How to Successfully migrate as a GP

Visa subclasses 189, 190, and 491 were long considered the default options for skilled migrants, but they were never truly fit for purpose for GPs. The points-based system inherently disadvantages medical professionals, particularly GPs, whose skills are in high demand but not necessarily aligned with the points criteria.

As of 2025, these visas are largely irrelevant for GPs due to the following reasons:

• As demonstrated in the June 2024 Invitation Round, the chances of receiving an invitation under these subclasses are slim, even for highly qualified GPs.

• These visas require navigating a convoluted process that often takes years, delaying your career progression and family’s relocation.

• The demand for GPs in Australia is urgent, particularly in underserved areas, making the traditional visa pathways inefficient.

What follows is a full and detailed step-by-step explanation of how to move to Australia using the expedited Employer Sponsored Visa Pathway.

a) Ensure you meet the full eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Skills in Demand Visa and expedited SIMG Provisional Registration by the Medical Board of Australia, you must be a qualified General Practitioner from a Comparable Health System (CHS).

You are required to be currently registered with the appropriate Medical Board in the CHS, and a Member of the relevant Specialist College.

These ‘Comparable Systems’ are:

• United Kingdom: General Medical Council (GMC) and a Member or Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP or FRCGP).

• Canada: College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians (FCFP).

• United States: American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) certification and a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine.

• New Zealand: Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP).

• Ireland: Irish Medical Council (IMC) and a Member or Fellow of the Irish College of General Practitioners (MICGP or FICGP).

It is essential that your qualifications and experience are recognized by these bodies to be eligible for the expedited registration and visa process.

If you are from a country not listed, you may still be eligible through a different pathway, but this would not fall under the expedited process.

Third Country Qualified Applicants

If you are not originally from a country deemed ‘Comparable’ by Australia, you may still be eligible for the expedited process under the following circumstances:

• hold an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
• have received training and in a Comparable System
• are a member of the relevant Medical Board
• are a fellow of the Specialist College in that Comparable System

This means, for example, if you gained your MBBS from a country such as India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, or Egypt and then moved to work in the UK as a GP, gaining full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) and becoming a Member or Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP or FRCGP), you would be eligible for the expedited pathway.

It’s important to note that you do not need to be currently working in the UK as a GP. As long as you maintain your GMC registration and fellowship status, you could be practicing in another country, such as in the Middle East, and still qualify for this pathway.

This flexibility allows for continued professional development and career progression, even if you are no longer physically located in a Comparable Health System.

This provision is particularly beneficial for General Practitioners who have gained substantial international experience but want to leverage their UK qualifications to move to Australia with a streamlined process.

It recognizes the global nature of medical careers and provides a clear route for those who have worked in high-standard healthcare environments.

b) Secure an Employer Sponsor

Securing an employer sponsor is crucial for obtaining the Skills in Demand Visa and ensuring a smooth transition to Australia as a General Practitioner.

Recruiters have established relationships with healthcare providers in high-demand areas, particularly in rural and regional Australia, where the need for GPs is greatest. By leveraging their expertise, you can be matched with employers actively seeking international talent, significantly increasing your chances of securing a sponsorship.

Using a specialized recruiter offers several benefits: they streamline the application process, provide personalized guidance, and ensure that all visa and registration requirements are met.

Additionally, you should use a professional recruiter that can assist with the logistical aspects of relocation, such as finding suitable housing and schools for your children, and even securing employment opportunities for your spouse. This comprehensive support allows you to focus on your new role and settle into your new life in Australia with confidence.

c) Getting Registered in Australia as a GP via the SIMG Pathway

Getting registered in Australia as a GP via the SIMG Pathway has undergone big changes in 2025.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is no longer involved in the assessment process for overseas-trained General Practitioners (GPs).

The new fast-track registration process for internationally qualified GPs is managed by the Medical Board of Australia under the oversight of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The Australian Medical Council (AMC) is still involved in the assessment of qualifications, particularly for ensuring that the qualifications meet the standards required by Australian authorities, but the direct involvement of the RACGP in the registration process has been removed.

AHPRA now handles the registration process, including the recognition of overseas qualifications and granting provisional registration to relocating GPs.

d) Secure Employer Sponsored Visa

The Skills in Demand Employer Sponsored Visa, introduced in 2024, is a game-changer for GPs seeking to migrate to Australia.

This visa was specifically designed to address the shortage of qualified medical professionals. Unlike previous visa subclasses, this new pathway does not require the lengthy and frustrating points-based assessment.

Instead, it focuses on direct sponsorship by an employer who has identified a need for your expertise.

Benefits of the Skills in Demand Employer Sponsored Visa for GPs

• Streamlined Application Process: The visa application process has been significantly shortened, with approvals typically taking less than six months.

• Guaranteed Employment: Since this visa is employer-sponsored, your job in Australia is secured before you even land, providing peace of mind and financial stability.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: After a period of continuous employment, you become eligible for permanent residency, giving GPs and their family long-term security in Australia.

e) Get Your Medicare Number for Billings

Obtaining a Medicare provider number is the step for any GP looking to emigrate to Australia, as it allows you to bill Medicare for services provided to patients.

To apply for a Medicare provider number you must first be registered with the Medical Board of Australia via AHPRA and have secured a position with an approved healthcare provider.

Your employer or recruiter will usually handle the process, which involves submitting an application to Services Australia, the government agency responsible for Medicare.

The application will require details of your registration, the location where you will be practicing, and confirmation of your employment offer.

The processing time is on average less than 3-weeks. This number is essential for accessing Medicare rebates for your patients and is linked to the specific location where you will be working.

If you change employers you will need to apply for a new provider number associated with your new place of practice.