There are a variety of visa options available for medical doctors wishing to relocate to and work in Australia. Which visa is right for each individual applicant depends on the type of work they intend to undertake, where in Australia they intend to operate, and their own personal circumstances. The following are the most common visas which we assist doctors in applying for when they are planning to move to Australia.
Temporary Skills Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa
The most common first working visa for doctors moving to Australia, the Temporary Skills Shortage (or TSS) visa is intended to give employers across Australia the ability to fill staff shortages where they are unable to do so from the existing Australian labour market.
Because the majority of medical jobs have been placed on Australia’s ‘Medium Term List’, doctors moving to Australia on a TSS Visa are usually permitted to stay in Australia for up to four years on their first visa. Applications for TSS visas usually receive a decision within eight months, often less.
A TSS Visa is a potential pathway to permanent residence in Australia, in some cases after as little as two years.
Working Holiday (Subclass 417/462) Visa
Younger doctors may also be able to work in Australia on the basis of holding a subclass 417 or 462 Working Holiday Visa. These visas are aimed at individuals of any profession aged 18 to 35 (maximum age limit dependent on country of citizenship) and are typically used by those looking to take an extended holiday in Australia, but who want the ability to work in order to support their travels.
Doctors and other medical professionals who fall within the age range of the Working Holiday Visa and who do not want to work for a specific employer or on a long-term contract may find these visas an attractive option. However, they should be aware that Working Holiday Visas are not pathways to Australian permanent residence and they will have to secure another visa (such as a TSS Visa) if this is something they would like to pursue.
Temporary Graduate Visa
If you are a trainee doctor who has completed at least two years of study in Australia, and you are still in the country, you may be eligible to apply for a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa. If successful, you will be able to extend your stay for at least 18 months and use this time to identify and apply for a longer-term visa which will enable you to obtain permanent residency in Australia, either through sponsorship from an employer or as a general skilled migrant.
Applications for Temporary Graduate Visas are usually reviewed within two or three months once a complete application has been submitted.
General Skilled Migration Visas
Due to the range of jobs within the medical profession having a presence on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, there are also several subclasses of visa within the General Skilled Migration category which may be suitable for a doctor intending to move to the country.
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested visa intended for skilled workers who do not have a job offer already lined up and therefore do not qualify for those visas which require sponsorship from a specific employer. Applicants must be 45 or under and have the required professional registration for their speciality.
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is for skilled workers who are seeking permanent residence in Australia and who have received a nomination by an Australian territory or state. Applicants must be 45 or under and have the required professional registration to allow them to practice.
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is focused on filling skills gaps in less populated areas of Australia. If granted, it allows the holder to live and work in Australia for five years, providing that they have been sponsored by a family member or an Australian territory or state and commit to working in a regional area of the country for a period of time. Applicants must be 45 or under and be professionally registered.
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) also seeks to redress skills shortages in regional areas of Australia. However, it requires sponsorship from an employer who is prepared to employ the applicant for at least five years. The 45-years-old age limit and requirement for professional registration remain in place for prospective applicants for this visa.
Tailored visa advice for medical professionals
VisaEnvoy is a truly international migration firm, with a long track record of working with both companies and private individuals to understand their personal circumstances and visa needs, and helping them get the right visa for them as quickly and hassle-free as possible.
We understand that the key to a successful visa application is understanding both our clients and the immigration systems with which we work. A critical part of that work is keeping on top of the frequent changes to the immigration systems and visa categories of the countries in which we operate.
Our friendly, professional team of migration agents and immigration solicitors work with trusted partners in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, as well as in Canada and the United States.
If you would like to know more about VisaEnvoy, our agents or the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with a member of our team to discuss the needs of you or your company.