I am still waiting for the college to send the completion certificate to AHPRA (They should send it in the week of 22 AUG) Once AHPRA have received the certificate, they can register me when I send in an application to be registered.
My original plan was to wait till I had my certificate from n hand,but then decided to speed things up by applying, whilst ACN is still preparing the certificate. So I had to send in a few things from here for the application. See following:
- AGBP-40 form (found online the AHPRA website)
- Certificate of good standing from SANC (Sent directly from SANC - Cost R1600, time: takes 6-8 weeks)
- Notarized and apostilled copy of IELTS results
- A new Fit2Work criminal record check. (Online, Cost -R1800)
- Proof of Identity (notarized and apostilled copy of my passport, and because I marriage certificate.)
- Pay application and registration fee of AUD $300 (R 3400)
Total: R6800 + R540 (DHL to send everything) =R7340
I thought that was done. I thought all I had to do was wait for AHPRA to receive my certificate of good standing and the certificate of course completion from ACN, till I can be registered...
I WAS VERY MUCH MISTAKEN!!!!!!!!
If you read the proof of Identity document on the AHPRA website (See above) carefully you will see the following words:
" Applying for registration from outside of Australia
If you are an overseas applicant and are unable to provide evidence from each category, you must meet the minimum identity requirements below: • a certified copy of a passport (an EU card is not acceptable), and • if you have ever been formally known by another name, or if your documents provided in support of your application are in another name, you must provide a certified copy of evidence of a change in name. See Evidence for a change of name or name variation. If you have met the minimum identity requirements and have submitted a complete application (all supporting documentation provided and declarations made), your application will be assessed and you will be advised whether you are eligible for registration. "
So this is still all good...So this is where the problem comes in...
"Overseas applicants eligible for registration who only provide the minimum identity requirements must present in person at an AHPRA office before registration will be granted.
Presentation is to be within the specified timeframe as advised in the notice of in-principle approval and with the following evidence: If you arrived in Australia within the previous six weeks:
Presentation is to be within the specified timeframe as advised in the notice of in-principle approval and with the following evidence: If you arrived in Australia within the previous six weeks:
• current Australian visa and proof of date of arrival (e.g. entry stamp, boarding pass or itinerary documents)
plus: – evidence of your current Australian residential address;
or
an original signed statement from a prospective Australian employer/sponsor verifying your identity; or
an original offer of Australian employment.
If you arrived in Australia more than six weeks before presenting at an AHPRA office or you are unable to demonstrate that you arrived in Australia within the previous six weeks: • evidence that meets the requirements in categories A, B, C and D."
Now you might think to yourself..why is that a problem? Well... I just returned from Australia 3 weeks ago. Which means I have to fly back to Australia for 1-2 days, just to present myself in person at an AHPRA office, and fly back once I'm done. This was such an unexpected shock, it was the reason I spent most of yesterday in tears. The thing that makes it worse is the fact that I haven't seen my husband since 12 January 2016 and he will only be coming home on 24 January 2016. So just the thought of leaving him again, even if it is just for 4-5 days makes me sick. I AM NOT A HAPPY GIRL! Anycase...like my mother-in-law always says when faced with a bad situation..."What to do?" :)
I did the course in Sydney, but I am going to try to present myself at the AHPRA office in Preth as it will be much closer and quicker. I will see if I can find accommodation for those 1-3 days that I'm going to be there. I don't know yet when exactly it will be, so I am waiting for them to let me know.
My situation does not allow for it to be different, but my advice to you is: IF YOU ARE GOING OVER TO DO THE COURSE, TRY AND EXTEND YOUR VISA SO THAT YOU CAN GET ALL THESE UNEXPECTED THINGS DONE. IT IS ALSO BETTER TO APPLY FOR YOUR PR FROM AUS. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE THAT I KNOW WHO APPLIED FOR PR AFTER THE COURSE WHILE THEY ARE IN AUS, AND IT TAKES A FEW DAYS TO GO THROUGH.
SO TRY AND DO THE COURSE, APPLY FOR REGISTRATION, AND THEN APPLY FOR PR WHILE YOU ARE THERE. AL TOGETHER IT SHOULD TAKE YOU AROUND 6-7 MONTHS.
Well thats all.
Hope you will learn from my process! That is after all why I am writing this blog.
Cheers
Rene
