WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR VISA OPTIONS?

• The most popular visa is the Accredited Employer Work Visa, all age groups can apply for this visa and you can stay for up to 3 years​. The cost for this visa is NZD $750 and you will need your NZ SLT registration and a job offer before you can apply.

• The Working Holiday Visa is also an option for certain age groups/passport holders, this visa allows you to work for 12 months, but it can be less preferred by some employers as you cannot accept a permanent position on this visa. The fee for 12 months is NZD $450, you also need to have NZD $350 in savings for every month you intend to stay and enough money for a return ticket. UK passport holders are eligible for x3 WHV's. 

• As SLT is currently on the Green List, you can also have a look at the Straight to Residency Visa

• Medical/Police Checks can be required for all visas over 12 months 

• As employers can have a preference for different visas, we advise you to wait until you have your registration and are at the interview stage to apply for your visa. 

HOW DO I GET REGISTERED? 

•  There are 2 pathways - MRA (straight forward application form/a few supporting documents) and OSQCA (extensive portfolio)

• Eligibility for MRA:

  • Completed your primary SLT degree in Ireland/UK/Australia/Canada

  • Be able to request a Certificate of Good Standing from your professional body, in order to obtain this, you will need to:

    • Hold CURRENT FULL membership with your professional body e.g., RCSLT/IASLT (those with new graduate membership are not eligible)

    • Held membership CONTINUOUSLY for the previous 12 months 

• UK trained - Dysphagia competencies need to be signed off to level C (or additional evidence can be provided e.g. completing a Dysphagia course)

• If you have trained in one of the countries eligible for MRA, we would suggest you make the necessary steps so that you can go down this pathway as is much easier than the OSQCA

• Once we know what role/visa you are interested in, we will send through more detailed information about the license process and support you with this  

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I START THE PROCESS?

• The timeframe to gain your SLT license will depend on whether you are going through MRA (Mutual Recognition) or QA (Qualification Assessment) - this could vary anywhere between 3-12 months.

• After you have gained your SLT license, we find 3-4 months is an ideal timeframe for securing a role + visa /handing in your notice/getting organised, etc!

HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST?

• The main fees you need to be aware of are for your Visa (above) and transferring your SLT license.

• MRA (Mutual Recognition) assessment costs NZD $750 (includes 1 year of membership)

• QA (Qualification Assessment) costs NZD $1500 (if you are not eligible for MRA)

• The yearly fee for NZSTA Membership is NZD $562.40 

• The service we provide is completely free for those that would like to be placed in a role with one of our partners.

HOW DO I INTERVIEW AND SECURE A ROLE?

• We are very well connected to employers throughout NZ - once you have gained your NZ SLT registration - MRA OR QA (and ideally maximum 3/4 months before your planned start date), we will arrange interviews for you.

• We have fantastic opportunities available and you can expect us to arrange suitable interviews for you within around 1-3 weeks after gaining your registration.

WHAT LOCATIONS DO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE?

• We have locations available throughout NZ! Some of the popular places are:

  • City lovers - Auckland + Wellington

  • Beach lovers - Tauranga + Hawkes Bay

  • Mountain/Adventure lovers - Christchurch + Dunedin

• Once you have your NZ SLT registration approved, we can help you choose a location which is a good fit for you -  we can also provide you with location guides

• We are passionate about you having the BEST experience and we have travelled NZ so we can help you choose the best fit!

HOW WILL I GET SET UP/ WHAT ABOUT ACCOMMODATION?

• Once you have secured a role we can introduce you to other healthcare workers that may be working in the same location and advise you on everything you need to know about moving to New Zealand, we are also always available before you leave/ when you arrive if you have any questions about the move.

WHY NEW ZEALAND?

• THE PEOPLE! New Zealanders are very welcoming and approachable so you are made to feel at home very quickly.

• The standard of SLT is very high in New Zealand allowing you develop lots of transferable skills

• THE SCENERY! There are lots of amazing travel opportunities from beaches to mountains and everything is very accessible allowing you to explore lots of New Zealand

• New Zealand would suit those who enjoy a relaxed life and outdoor activities

WHY HEALTHCARE ABROAD?

• We offer unbeatable support from the first day you contact us and then throughout the whole process to work abroad, including:

• Supporting you throughout the registration/license process including free guides and unlimited email/phone support

• Helping you decide on the most suitable visa, job role and location by a friendly team you can trust

• Organizing you interviews with our partners, helping you secure a role before you leave

• Providing you with everything you need to know about moving to your new country

• Introducing you to other Healthcare Abroad OT/PT/SLT's that are working in the same location as you

• Continue to be a point of contact for any questions while you are away

• Please note we can only provide this support service for those that would like to be placed in a role with one of our partners