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. Last invitation on 13 November 2025 was on 75 points.

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)

Subclass 482 – Skill in Demand (482), In this pathway, an employer in Australia acts as your sponsor. This visa exist to fill positions that are difficult to fill with local labor.

The employer must demonstrate that they have a genuine need for the skills and expertise that the candidate possesses, which often involves a thorough recruitment process to ensure that no suitable local candidates are available for the position. Once the employer agrees to sponsor you, they will need to submit a sponsorship application to the relevant Australian government authority, detailing their business operations, the specific role they wish to fill, and how your employment will benefit their organization.

This process ensures that the employer is compliant with Australian labor laws and that they are committed to supporting your transition to living and working in Australia.

This visa application requires you to provide various documents, including proof of your qualifications, work experience, health and character assessments. The employer's sponsorship is instrumental in this process, as it serves as a foundation for your visa application, significantly enhancing your chances of approval. Furthermore, this pathway not only facilitates your employment in Australia but also opens up opportunities for permanent residency in the future.

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.

If you need guidance, you can always contact us for consultation.