How to move to australia as a UK Doctor?
Moving to Australia as a UK doctor is genuinely one of the more straightforward international medical migrations in the world. The two countries share similar training systems, similar medical cultures, and there are more Brits working in Australian hospitals than doctors from any other country. That is not a coincidence. It is because the pathway works.
Most importantly, if you are already a UK specialist, there is exciting news. Australia recently introduced an Expedited Specialist Pathway that fast tracks registration for specialists in high demand fields. As of early 2025 this pathway is open to GPs, anaesthetists, psychiatrists, and obstetrics and gynaecology consultants. Over 125 overseas GPs (mostly UK trained) have already been registered through this pathway since it opened.
Under this system you only need six months of supervised practice before gaining full specialist registration. That is much faster than the old system.
In this guide I will walk you through everything from getting your qualifications recognised, to choosing the right visa, to whether you should apply for Australia PR on your own or use an Australia PR agent.
Why Are So Many UK Doctors Moving to Australia Right Now?
Many UK doctors say they feel overworked and underpaid in the NHS. Whereas Australia offers better pay and fewer working hours. Australia is actively welcoming overseas doctors with open arms. Australia offers better pay for doctors with the same level of experience as those in the UK. In 2025 alone, roughly 30,000 qualified doctors applied for just 10,000 UK training posts. That means around 20,000 doctors were left without a training slot. On top of that, NHS morale has taken a serious hit after years of disputes, pay freezes, and burnout.
According to a 2024 health report from the Australian government, overseas trained doctors made up about 50 percent of all new doctor registrations in the country in 2023. And 60 percent of those came from the UK and other English speaking countries like Ireland.
Here is what UK doctors are saying they love about working in Australia.
- Better pay. A junior doctor equivalent in Australia typically earns between AUD 65,000 and AUD 95,000 per year. Senior doctors and registrars can earn up to AUD 150,000. Compare that to NHS pay and it is a significant jump.
- Shorter hours. The standard working week in Australian hospitals is around 38 hours rather than the 48 hours typical in the UK.
- Better work life balance. Sunshine, beaches, outdoor culture. It is a cliche but people keep saying it because it is true.
- Genuine career progression. Australia actively invests in training international doctors and there are more pathways to specialisation.
Step 1: Get Your Qualifications Recognised (AMC and AHPRA)
Before you think about visas or which city to live in, you need to get your qualifications recognised. Two organisations are involved in this process.
The Australian Medical Council (AMC)
Think of the AMC as the gateway. They verify your medical qualifications and assess whether your degree and training meet Australian standards. All international medical graduates (IMGs) must register with the AMC first. This involves primary source verification of your medical degree from the UK.
The good news for UK doctors is that you almost certainly qualify for the Competent Authority Pathway (CAP). This is a big deal because it means you do not have to sit the AMC exams. Those exams are long, expensive, and stressful. The CAP allows you to skip them entirely if you meet certain criteria.
Who qualifies for the Competent Authority Pathway?
- You have a primary medical degree from a GMC accredited UK medical school
- You have full GMC registration with a licence to practise
- You have completed Foundation Year 1 (FY1) or at least 12 months of supervised postgraduate training in the UK
If you tick all three boxes, congratulations. You are eligible for the CAP and you do not need to sit any Australian exams. You will start with provisional registration in Australia and then move to general registration after 12 months of supervised work.
AHPRA Registration
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the body that actually issues your registration to practise. Once the AMC verifies your qualifications, AHPRA processes your registration application. You cannot legally work as a doctor in Australia without AHPRA registration. Full stop.
The registration process typically takes four to six weeks once you have submitted all documents. Be prepared for credentials checks, proof of training and potentially a police check.
Step 2: Choose the Right Visa to Work in Australia
This is where things get a little more complex, but do not panic. There are several visa options available to UK doctors and the right one depends on your situation, whether you are looking for temporary work first or want to apply for Australia PR straight away.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
This is the most common starting point for UK doctors moving to Australia. The 482 visa allows an Australian hospital or medical practice to sponsor you for up to four years. Your employer acts as your sponsor and handles most of the application on their end.
Key things to know about the 482 visa:
- You need a confirmed job offer from an approved sponsor in Australia
- The visa fee starts at around AUD 3,210 in 2025 (some employers may cover this)
- Typical processing time is around six to eight weeks
- You can travel in and out of Australia freely while on this visa
- It is a pathway to permanent residency after two to three years of work
Most UK doctors start here, work for a couple of years, build up points and experience, then move onto a permanent visa. Think of it as a stepping stone.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The 189 visa australia is the gold standard if you want to apply for Australia PR without needing an employer sponsor or state government nomination. It gives you full permanent residency and the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Here is the catch: the 189 visa au is highly competitive. It uses a points based system and recent invitation rounds have required 85 points or more. To achieve 85 points as an overseas doctor you typically need:
- A high points score from age (under 33 years gives you 30 points)
- Strong English language results (superior English gives 20 points)
- Your occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (doctors are Tier 1 priority)
- Australian skilled work experience
- Positive AMC skills assessment
The good news is that as of 2025 and 2026, the Australian government introduced a new four tier priority system for the 189 visa. Medical professionals like doctors are classified as Tier 1 which means highest priority. In November 2025 alone, 10,000 invitations were issued under the 189 visa programme. Doctors have a very strong chance of being invited once their points score is competitive.
