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New Zealand Mutual Recognition

Transition of the application process for migration and employment purposes to Online lodgement

The AASW Migration and Eligibility Assessment Team (MEA) is excited to announce that the migration and/or employment assessment process is moving to an online lodgement via the AASW website.

What types of applications can be lodged online:

 

The MEA Team is looking forward to assisting applicants and will be available to guide you through the new online process if you’re planning to migrate to Australia and need recognition as a qualified social worker for migration and/or employment purposes.

The MEA process will go online on Wednesday 27 March 2024.

The online MEA process will be updated with the continuing plan for a friendly, consumer-focused experience.

What this means:

  • A quicker, easier application process.
  • Uploading documents online will make it easier for an applicant to submit a complete application.
  • Online applications will promote a flowing approach to the process, which is beneficial to applicants
  • Priority is placed on the type of application linked to employer recruitment demands, not how/when you apply.
  • A faster turnaround time for all applications
  • Paper based applications will be available for a period and then applicants will transition to the online process.

 

How will it all work?

The AASW website through a MyAASW account will be where you will link into the online process

To assist you with lodging your application online, a series of Guides for specific types of applications have been developed. The Guide for your specific application will help you with your application.

Paper-based applications are still accepted until 26 May 2024, and paper-based application forms will be available on the website until 26 April 2024.

We look forward to working with you, as the MEA program moves to an online application process.

We will let you know with further updates as to the launch of online applications via the AASW website.

New Zealand Mutual Recognition Agreement

The AASW and the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board (NZSWRB) have a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) to mutually recognise social workers who are credentialed in Australia or registered in New Zealand.

Read more about eligibility requirements under the Mutual Recognition Agreement.

Note: Applicants are required to meet the AASW English Language Policy.

Please allow four (4) weeks for your application to be processed.

 

Some New Zealand qualified applicants may be eligible to apply for:

  • Assessment of New Zealand social work qualifications under the MRA for employment purposes in Australia (AASW membership eligibility).
  • Assessment of New Zealand social work qualification under the MRA for migration skills assessment purposes.

Please mail your application form, supporting documentation and assessment fee to:

Postal address:

Australian Association of Social workers
MEA Program
PO Box 2008
Royal Melbourne Hospital VIC 3050

Courier address

Australian Association of Social workers
MEA Program
Level 7
14-20 Blackwood Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051

You will receive email notification acknowledging the receipt of your application.

Assessment of New Zealand social work qualifications under the MRA for employment purposes in Australia if correspondence address is outside AustraliaAU $420
Assessment of New Zealand social work qualifications under the MRA for employment purposes in Australia if correspondence address is within AustraliaAU $462 (incl. GST).
Assessment of New Zealand social work qualifications under the MRA for migration purposes in Australia if correspondence address is outside AustraliaAU $420
Assessment of New Zealand social work qualifications under the MRA for migration purposes in Australia if correspondence address is within AustraliaAU $462 (incl. GST).
(Optional) Skilled employment assessment for migration/Visa purposes for 1-3 positions if correspondence address is outside AustraliaAU $840
(Optional) Skilled employment assessment for migration/Visa purposes for 1-3 positions if correspondence address is within AustraliaAU $924 (incl. GST).
(Optional) Skilled Employment fee per additional (4+) employment position if correspondence address is outside AustraliaAU $157.27
(Optional) Skilled Employment fee per additional (4+) employment position if correspondence address is within AustraliaAU $173 (incl. GST)

List of current and historic recognised New Zealand social work qualifications.