The updated Nursing Registration process presents an excellent chance for Indian Nurses to establish a successful career in New Zealand. Nursing is classified as a Tier 1 Green List role in New Zealand, indicating a high demand for Internationally Qualified Nurses and the country offering multiple benefits to them. Once an Indian Nurse is registered under the Nursing Council of New Zealand, they can commence work there, apply for a Work Visa, or choose a Straight to Residence Visa. This visa category enables them to work indefinitely in New Zealand and relish life as a resident of the country.
New Zealand’s healthcare system is renowned for its high standards and commitment to providing quality care to all its residents. Indian Nurses who seize the opportunity to work in New Zealand not only contribute to the country’s healthcare sector but also have the chance to experience a new culture and way of life. The diverse and welcoming community in New Zealand makes it easier for Indian Nurses to feel at home and form connections with colleagues from around the world.
The Nursing Registration in New Zealand for Indian Nurses in 2024 is a streamlined and quick process. The processing time for Indian Nurses to get registered as nurses in New Zealand along with a straight to residence visa is just 6 to 9 months.
The article provides information on Nursing Registration in New Zealand for Indian Nurses in 2024, outlining document requirements and the process. West Highlander offers support for Indian nurses seeking to work in New Zealand, guiding them through registration, visitor visas, and permanent residency. With 18+ years of experience, Ms Parwinder Kaur, a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA), leads applicants throughout the process, ensuring a smooth journey.
Nursing Registration in New Zealand for Indian Nurses in 2024 Requirements
The Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) has revised its regulations for Nursing Registration. Indian nurses aiming to register as nurses in New Zealand must be aware of the updated requirements and necessary documentation for registration in the country.
In the past, Internationally Qualified Nurses followed the CAP (Competence Assessment Program) to take an exam that determined their registration. However, Indian nurses now do not need to enrol in any program in New Zealand. This new initiative has provided Indian nurses with a more streamlined and efficient pathway to working in New Zealand. By being exempt from the CAP, they can now begin their registration process right from India, saving time and resources. The steps involved – Document Verification, Online Exam, and Theoretical Exam – ensure that they meet the necessary standards and qualifications. Finally, the opportunity to travel to New Zealand on a Visitor visa to take the OSCE Exam not only eases the transition but also allows nurses to showcase their skills and competencies in a new environment. This updated process not only benefits Indian nurses but also contributes to the diverse healthcare workforce in New Zealand.
Here are the Requirements that Indian Nurses need to fulfil before applying to get registered as nurse in New Zealand:
Work Experience
One of the major requirements of NCNZ is work experience. Indian Nurses who aim to get Nursing Registration in New Zealand need to have at least 1800 hours of nursing experience within the last 10 years. The 1800 clinical hours equate to approximately one year of experience as a full-time nurse. Once this requirement is fulfilled, candidates can initiate the Nursing Registration process in New Zealand via CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). It is crucial to note that applicants must initially submit their documents to CGFNS for verification before proceeding with the direct application to the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Qualification
Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQN) are required to fulfil specific criteria to become registered nurses in New Zealand. These standards are crucial for upholding healthcare quality in the country. By meeting these requirements, IQN can make significant contributions to New Zealand’s healthcare industry and provide exceptional care to patients nationwide. To apply through CGFNS, candidates should hold a Bachelor of Nursing degree (or its equivalent) or a Master’s degree in nursing that enabled their registration. These qualifications must align with New Zealand’s standards. In India, a B.Sc. Nursing Degree is considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in nursing in New Zealand.
Current Registration
Candidates for nursing registration in New Zealand must have current registration as a nurse with the Nursing Council of Overseas Registration Authority within the past 10 years.
English language Proficiency
Internationally Qualified Nurses must pass one of two accepted language proficiency tests to qualify for Nursing Registration in New Zealand, which are IELTS and OET.
For the IELTS Academic exam, a minimum band score of 7 is required in reading, listening, and speaking, and a minimum band score of 6.5 in writing.
In the case of the OET (Occupational English Test), nurses need to achieve a minimum score of 350 in speaking, listening, and reading, and a minimum of 300 in writing.
Here the IQN have the benefit of improving their English Language test scores by taking the test multiple times within a year of their first attempt. This flexibility allows candidates to manage their pace, providing ample time to acquire the minimum scores. With the option for multiple sittings in a year, candidates can focus on specific modules for enhancement and steadily work towards their desired scores in all 4 modules which are reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Identity Proof
The initial stage of the Nursing Registration process involves verifying documents through CGFNS. An essential document for verification is your Identity proof. To meet this criterion, candidates must provide coloured copies of a certified valid passport, along with another identity document containing a clear photo of the applicant to confirm the name. All identity documents submitted for registration must be valid when applying to CGFNS. The accepted forms of second identification (ID) are:
- Driver’s License
- Other government-issued ID
If there has been a name change, applicants must submit a Legal Name Change Affidavit.
