There have been many horror stories of falling at the last hurdle when you go to present your ID to AHPRA, so this blog gives you some tips on what to expect, and what to watch out for.
Finding the AHPRA offices in Sydney
The AHPRA offices are based on Georges Street, No 680. Like many buildings in Sydney, this is a tall office block building and the AHPRA offices are situated on level 51. My advice to you is to get to the Town Hall train station, as it is about a 5-minute walk from here. Another good landmark is the Queen Victoria Building which is about 600 meters away.
Justice of the Peace Service:
There is a Justice of the Peace Service available on Level 2, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | Tel: 02 9265 9333. This is a free service, and about a 5-minute walk from the AHPRA offices in Sydney. It is open weekdays between 10 am to 2.30pm. Remember to bring copies as well as the original documents with you.
What documents do you need to bring
When you go to the AHPRA offices it is good to be prepared. On your ‘AHPRA in Principle Letter,’ it explains what you need. However, this is a quick checklist to work with.
- Your Passport
- Proof of Address (Australian Address). This can sometimes be tricky. However, opening an Australian Bank account (before you arrive) can help with a proof of address. As once you present yourself to open the account they will be able to print you out a statement with an Australian address. There are several Australian Banks are in close proximity to AHPRA building.
- Visa (proof of working rights)
- Statutory Declarations – generally, by the time you arrive to present your ID to AHPRA, both your Certificate of Current Professional Status (CCPS) and international Criminal History Check will have expired. This means you will need to complete two Statutory Declarations available on AHPRA’s website and get them signed by a Justice of the Peace.)
Follow Up with AHPRA
Once you present your ID to AHPRA it may take a bit of time to get your registration validated. If you are travelling to Australia to present ID and returning home, then I recommend you contact the AHPRA offices before you leave Sydney. This is in case there is any paperwork outstanding. The timeframe for getting your AHPRA registration through can be a few days to several weeks.
Other Tasks
Finally, when you arrive the other important tasks for you to complete are (i) to apply for your Working with Children Check, (ii) register for a Tax File Number and (iii) organise your Medicare card.
ICE Group have active roles for experienced Nurses in ED, ICU and Anaesthetic, as well as Midwives.
If you have any questions on the above, please contact Elizabeth on nurse@icegroup.ie or by phone 087 1251531.