Update October 2026
The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa replaced the TSS visa on 7 December 2024 and now costs AUD $4,015 for the main applicant. Permanent options include the subclass 186 visa (AUD $6,140) and the General Skilled Migration visas. See our Skills in Demand visa for doctors guide.
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.
Skills In Demand (Subclass 482) Visa
The most common first working visa for doctors moving to Australia is the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. It lets approved employers across Australia sponsor overseas doctors where they cannot fill a position from the Australian labour market.
Most medical practitioner occupations are on the Core Skills Occupation List, and a Skills in Demand visa can be granted for up to four years. Healthcare applications are in the highest processing priority group, but you will usually need your Ahpra registration in place first.
The Skills in Demand visa is a pathway to permanent residence through the subclass 186 visa, generally after two years with your sponsor.
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 Skills in Demand 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 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 have no fixed processing time, so check current times before you plan your next step. Most applicants must be aged 35 or under when they apply.
Guides for doctors, nurses and health professionals
Detailed guides on this site for overseas-trained doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and the employers who sponsor them:
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 under 45 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 under 45 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 under 45 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.
Doctors visas Australia: quick answers
The questions we hear most from overseas doctors, with links to the detailed guide for each topic. Information current as at October 2026.
Do I need Ahpra registration before my visa?
For most doctors, yes. Your employer and Home Affairs will expect medical registration with the Medical Board of Australia (through Ahpra) for the role. Our Ahpra registration pathways guide explains the competent authority, specialist, expedited specialist and standard pathways.
Which visa do most doctors start on?
Most start on the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa with a hospital or clinic sponsor. The government charge for the main applicant is AUD 4,015 from 1 July 2026. Read our 482 visa for doctors guide.
How do doctors get permanent residence?
The most common route is the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), either after two years with your 482 sponsor or directly. The main applicant charge is AUD 6,140. See 186 permanent residence for doctors.
Where can I work as an overseas trained GP?
Under section 19AB most overseas trained doctors need to work in a Distribution Priority Area to bill Medicare, unless an exemption applies. Our DPA and Medicare provider numbers guide explains how this works.
How long does the whole process take and what does it cost?
It depends on your registration pathway, exams and visa. Our costs and timeline page sets out the main fees and a typical sequence, and the FAQ answers more detailed questions.
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. For detailed guides, see Ahpra registration pathways, the 482 visa for doctors, the sponsor guide for clinics and hospitals and our health professionals visa FAQ.