Moving to Australia

A doctor who holds AHPRA general registration and is on an eligible temporary visa can apply for a Medicare provider number and work in a GP practice without being enrolled in any of those programs. This route operates under a distinct legal mechanism — a section 19AB pathway exemption — rather than the section 3GA “approved placement” pathway used by the training programs.

This FAQ addresses the most common concerns doctors raise in their first days and weeks on the ground. Clear answers can significantly reduce stress and help you move from landing to consulting more smoothly.

Arriving in Australia to begin work as a General Practitioner is exciting — and intense. Between visa activation, identity documents, PRODA setup, practice orientation and family logistics, the first month can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with a clear sequence and the right support, most doctors move from landing to seeing patients efficiently and confidently.

Dr. Raj had trained and practised as a GP in th eUK, one of the countries whose specialist qualification appears on AHPRA’s accepted list. He knew the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway could mean specialist registration in Australia much faster than traditional routes — but he still needed to complete the online application smoothly.

For overseas-trained specialist General Practitioners (GPs), Australia offers excellent opportunities to practise at the highest level. However, navigating the visa and permanent residency (PR) landscape can feel complex—especially when combined with RACGP assessment pathways, AHPRA registration, and Medicare provider number requirements.

For many doctors considering a move to Australia — especially those on the PEP Specialist Pathway — the first question that often comes up is: “What’s the sign-on bonus or relocation allowance?”

Imagine stepping off a plane in Australia, heart racing with excitement and a touch of nerves. You’ve trained as a GP overseas, built years of experience helping patients in your home country, and now you’re ready to bring that care to Australian communities. For Dr. Anita, a dedicated general practitioner from overseas with a recognised specialist qualification, that moment arrived in early 2026. Like many international medical graduates (IMGs), she knew the path to practisi

Guiding an International Medical Graduate (IMG) through the RACGP Practice Experience Program Specialist Pathway (PEP SP) is one of the most rewarding roles a GP Fellow can take on. You get to shape the next generation of Australian GPs while contributing to better access to care in areas that need it most.

Many GPs who began their Australian careers in regional or rural areas (MM2–7) eventually consider moving to a major city (MM1). The appeal is understandable — better access to specialist services, more career opportunities for partners, quality schooling options, and greater lifestyle variety.

You’ve decided PTE Academic is the right English test for your AHPRA registration and PEP Specialist pathway journey. Now comes the practical part: locating a convenient, official test centre and securing your preferred date without hassle. Finding and booking a PTE Academic test is refreshingly straightforward — whether you are still overseas or already in Australia. Here’s the complete, up-to-date process tailored for busy International Medical Graduates.