Internationally qualified nurses who meet Nursing Council standards may apply to become registered to practice in New Zealand.
STEP 1: Apply to CGFNS International Inc
You must submit your documents and credentials to CGFNS in order to complete the CGFNS credentials verification process and receive their report.
STEP 2: Request CGFNS to send your report to the Nursing Council
Once you have received your report, you need to request CGFNS to send it to the Nursing Council. It will take up to three working days to receive your report.
You will then receive an email inviting you to complete the application process for registration.
STEP 3: Apply to the Nursing Council
The Nursing Council will assess your application against the seven registration standards and make a decision regarding your registration. You will be asked to make a declaration for fitness for registration and to complete a criminal history check.
You may be required to complete a Competence Assessment Programme (CAP) prior to registration. Once you are registered, you will be asked to apply for an Annual Practicing Certificate. This entitles you to practice as a nurse in New Zealand.
The Nursing Council assesses each applicant on an individual basis, and does not operate a system of reciprocal registration or enrolment – except if the applicant meets the requirements of the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act, TTMR Act (1998). Principle considerations for registration are:
- The applicant has undertaken a nursing or midwifery program that is similar in all specified content and length to the equivalent program in New Zealand, and is able to meet the Competencies for Registration/Enrolment.
- The applicant has practiced as a nurse or midwife within the past five years.
- The applicant has supplied the Nursing Council with evidence, obtained within the past two years, of ability to speak and write in the English language, when English is not the applicant’s first language. Recognized tests are CGNFS, IELTS, OET, or as part of a competency program.
- Applicants who do not meet the requirements for nursing registration may be required to undergo further experience with instruction through a Department of Nursing within a New Zealand educational institution. The applicant is responsible for negotiating the arrangements for the experience and instruction and for informing the Nursing Council about those arrangements.