he assessment of your qualifications can take up to 16 weeks. The Assessment Panel only comes together approximately twice per year for face-to-face meetings. All other activities of the Assessment Panel are done via mail or electronically through the AIR. The Assessment Panel members will assess all the paperwork provided by you and compare it to the Australian standard for the same period of time. They will compare the syllabus that is provided in your application to the Australian syllabus for the same time. They will compare subjects, topics covered under the subjects, the hours of instruction for each subject and topic, the clinical experience as part of the course and the type of clinical experience. They will look at your employment record and letters from employers to ensure your post qualification experience is of the required standard. Your evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) will be also examined.

Please refer to the how-to-apply page via the following link http://www.air.asn.au/overhowto.php

The outcome of the assessment will be one of three decisions: (1) Unconditional Recognition Qualifications gained outside Australia will be recognised as equivalent to the Australian standard at the time of qualification and the post qualification experience is also of an acceptable standard. A Validated Statement of Accreditation will be granted and a letter for use in the immigration process issued. In the case of Medical Ultrasound a Certificate of Recognition in Ultrasound will be granted and a letter for use in the immigration process issued. (2) Conditional Rejection Applicant will be recommended by the Assessment Panel to: * Provide further documentation to support application. * Undertake further clinical experience and then provide evidence. After the Assessment Panel receives the required documentation they will further examine the application. An applicant has three years from notification of rejection to obtain the requested information and re-apply without incurring further expense. (3) Rejection Qualifications gained outside Australia that do not meet the Australian standard at the time of qualification. It may be recommended the applicant needs to upgrade qualifications by successfully completing an AIR accredited Radiation Science program at an Australian University. Again the applicant will have three years from the date of the rejection letter to achieve this. Appeal Process In the case of either a conditional rejection or rejection the applicant has the right of appeal about the decision, findings and recommendations to the AIR Board. The decision of the Board in these matters is final. If the appeal is upheld the applicant can still continue with the requested recommendation of the Assessment Panel and at the completion of the recommendation the applicant can present the new information for further consideration.

If your qualifications were gained outside Australia you will need to have them assessed by the AIR Overseas Qualification Assessment Panel (OQAP). Overseas qualifications are not necessarily recognised as being equivalent to the Australian standard and therefore need to be assessed on an individual basis. Further details on the process of applying to have your qualifications assessed by OQAP can be found under the OQAP application section of the AIR website.

Qualifications from AIR accredited courses as equivalent to the current Australian standard are dealt with by a direct application for an AIR Statement of Accreditation. An applicant via this method must include certified* copies of the information requested on the application form. They must have at least 1 year of clinical experience in their country of origin before applying. Applicants must demonstrate a proficiency in English and are required to provide evidence of understanding and fluency in English - click here for further information.

You need to apply to OQAP to have your clinical experience undertaken outside Australia assessed. You will need to make an application on the Application for Assessment of Qualifications gained outside Australia form and include the appropriate information. You do not need to include a syllabus, as the course is an accredited Australian course. You need to have at least two years of clinical experience post qualification. A successful assessment will mean you are granted a Validated Statement of Accreditation that will then enable you to apply for immigration through the skilled migration program and you will be able to gain employment in Australia.

Certified copy of a document means a copy authorised or stamped as being a true and correct copy of the original document by a person or agency recognised by the law of your country to do such. In Australia this would be, a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations or a person before whom a statutory declaration may be made e.g. accountant, lawyer, doctor, police officer.