Steps for Doctors to Secure a Visa In Australia
Getting the right visa is an important step to kick-start your medical career in Australia. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Source a Job in the Right Location after passing AMC exam
After passing the AMC exam, the next step is to secure a medical position in Australia. Aim to find a role in areas where your skills are most needed and in high demand.
Apply for Medical Registration with AHPRA
Before practicing medicine in Australia, doctors must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This involves meeting the medical qualification and experience requirements.
Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment
If required for your visa, apply for a skills assessment through the Australian Medical Council (AMC). A positive assessment confirms your qualifications are recognised in Australia.
Apply for a Visa
Choose the appropriate visa based on your circumstances and career goals.
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent residency (PR) visa for skilled professionals, including doctors, who meet the eligibility requirements and want to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Key Features:
- Provides full permanent residency.
- No requirement for employer or state sponsorship.
- Points-based assessment system.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Positive skills assessment from the Australian Medical Council (AMC).
- Meet the points threshold under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.
Why Choose This Visa?
Doctors seeking flexibility and freedom to choose their location and employer in Australia often prefer this visa.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Designed for professionals nominated by a state or territory, the Subclass 190 visa offers PR while requiring a commitment to work in the sponsoring region.
Key Features:
- Permanent residency visa.
- Requires state or territory nomination.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Inclusion on the state’s Skilled Occupation List.
- Positive AMC skills assessment.
- Meet the GSM points requirement.
Why Choose This Visa?
State nomination adds additional points to your GSM score, improving your chances of visa approval.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional
This visa is ideal for doctors willing to work in regional areas where the demand for healthcare professionals is high.
Key Features:
- Temporary visa valid for 5 years.
- Pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years.
- Requires regional sponsorship (state, territory, or family member).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Positive AMC skills assessment.
- Commitment to work in a designated regional area.
Why Choose This Visa?
Regional visas are prioritized to address shortages, offering faster processing and incentives like lower competition and relocation benefits.
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
This employer-sponsored visa is for doctors with a permanent job offer in Australia.
Key Features:
- Grants permanent residency.
- Available under two streams:
- Direct Entry Stream: For professionals with a positive skills assessment.
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For those already working in Australia on a temporary visa.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Employer sponsorship.
- Meet skills, health, and character requirements.
Why Choose This Visa?
It’s perfect for doctors who already have an offer from an Australian healthcare employer and are looking for long-term residency.
Subclass 494 – Regional Employer Sponsored Scheme Visa
For doctors keen on practicing in regional Australia, this employer-sponsored visa offers a pathway to PR.
Key Features:
- Valid for 5 years.
- Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years through Subclass 191.
- Requires employment in a designated regional area.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Job offer in a regional area.
- Positive AMC skills assessment.
Why Choose This Visa?
This visa addresses regional healthcare shortages and provides unique opportunities to work in underserved areas.
Your Journey Begins Now
Moving to Australia as a doctor offers a chance to build a rewarding and fulfilling medical career while enjoying one of the highest standards of living in the world. While the visa process can seem complex, careful preparation and planning will set you up for success.
With over 5,000 opportunities for medical professionals and Australia’s healthcare system in constant need of skilled doctors, now is the perfect time to take the next step in your professional journey.
Pass the AMC exam with the best AMC preparation course and start your journey to Australia today!
For more personalised guidance, fill out this form to get a FREE counselling session from our AMC expert.
