The whole immigration bug bit my husband when we returned from his brother’s wedding in Denmark in August 2018.
This journey was long, nerve wrecking, expensive and mentally draining. We percevered through all the obstacles and now I’m in Ireland. What a blessing it is to have this opportunity.
To register as a Nurse is quite a long and expensive process.
You have to pay for everything:
- Your NMBI starter pack (€350),
- Courier of documentation to Ireland (R350 each time),
- Verifications of studies (R1000 School of Nursing & R1750 UFS),
- SANC verifications (R1900),
- RCSI aptitude tests (€2800) and Critical Skills Employment Permit (€1000).
You can do the whole process yourself, but I worked with a recruiting agency which helped a lot.
The following is my timeline from start up to arriving in Ireland. It may differ from every individuals circumstances.
* 18/05/2019 - Wrote my OET (Occupational English Test) in Durban.
* 24/06/2019 - Opened my NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) account on line and started with the registration process. It’s in two parts. Part one you must complete and courier back. Part two is completed by your current employer and verifications of your studies. We arranged with a courier service to collect and courier back after completion.
* 31/07/2019 – All my NMBI documentation and verifications completed and returned.
* 18/12/2019 – Applied for theater post at Cork University Maternity Hospital.
* 15/10/2019 – Received my decision letter from the NMBI, stating that I must do aptitude tests at RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) at the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.
* 16/01/2020 – Skype interview with CUMH.
* 17/01/2020 – Informed that my interview was successful.
* 22/01/2020 – Accept job offer.
* 13/05/2020 – Book and pay RSCI aptitude tests and receive my invitation letter to sit the tests over period 06-09 August 2020.
* 17/05/2020 - Start with RSCI preparations.
* 08/06/2020 – Apply for AWS (Atypical work permit). After successful completion of RSCI tests I can apply for my Critical Skills Employment Permit.
* 09/06/2020 – Receive AWS work permit.
* 12/06/2020 – Open a Bank of Ireland account from SA. This was quite easy to do with no hassles. I phoned them asking to assist to open an account. They emailed me forms to complete. Required documentation: copy of passport, selfie with passport and proof of address in SA. SA bank statement is accepted. I will go to my branch and get bank card as I asked them not to post it to SA.
* 15/06/2020 – Resigned from my work.
* 10/07/2020 – Purchased a one way ticket to Dublin via Amsterdam with KLM Airways.
* 18/07/2020 – 17h30, Started the booking in process at OR tambo. I was asked for proof of work, work permit.
* 19/07/2020 – 10h10, landed in Dublin. I was asked for work permit and if I have travellers insurance, which I had.
* 02/08/2020 – Booked in at a B&B near Beaumont Hospital to do my RSCI aptitude tests.
* 09/08/2020 – Travel to Cork and stay in temporary accommodation arranged by my employer.
* 11/08/2020 – Start my new career as a scrub nurse at Cork University Maternity Hospital.
Do not give up on your dreams. Some days it will feel that you just want to give up. This is a normal feeling to have. Just put your faith in God, put your head down and push through. It will be worth it. Especially if you see the greenest green for the first time as you descent to land at Dublin.
There’s still some obstacles to overcome. Like getting permanent accommodation for me and my family who will join me in October, a car and all the other loose ends to tie up.
Important links:
#MapMyMove- Our coaching Services - Confused or lost and need some direction, book a session with us to help untangle the confusion and work out your route of immigration
All family members are Irish, British and/or European Union passport holders
Irish passport holders and South African family members
British passport holders and South African family members
European passport holders and South African family members
All family members are South African Passport holder
If you have a story to share please email us a blog at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
