Australia still desperately seeking nurses

As professional opportunities retract in some countries, they are even more in demand in Australia, and will be for many years into the future.

For decades, Australia has attracted highly skilled young people ready to build their careers and start new lives. Family or friends have later joined many of these immigrants. Despite the Global Financial Crisis, Australia’s economy is strong and its booming cities and resource industries are crying out for many more such skilled immigrants.

Nurses are way up the list among those already arriving or applying. Immigration applications for registered nurses under the (temporary) Subclass 457 visa program rose by 18 per cent.

Although there are moves to bring hospitals more under federal administration, Australia’s health systems are essentially state based. The size and style of health care facilities vary widely, from major city hospitals, to specialised hospitals, to primary care roles in small country towns. Whatever career and lifestyle is sought, it can be found somewhere in this vast nation.

Already, nurses from many nations are fulfilling crucial roles in all these hospitals, from maternity to ICU. Likewise, you will find doctors from many lands, playing vital roles throughout the Australian healthcare structure.

Furthermore, Australia is actively inviting skilled people and professionals to bring their skills and experience to this energetic land with so much going on. The government has established, and sometimes modifies, systems to assess skilled migrants wishing to work in Australia. This is done by way of a system with points awarded for work experience, qualifications and language proficiency.

The Australian Immigration Minister, Chris Evans, has said: "The Rudd Federal Government's priority is to provide training and job opportunities for Australians but there will continue to be demand for skills in some sectors, such as healthcare, so there will still be a need for employers to access skilled overseas workers to fill gaps on a temporary basis."

In fact, there has always been significant demand for skilled migrants in the health sector. While many come temporarily under the Subclass 457 visa, others immigrate to Australia permanently under the General Skilled Migration program. Under that program you do not need a specific job offer.

It is worth noting that even under the ‘temporary’ 457 visa, holders of that visa are entitled to apply for permanent residency at anytime.

If you’re a nurse, doctor or a health professional in another discipline, this is an excellent time to start your visa application process.