Hammond Migration

Australia seeks skilled migration from medical professionals which opens up PR options for Doctors

Australia is known for its dynamic culture and numerous advantages, including economic independence, great quality of life, and a strong educational system. Most importantly, Australia’s health-care system has an excellent reputation, making it a desirable location for permanent immigration, particularly for Doctors.

Permanent/Provisional visa options

As of May 2022, the following permanent or provisional (leading to permanent) visas will be available to Doctors:

  • Subclass 189 & 190 – Skilled Independent & State Nominated Skilled permanent visas
  • Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional provisional visa (replacing the Subclass 489 visa)
  • Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme permanent visa
  • Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored provisional visa
  • Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (transitional only)

The definition of regional area for the purpose of the 491 and 494 visas is anywhere outside of the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metropolitan areas.

The points test

The points test applies to the Subclass 491, 189 and 190 visas. Historically, many Doctors applied for the 189 visa, however, presently only applicants with 90 points or more are being invited. As an example, to achieve 90 points, an overseas Doctor would need to:

  • Be between the age of 33 – 39;
  • Have near-native English language skills;
  • Have 3 years’ experience in Australia and 5+ years’ experience overseas;
  • Hold either a Doctorate, Degree, Diploma or Trades Qualification;
  • Have passed a translator’s test;
  • Is either single or have a spouse with qualifications and good English.

While this is possible, it is presently very difficult to achieve this target.

Where States/Territories support the nomination of medical professionals for the 491 and 190 visas, the points score required drops to 65. This threshold should be relatively easy to obtain for Doctors under the age of 39. The options for nomination vary significantly between states. General or specialist registration is required for these visas as well.

The key features of those visas as they relate to Doctors are as follows:

Subclass 189 & 190 visa

  • Must have general (not provisional, limited, or supervised) or specialist AHPRA registration
  • Must meet a points test which is now set at a level which is unattainable by many Doctors. Points test is more achievable for Doctors nominated by the State/Territory and applying for the 190 visa
  • Age limit of 45
  • No employer sponsorship or SAF levy
  • Receive unrestricted permanent residence visa

Subclass 491 visa

  • Replaced the 489 visa from November 2019
  • Must have general (not provisional, limited, or supervised) or specialist AHPRA registration
  • Must be nominated by a State/Territory government to live and work in a regional area
  • Must meet a points test, but this should be achievable with State/Territory nomination points
  • Age limit of 45
  • No employer sponsorship or SAF levy
  • Receive 5-year provisional visa with a condition to only live, work and study in a regional area
  • Option to apply for permanent residence after 3 years

Subclass 186 visa

  • Must have limited, general or specialist AHPRA registration
  • Must be nominated by employer
  • SAF levy
  • No Labour Market Testing
  • Age limit of 45, exemptions apply (see below)
  • Receive unrestricted permanent residence visa

Subclass 187 visa

  • Available until 16 November except for ‘transitional’ cohort (persons who had applied for or held 457 visa as at 18 April 2017 or persons who held or applied for 482 visa in the MLTSSL stream as at 20 March 2019)
  • Must have limited, general or specialist AHPRA registration
  • Must be nominated by employer
  • SAF levy
  • Labour Market Testing may be required
  • Age limit of 45, exemptions apply (see below)
  • Receive permanent residence visa, which may be cancelled if the employee ceases employment within the first 2 years after visa grant

Subclass 494 visa

  • Must have general or specialist registration. Not clear whether limited registration will be acceptable
  • Must be sponsored by employer
  • Labour Market Testing for all occupations
  • Age limit of 45
  • SAF levy
  • Receive 5-year provisional visa with a condition to only live, work for the sponsor and in the nominated occupation and study in a regional area
  • Option to apply for permanent residence after 3 years

Exemptions to the age limit

The maximum age for the above visas is currently 45. An applicant would cease to be eligible for these visas on their 45th birthday. Age exemptions apply in the following scenarios relevant to Doctors:

  • For Doctors who held or had applied for a 457 visa before or after 18 April 2017 and were in Australia for at least 12 months between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021, applying for the 186 visa under the Temporary Residence Transition stream after 1 July 2022, the age cut off is 50;
  • For Doctors who are transitioning from a 457/482 visa and applying for the 186/187 visa under the Temporary Residence Transition stream and have received a salary above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (currently $158,500 per annum) for a period of 3 years, there is no age limit;
  • For Doctors who are transitioning from a 457/482 visa and applying for the 186/187 visa under the Temporary Residence Transition stream and have worked in a regional area for at least 2 of the last 3 years

Health Workforce Certificate

Health Workforce Certificates (HWC) are currently required for the 482, 494, 186 and 187 visas for the following occupations:

  • General Practitioner (ANZSCO 253111)
  • Resident Medical Officer (ANZSCO 253112)
  • Medical Practitioners not elsewhere classified (ANZSCO 253999).

It is a requirement for the application that a positive HWC is available at time of application.

A Health Workforce Certificate is a letter issued by a RWA confirming the genuine need to fill a primary healthcare position at a given location in Australia by an overseas Doctor in certain occupations.

Positions based in clinics in Modified Monash Model Zone 1-2 are subject to assessment based on new Department of Health planning tool, ‘Health Demand and Supply Utilisation Patterns Planning (HeaDSUPP)’. The data supporting this tool is not currently available publicly. Outcomes will depend on assessment.

The following positions will receive an expedited response:

  • Positions located in rural, remote and regional areas of Australia (as defined by the Modified Monash Model e.g. MM categories 3-7);
  • Positions where Australian trained Doctors require a visa;
  • Doctors seeking an extension of their existing working arrangements in the same position, same location with the same employer; and
  • Positions nominated for filling by an OTD at an Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS).
  • Hospital based generalist positions

We assist private and public health services providers throughout Australia. Please contact us for a discussion about visa applications, immigration strategy, and compliance.

More information can be found on DoctorConnect. DoctorConnect provides information to international medical graduates and their employers.

The above is a summary only and should not be treated as legal advice. You should seek personalised advice before acting on the above information.

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