Visa Information
Visa options for working in Australia
Please note, the following visa options for working in Australia are provided for general information purposes only as Aussie Bound GPs is not a registered migration agent and therefore is not qualified to give advice on visas.
Visa options for UK GPs
UK GPs now have a number of visa options for working in Australia. Traditionally, the TSS subclass 482 (see below) has been the most popular visa option for UK GPs. Over recent years, however, more visas have become available to UK GPs and you now have considerable choice as to which will best suit your circumstances.
We list below the visa options for GPs working in Australia together with a brief description of the visa. For more detailed information, please contact us.
Visa Options
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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
A point based skilled independent visa for foreign workers possessing skills Australia needs which does not require sponsorship from family or a government nomination. Previously inaccessible to GPs, more are now being invited to apply. Provides a good route to Permanent Residency. Conditions and restrictions apply. -
Skilled State-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 190)
A point-based skilled visa requiring state nomination which allows skilled workers to remain permanently in Australia to work, study and travel as a permanent resident. Conditions and restrictions apply. -
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
(Subclass 491)
This skilled work visa, nominated by a territory government agency, is for five years to live, work and study in a regional area of Australia. It allows the option to apply for Permanent Residency after three years. Conditions and restrictions apply.
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Temporary Visa Options for Doctors (Subclass 407)
For GPs who are looking at a short-term stay of up to 2 years in Australia. This is a training visa which requires nomination by an approved sponsor, and requires the holder to take part in professional development or workplace-based occupational training programs to advance their expertise. Conditions and restrictions apply.
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Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
This visa provides a path to Permanent Residency for skilled workers and is based on an employer nominating a GP for the visa. Currently, it requires the GP to work for 3 years for the sponsor, but changes to this visa are afoot and this is anticipated to be reduced to 2 years. Conditions and restrictions apply. -
Regional Employer Sponsored Scheme Visa (Subclass 494)
This visa enables firms (Practies) in regional Australia to find internationally skilled people to fill labour gaps. Conditions and restrictions apply. -
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) Medium Term Stream
This is the most common visa option used by GPs looking for work in Australia and many employers are happy to provide sponsorship. Employers can offset labour shortages with qualified workers from abroad using this visa. This gives GPs up to 4 to 5 years' stay in Australia and allows routes to Permanent Residency. Conditions and restrictions apply.
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Permanent Visa Option for Doctors with a partner/spouse in Australia (Subclass 820 and 801)
This visa is for a GP in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and enables them to live, work and study in Australia. Requires you to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Conditions and restrictions apply.
When to apply
It is probably wise to speak with a migration agent early in your planning for Australia, especially if you intend to look at alternative visas to the TSS subclass 482. We will happily put you in touch with our preferred migration agent, if you wish. Alternatively, if you intend to go out on the TSS subclass 482, you can wait until you have a job at which point it is often possible to use the services of the employing practice’s migration agent. The benefit of this is that you know the sponsorship element will be all wrapped up without your needing to worry.
We have put together a general guide below as to how the visa fits in with the whole process of making the move to Australia.
Step 01
Talk with us about your plans for Australia and we will provide you with a personalised step by step sequence of actions that will take you all the way to taking up your job in Australia.
Step 02
Begin looking at jobs. We have some excellent jobs on our Vacancies pages, but talk to us about the type of job you want and where you want to be, and we will find a job just for you. At this point you will need to discuss your visa options with a migration agent.
Step 03
Once you have a job, together with your employing practice and migration agent, decide which visa is best for you and your family. When you have completed steps 1 and 2 of the registration, apply for your visa.
Step 04
Complete step 3 of the registration process and apply for your Medicare provider number. Once you have your registration to practice, your visa will be issued. Then book your flights and go!
