MA

Migration Agents for Doctors & Medical Professionals

Find migration agents specialising in medical professional visas. Doctors face unique registration and assessment requirements through AMC and specialist colleges.

Key Facts

  • Medical practitioners are on the PMSOL (priority list)
  • AMC assessment required — can take 1-4 years depending on pathway
  • Specialist doctors assessed by relevant specialist college (RACP, RACS, etc.)
  • Area of Need positions available in rural and regional areas
  • Some of the highest visa processing priorities
ANZSCO Code

253111, 253XXX series

Assessing Authority

Australian Medical Council (AMC) + Specialist Colleges

Doctor Migration to Australia

Australia has a significant shortage of doctors, particularly in regional and rural areas. Medical practitioners are on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List, meaning visa applications are processed faster. However, the pathway to practising medicine in Australia is complex, involving assessment by the Australian Medical Council, registration with AHPRA, and potentially years of additional training or examinations.

Assessment Pathways for Doctors

International medical graduates (IMGs) have several assessment pathways. The Standard Pathway involves passing AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations. The Competent Authority pathway is available for doctors from certain countries (UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, NZ) and may allow a faster route. Specialist doctors are assessed by the relevant specialist medical college. Each pathway has different timelines, costs, and requirements.

Why Doctors Need Specialised Migration Agents

Medical migration is arguably the most complex category. It involves coordination between AMC, AHPRA, specialist colleges, Medicare, and the Department of Home Affairs. The sequencing of applications, examinations, and registrations is critical — getting it wrong can add years to the process. Migration agents who specialise in healthcare visa applications understand these interdependencies.

Area of Need and District of Workforce Shortage

Many IMGs start their Australian medical career in an Area of Need position, typically in regional or rural locations. These positions allow doctors to work under limited registration while completing their assessment pathway. A migration agent can advise on whether an Area of Need pathway suits your situation and which visa type is appropriate.

Costs and Timeline

Medical migration is a significant investment. AMC examinations cost $3,000-$5,000 total, specialist college assessment $5,000-$15,000, visa application $4,115+, and migration agent fees $5,000-$10,000 for complex medical cases. The total timeline from initial application to full medical registration and permanent residency can be 2-5 years depending on your pathway and specialty.

Relevant Visa Pathways

Skilled Independent Visa

Subclass 189

Skilled Nominated Visa

Subclass 190

Employer Sponsored Visa

Subclass 482/186/494

Find Agents by State

Browse migration agents who handle doctors & medical specialists visa applications in each Australian state and territory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard for doctors to migrate to Australia?

The visa process itself is relatively straightforward because doctors are on the priority list. The challenging part is meeting medical registration requirements — passing AMC exams, obtaining AHPRA registration, and potentially completing further training. A migration agent specialising in medical migration can navigate both the visa and registration requirements.

How long does it take for a doctor to migrate to Australia?

The timeline varies significantly. Doctors from Competent Authority countries (UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, NZ) may complete the process in 6-12 months. Standard pathway IMGs may need 2-4 years including examination preparation and completion. Specialist recognition can add additional time depending on the college.

Can I work as a doctor in Australia while waiting for full registration?

Yes. Limited registration allows IMGs to work in approved positions (typically Area of Need roles in regional areas) while completing their assessment pathway. This means you can earn while you study for AMC exams or complete specialist college requirements.

What English test score do doctors need?

Doctors need IELTS Academic 7.0 in each band (or equivalent OET B) for AHPRA registration. Some specialist colleges may have higher requirements. This is the same as the nursing requirement and higher than the general skilled migration minimum.

How much does a migration agent charge for doctor visas?

Due to the complexity of medical migration, agent fees typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. This reflects the coordination required between multiple bodies (AMC, AHPRA, specialist colleges, Home Affairs) and the longer timeline. Some agents offer staged payment plans aligned with the assessment milestones.

Find a Migration Agent for Doctors & Medical Specialists

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