Eligibility Criteria for ACE Nursing

The ACE-RN process is designed to assist you and other graduates to find your first role as an RN across New Zealand. The eligibility criteria reflect that. Please check carefully to see that you meet the eligibility criteria. If you already have a role as an RN and want to move jobs there are other ways to find a new nursing role such as HNZ, Seek etc.

You must meet the eligibility requirements in the application form. These are that you:

1. are a New Zealand citizen, New Zealand permanent resident (or hold a returning resident visa) or Australian citizen.
2. are in the final year of studying towards or have already completed a pre-registration nursing qualification approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) leading to registration as a registered nurse.
3. studied your qualification in New Zealand at a New Zealand tertiary institution.
4. are about to sit or have already passed the RN State Final. 
5. have never worked as a New Zealand RN or have worked for fewer than 3 months (90 days) continuously as a New Zealand RN at the application closing date.

In addition, you are not eligible if one or more of the following apply:

1. If you have previously entered into a contract and commenced work as an RN for a job you were offered via the Match process or the ACE-RN talent pool.
2. If you have worked in an RN role where the employer has received funding from Health NZ to support your employment (such as but not limited to workforce development funding for primary care).
3. If it is more than three (3) years since you passed your State Final.

Provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, you may apply via ACE-RN up to four times in total, in a two year period from the time of your first application to ACE-RN. 

If you do not meet the ACE eligibility criteria we suggest you apply directly to employers. 

Check the Job Search page on the Health New Zealand careers webpage as well as other employer webpages.

For further information about the differences between a Resident Visa and a Permanent Resident Visa, click here:

Becoming a permanent resident of New Zealand : Immigration New Zealand

New Zealand Immigration Visas

Permanent Resident Visa - Eligible

Returning Resident Visa - Eligible

Resident Visa - NOT Eligible