find and apply for jobs to get a job offer, please refer to - https://careers.tewhatuora.govt.nz/opportunities/careers-in-health/nursing/
If you are from the Philippines, you can apply for a Specific Purpose Work Visa instead. You will need to meet the following requirements however:
• Be IQN registered;
• Have a job offer from a district health board or Health New Zealand; and
• Completed your CAP.
If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please feel free to contact us. Queen City Law are legal experts in immigration and we can offer advice, help apply for your visa, and more.