If you are thinking about how to apply for Australia PR independently the 189 is the visa to aim for. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The 190 visa is similar to the 189 but requires nomination from a specific Australian state or territory. In exchange for being nominated you get an extra five points added to your score which can make a significant difference in competitive rounds. The trade off is that you must live and work in the nominating state for at least two years.
This can actually work in your favour if you are open to relocating to a state with high demand for doctors such as Western Australia, Queensland, or South Australia.
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
The 186 visa is a permanent employer sponsored visa. If you have been working in Australia on a 482 visa for at least two years your employer can nominate you directly for permanent residency. This is called the Temporary Residence Transition stream and it is one of the most common ways UK doctors end up with au pr.
There is no points test for the 186 TRT stream. Your employer nominates you, you meet the requirements, and you get permanent residency. Age limit is 50 for TRT applicants which is important to know if you are older.
Step 3: Find a Job in Australia
Realistically, most UK doctors start the process by finding a job first. Once you have a job offer the visa process becomes much clearer because your employer often helps you navigate it.
Here is how to find work in Australia as a UK doctor:
Use Medical Recruitment Agencies
There are specialist recruitment agencies that work exclusively with international medical graduates moving to Australia. Agencies like Medrecruit, Jon and Jon Medical, and Globe Healthcare have entire teams dedicated to IMG placement and visa support. Their service is usually free for doctors because hospitals pay the placement fee.
Apply Directly to Hospitals
Many Australian hospitals post their own vacancies. State health departments like Queensland Health, NSW Health, and SA Health all advertise positions directly. Rural and regional hospitals are particularly keen on international doctors and often offer generous packages including housing assistance and relocation support.
The Rural Opportunity
Here is something worth seriously considering. Rural and remote Australia has a genuine shortage of doctors and the financial rewards reflect that. Some remote towns have offered salaries of AUD 300,000 to AUD 680,000 per year plus free housing and car allowances. Yes, you read that right. Queensland specifically launched a AUD 24 million trainee incentive programme in 2025 offering sign on bonuses to GP trainees entering rural practice. If you are open to a regional lifestyle even for a few years the financial and career benefits can be extraordinary.
Step 4: Understand the Points System and How to Apply for Australia PR
If your goal is permanent residency there are a few things you need to understand about the Australian points system. Knowing your score before you start the process saves a lot of time and disappointment.
You need a minimum of 65 points to lodge an EOI but in practice competitive applicants for the 189 visa are scoring 80 to 85 points or higher. The four tier priority system introduced in 2025 means doctors (Tier 1) have a multiplied chance of selection compared to other occupations.
You can check your points within 60 seconds and get an idea of your score. Use the Australia PR Points Calculator to instantly check your eligibility. For better understanding, consult an Australia PR consultant.
Step 5: Pathway from Temporary to Permanent Residency
Most UK doctors follow a similar path to au pr. Here is how it typically looks in practice:
- Arrive on a 482 temporary visa sponsored by your employer
- Work for two to three years, build up points and local experience
- Either your employer nominates you for a 186 permanent visa or you apply independently for a 189 or 190 visa
- Receive permanent residency and the freedom to work anywhere in Australia
- After four years of permanent residency you are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship
The whole process from first arriving in Australia to holding a permanent residency visa typically takes two to four years for most doctors. With good preparation and the right support it is very achievable.
Should You Use an Australia PR Agent?
Australian immigration law is complex and it changes regularly. A registered migration agent (RMA) understands the current rounds, knows which states are actively nominating doctors for the 190 visa, and can help you maximise your points score legally. They also handle paperwork that, if done incorrectly, can result in visa refusals and wasted application fees
When choosing an Australia PR agent look for someone who is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). This is a legal requirement to practise as a migration agent in Australia. You can verify any agent on the MARA website.
Meet Australia PR Consultant
At GIEC Global UK, our experienced immigration consultants guide engineers through every stage — from profile assessment to final submission. With the right strategy, you can avoid common errors and move closer to your goal of living and working in Australia.
👉 If you’re serious about your future, consider booking a consultation to understand your eligibility, estimated timeline, and the best pathway for your profile.
Suman Prem
Registered Migration Agent specializing in Australian immigration law. Providing expert guidance for visa applications, permanent residency, and citizenship matters.
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FAQs
Almost certainly not if you trained in the UK. The Competent Authority Pathway is available to UK graduates with GMC registration and at least 12 months of FY1 equivalent experience. This bypasses the AMC exams entirely.
The general age limit for points tested visas including the 189 visa au and 190 visa is 44 at the time of invitation. However Australia has specific age exemptions for medical professionals recognising the value experienced doctors bring to the healthcare system. Always check with an Australia PR agent for your specific situation.
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can be included on your visa application. If your partner also meets English language and skills requirements you can claim extra points toward your PR application.
From starting your AMC application to landing in Australia and working typically takes six to eighteen months. Many decision ready 189 visa applications are being processed within six to twelve months in 2025 and 2026.
The 189 visa Australia is one of the best options. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia without employer sponsorship.
Doctors in Australia earn significantly higher salaries compared to the UK. Many professionals report better pay and improved work life balance.
Yes, Australia PR offers long-term stability, better income, and a higher quality of life. It is one of the most preferred migration options for doctors.
