Working and Migrating to Australia as a General Practitioner (GP)

Australia has long been one of the favorite destination countries for migration. This country is known for its sunny weather, relaxed lifestyle, multicultural society, and strong economy. It's no wonder that many people from various countries come to Australia in search of a better quality of life.

For you, a General Practitioner (GP) considering moving to Australia, there are several migration and work pathways that you need to understand. This article will help you understand the visa options, requirements, and the steps you need to take to work as a GP in Australia.

Know Your Skills According to Australian Standards

Based on ANZSCO 253111 - General Practitioner, a person who diagnoses and treats physical and mental illnesses, disorders, and injuries, recommends preventive measures, and refers patients to Specialists, other health workers, as well as social workers, welfare, and support services.

GPs must have a skill level comparable to a bachelor's degree or higher qualification and at least one year of hospital-based training (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). Registration or licensing is required.

Responsibilities Include:

• conducting examinations and questioning patients to determine the nature of disorders and diseases, as well as recording patients' medical information

• ordering laboratory tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic procedures, and interpreting findings to assist in diagnosis

• providing overall care for patients, as well as prescribing and administering treatments, medications, and other remedial measures

• monitoring patient progress and response to treatments

• providing advice on diet, exercise, and other habits that aid in the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders

• referring patients to, and exchanging medical information with, specialist Medical Practitioners

• reporting births, deaths, and notifiable diseases to government authorities

• arranging patient admissions to hospitals

Two Main Programs for International Medical Graduates

If you live outside Australia and have obtained medical qualifications from another country (for example, Indonesia), there are generally two main pathways to work as a doctor in Australia:

1. General Skilled Migration (Points-based without sponsorship)

2. Employer Sponsored Migration (Employer-sponsored Visa)

   
   

General Skilled Migration (Points-based Visa)

This pathway uses a points system. The higher your qualifications, experience, and English language skills, the greater your chances of receiving a visa invitation.

Factors that affect points include:

• Age

• English language proficiency

• Education and qualifications

• Work experience

• Study or living experience in Australia

• Specialization in a highly demanded profession

The minimum points required to apply for a visa is 65 points, but in practice, the higher your points, the greater your chances of being invited.

Types of Visas in General Skilled Migration

• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

  PR (Permanent Residence) visa without state sponsorship.

• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

  PR visa with nomination from an Australian state.

• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

  Temporary visa to work in regional Australia.

  
  

How to Apply for Visas (189, 190, and 491)

The application process for these three visas is essentially the same, which is:

1. Ensure you meet the requirements, then conduct a skills assessment.

2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, including:

   • Personal information (name, date of birth, passport)

   • Skills assessment results

   • Target state or territory (if applicable)

3. Wait for an invitation (Invitation to Apply) from the Australian government or state.

4. Once invited and all documents are ready, submit your visa application officially.

   
   

Employer Sponsored Migration (Employer-Sponsored Visa)

In this pathway, an employer in Australia acts as your sponsor. There are three main types of visas:

• Subclass 482 – Skill in Demand (482)

  To fill positions that are difficult to fill with local labor.

• Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

  Permanent visa sponsored by the company.

• Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

  To work and settle in regional areas (minimum of 2 years) with high labor demand.

  
  

Temporary or Permanent Visa?

• Visa 189 and 190 → directly grant Permanent Residence (PR).

• Visa 491 and 482 → temporary visa (±3 years). After working in Australia for that period, you can apply for PR.

  
  

Can Family Join?

Yes - If you apply for a permanent visa as a GP, you can include:

• Partner (spouse)

• Dependent children or stepchildren

  
  

Is It Necessary to Use a Migration Agent?

If you find the process complicated or do not want to risk making mistakes, you may use a registered migration agent (MARA). Agents can assist with:

• Assessing your eligibility

• Determining the most suitable visa

• Preparing documents

• Providing legal migration advice

  
  

There are additional fees, but for many people, this is very helpful.

The more experienced and prepared you are when applying, the greater the chances of your visa being approved.