GP Jobs in Australia: Visa Pathways, Rural Opportunities, and Setting Up for Success
28/02/2025
In Part 1, we covered salary expectations, work-life balance, and career progression. Now, let’s dive into key considerations for international doctors, as well as practice culture, patient demographics, and support systems.
Visa Sponsorship (for International Doctors)
If you’re an international medical graduate (IMG), understanding visa options and practice locations is crucial.
Common Visa Pathways
- 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa: Allows you to work in Australia for up to 4 years.
- 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa: Provides permanent residency after working with a sponsoring employer.
- Distribution Priority Area (DPA) & 10-Year Moratorium: Most IMGs must work in a DPA-approved location for their first 10 years to bill Medicare. DPA areas are usually in rural/regional locations.
Expedited Specialist Pathway for International GPs Starting 21 October 2024, a new fast-track pathway will be available for internationally qualified medical specialists. This allows well-credentialed GPs from select countries to apply directly for specialist registration without individual assessment by a specialist college.
Accepted qualifications include:
- MICGP (Ireland) from 2009
- FRNZCGP (New Zealand) from 2012
- MRCGP (UK) from 2007
Additional specialties such as anaesthetics, psychiatry, and obstetrics will be added in December 2024.
The Benefits of Going Rural
Doctors who choose to work in rural areas often experience a broader scope of practice, higher job satisfaction, and increased earning potential. Some benefits include:
- Diverse work environments: Emergency care, surgery, obstetrics, anaesthetics, and outpatient work.
- Skill development: Opportunity to handle a wide range of medical cases.
- Higher locum rates: Increased demand in rural areas leads to better financial incentives.
- Cultural and lifestyle experiences: Unique patient interactions and community engagement.
- Bridging the healthcare gap: Providing care where it’s most needed.
Practice Software Systems
Different clinics use various practice management software. Familiarity with these can help streamline your workflow:
- Centaur
- Cliniko
- Core Practice
- Coreplus
- Dental4Windows
- Nookal
- Praktika
- Best Practice
- Medical Director / Pracsoft
- Zedmed
Business Aspects: ABN and ACN
- ABN (Australian Business Number): Required for independent contractors (most GPs work under an ABN).
Bringing It All Together
Finding the right GP job means balancing income, flexibility, career growth, and location. If you’re an IMG, visa pathways like the Expedited Specialist Pathway can help you start practicing sooner.
How We Can Help We specialise in helping GPs relocate, find the right clinic, and navigate visa processes. Whether you need assistance with licensing, choosing a location, or setting up your practice, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Get in touch today and take the next step in your GP career in Australia!
