Passing the AMC exam is a major milestone. But for most internationally trained doctors, the bigger question comes right after: what happens next? Can I stay in Australia permanently?
The short answer is yes, you can. But the path from AMC certificate to permanent residency involves several steps, and understanding how they connect will save you a lot of confusion and wasted time.
This blog breaks down exactly how PR works for doctors in Australia after AMC, from AHPRA registration to visa subclasses to realistic timelines.
First: How AMC and AHPRA Connect to Skilled Migration
The AMC exam does not directly give you a visa. What it does is establish that your medical qualifications are equivalent to an Australian standard. That equivalency is what AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) needs to grant you registration.
Without AHPRA registration, you cannot legally practice medicine in Australia. And without being able to practice, most skilled migration pathways are not accessible to you.
So the sequence looks like this:
AMC certificate → AHPRA registration → skilled migration eligibility
Once you have general or provisional registration with AHPRA, you can nominate your occupation through SkillSelect and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a skilled visa.
Doctors on the Skilled Occupation List
Here is something that works in your favour. Both General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers are listed on Australia’s Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which is the current framework used for skilled migration.
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation | Skill Tier |
| 253111 | General Practitioner | Tier 1 |
| 253112 | Resident Medical Officer | Tier 1 |
Being on the CSOL as a Tier 1 occupation means you are eligible for the main skilled migration visa subclasses. It also signals that Australia recognises a genuine demand for doctors, particularly in regional and rural areas.
What this means practically: you are not fighting for a spot on a niche or restricted list. Your occupation is well-established within the migration framework.
Visa Subclasses Explained Simply
There are five main visa subclasses available to doctors under the CSOL. Here is a plain-language breakdown of each:
| Visa Subclass | Type | Key Feature |
| 189 | Skilled Independent (Permanent) | No sponsorship needed. Points-based. |
| 190 | Skilled Nominated (Permanent) | State or territory nominates you. Adds 5 points. |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) | Work in a regional area. Leads to PR via Subclass 191. |
| 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage | Employer sponsors you temporarily. |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent) | Permanent PR through employer. Can transition from 482. |
Subclass 189 is the most independent route. No employer, no state government, just your points score and an invitation.
Subclass 190 requires a nomination from a specific state or territory. Each state has its own requirements and occupation lists, and availability changes regularly.
Subclass 491 is a provisional visa, not an instant PR. You live and work in a designated regional area for at least three years before applying for the permanent Subclass 191. For doctors, this is actually one of the more accessible routes because regional demand for GPs is consistently high.
Subclass 482 is how many IMGs enter Australia initially. Your employer (usually a hospital or clinic) sponsors you. After two to three years, you may be eligible to transition to the permanent Subclass 186.
Subclass 186 grants permanent residency directly through employer sponsorship. This is a strong pathway if you already have a job offer or an established relationship with an Australian healthcare employer.
The Points System: What Counts and How Much
For the 189, 190, and 491 visas, Australia uses a points-based system. You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an EOI, but in practice, most invited applicants score significantly higher.
| Factor | Points Available |
| Age (25 to 32 years) | 30 |
| Age (33 to 39 years) | 25 |
| Age (40 to 44 years) | 15 |
| English (Superior: IELTS 8 or OET A) | 20 |
| English (Proficient: IELTS 7 or OET B) | 10 |
| Overseas skilled work experience (8 to 10 years) | 15 |
| Australian skilled work experience (8 to 10 years) | 20 |
| Educational qualification (PhD) | 20 |
| Educational qualification (Bachelor or higher) | 15 |
| State nomination (Subclass 190) | 5 |
| Regional nomination (Subclass 491) | 15 |
| Partner skills | Up to 10 |
| Study in regional Australia | 5 |
| Community language | 5 |
State Nomination Opportunities for Doctors
Each state and territory in Australia manages its own nomination program. For doctors, especially GPs, state nomination is often easier to access than it is for other professions because the healthcare workforce shortage is well-documented.
States that have historically offered nomination for medical practitioners include:
•Western Australia — strong demand in rural and remote areas
•South Australia — targeted health workforce programs
•Tasmania — smaller population, consistent healthcare gaps
•Northern Territory — among the highest need for GPs nationally
•Queensland — regional and rural programs regularly open for doctors
Each state sets its own criteria, minimum points thresholds, and sometimes requires a job offer or commitment to work in that state. These programs open and close depending on workforce demand, so checking current state migration websites directly is essential.
For the 491 visa specifically, regional sponsorship adds 15 points to your score. For doctors willing to work outside major metro areas, this can significantly improve your invitation chances.
Realistic PR Timeline After Passing AMC
This is the question most doctors want answered honestly. Here is a realistic breakdown:
| Stage | Approximate Time |
| AMC CAT MCQ exam preparation and sitting | 6 to 12 months |
| AMC Clinical exam (after passing MCQ) | 6 to 12 months |
| AHPRA registration | 3 to 6 months |
| EOI submission to invitation (189/190) | 6 to 18 months |
| Visa application processing | 6 to 12 months |
| Total from starting AMC to PR | 3 to 5 years (average) |
Including Your Family in Your PR Application
Australian skilled visas allow you to include your immediate family members in your application. This covers:
•Your spouse or de facto partner
•Dependent children
Your partner can be included whether or not they have a job offer in Australia. If your partner also has a skilled occupation, they may contribute additional points to your EOI under the partner skills component.
Children included in the visa application receive the same visa grant and residency rights as the primary applicant. There is no separate application needed for dependent children.
An Honest Note on Migration Rules
Australia’s migration policy changes regularly. Occupation lists are updated. State nomination programs open and close. Points thresholds shift based on the number of applicants in each pool.
Everything in this blog reflects current information, but it is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. Before you submit any application or make decisions based on your points score, verify the details directly with:
•Department of Home Affairs: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
•AHPRA: ahpra.gov.au
•Jobs and Skills Australia: jobsandskills.gov.au
A registered migration agent can also review your specific situation and advise on the strongest pathway for your profile.
Start Your Journey With the Right Support
Knowing the pathway is one thing. Having the right preparation behind you is another. At Academically Global, we work with internationally trained doctors at every stage of the AMC journey, from exam preparation through to career guidance in Australia.
If you are still preparing for your AMC exams, explore our AMC preparation courses designed for IMGs.
If you are ready to talk through your options, book a counselling call with our team today.