Other acceptable forms of identification include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce certificates
Nursing Registration in New Zealand for Indian Nurses in 2024 Process
In New Zealand, the Nursing Registration process involves five essential steps, each with its importance. This comprehensive process includes verifying various documents, conducting background checks, examining nursing ethics, their knowledge and assessing the clinical skills of applicants.
CGNFS-Document Verification
The first step of the process includes document verification by CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). Here is the list of documents required for authentication:
- Work Experience Certification
- Qualification equivalent to New Zealand
- Current Registration as Nurse
- English Language Proficiency: IELTS or OET
- Identity Proofs
Once the CGFNS has verified these documents, applicants can proceed with their registration under NCNZ.
Welcome to the Aotearoa New Zealand program
The second step to becoming a registered nurse in New Zealand, applicants must complete two free online courses that provide an understanding of culturally safe nursing practice in New Zealand. The candidates must complete these tests ASAP to avoid any registration delays. These courses can be accessed from home online and include the following tests that must be passed:
- Ngā Paerewa Te Tiriti Module 1
- Foundations in Cultural Competence
Fitness to Practice
Once an applicant receives an invitation to register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, they must undergo a Fitness to Practice evaluation. This is a mandatory requirement and the third step of the registration process. As part of this evaluation, all applicants are required to undergo an International Criminal History Check (ICHC) conducted by Fit2work.
Competent to Practice
The next step of the process is a competence to practice test. The IQN need to complete a competence assessment to prove that they are competent to practice nursing in New Zealand. This is checked through a series of exams to check the ethics, nursing knowledge, clinical knowledge, etc.
Theoretical Exam
As part of the process, the fourth step requires candidates to take an online theoretical exam. The exam assesses their nursing knowledge and can be taken globally at any Pearson VUE-accredited Nursing Council exam centre.
The assessment comprises of two parts – Part A which focuses on Medication Safety, and Part B which evaluates Nursing Knowledge. To pass the assessment, candidates must demonstrate their expertise in both parts. However, in case a candidate fails to pass the exam or any one part of it, they have the option to retake it by paying additional fees. This allows them to evaluate their performance, identify areas of improvement, and come back stronger in their next attempt.
OSCE Exam
To complete the process, candidates need to take the Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE). This is a two-day program consisting of orientation and preparation, followed by a 3-hour OSCE exam. The exam takes place in person at an accredited examination centre located in New Zealand. To participate, candidates must have a New Zealand Visitor Visa. If a candidate fails the OSCE, they can retake the exam.
Nursing Registration in New Zealand for Indian Nurses in 2024 Cost
As part of the nursing registration process, applicants are required to pay specific fees at various stages. Firstly, they need to pay fees for document verification at CGFNS. After submitting the initial application for nursing registration, applicants will be required to pay the necessary processing fee. Once the application is reviewed and approved, there will be additional fees for the examination and background check.
By understanding the breakdown of fees and being prepared for each step, applicants can navigate the registration process with confidence and ease. Below is a breakdown of the steps that require payment, along with the amounts in New Zealand dollars as well as Indian Rupees.
| THE STEPS INVOLVED | FEE in NZD | Approx. FEE in INR |
| CGFNS verification service | NZ $489 | 25,190 INR |
| Nursing Council application and processing | NZ $485 | 24,984 INR |
| International Criminal History Check (ICHC) | NZ $169 | 8,706 INR |
| IQN Theoretical Examination | NZ $140 | 7,212 INR |
| Part A of Theoretical Exam: Medication Safety (RE-SIT) | NZ $32 | 1,648 INR |
| Part B of Theoretical Exam: Nursing Knowledge (RE-SIT) | NZ $108 | 5,563 INR |
| OSCE Orientation & Preparation Course | NZ $500 | 25,756 INR |
| OSCE – Clinical Examination | NZ $3,000 | 1,54,537 INR |
| OSCE – Clinical Examination
(RE-SIT) |
NZ $3,000 | 1,54,537 INR |
Nursing Registration in New Zealand: Frequently Asked Questions
How long it will take for New Zealand Nursing registration?
The typical processing time for New Zealand Nursing Registration ranges from 5 to 7 months. To speed up the process, ensure that you submit all required documents and pass each exam on the first attempt.
How to become a registered nurse in New Zealand from India?
To become a registered nurse in New Zealand applicants need to fulfil this 5-step process:
- Document Verification by CGFNS then apply to get registered under NCNZ
- Pass 2 tests under Welcome to the Aotearoa New Zealand
- Undergo Fitness to Practice check
- Pass Online Theoretical Exam
- Pass Objective Structured Clinical Exam
What is the new pathway for nurses in New Zealand?
The Nursing Council of New Zealand has introduced a new registration process for nurses, discontinuing the CAP pathway. Applicants are now required to undergo a series of exams that assess their ethics, knowledge, and clinical skills.