How to Reduce Your 10-Year Moratorium: A Guide for International Medical Graduates in Australia

Doctors who completed their medical degrees outside Australia must comply with Medicare’s 19AB rules, requiring International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to work in a Distribution Priority Area (DPA) for the first 10 years of practice. By working in doctor-short locations, overseas GPs can complete a GP Fellowship, gain permanent residency, and remove work restrictions in as little as four years.

This blog explains the pathways available to reduce your 10-year moratorium and fast-track your Australian medical career.

Two Ways to Reduce Your Moratorium

1. Moratorium Scaling

The Moratorium Scaling scheme, operated by Medicare through the Department of Health, calculates reductions automatically each month. IMGs earn scaling credits for working in rural and remote areas: the more remote the location, the greater the reduction.

• Locations are classified using the ASGS Remoteness Areas via the Health Workforce Locator Map.

  • Example: Bunbury, WA (Inner Regional, RA2) reduces the moratorium to 9 years.

  • Port Hedland, WA (Remote, RA4) reduces it to 6 years.

Key points:

• Scaling applies monthly and requires a minimum of $5,000 Medicare billings per month in General Practice.

• Full-time hospital work alone does not earn credits; GPs must bill through private General Practice to benefit.

• Credits are retained even if you leave the DPA location later.

• You can combine scaling with a 6-month locum provider number to work in non-DPA locations before completing the full moratorium.

2. The Five-Year International Medical Graduates Recruitment Scheme

The 5-Year IMG Scheme is designed to attract and retain Overseas Trained Doctors (OTDs) in smaller rural communities. By committing to eligible locations, you may reduce your moratorium to as little as three years.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Hold or obtain registration with the Medical Board of Australia.

• Be eligible for FRACGP or FACRRM within two years of starting the Scheme.

• Work at least seven sessions per week in private General Practice (not hospital-based).

• Complete the required years at the assigned location.

Eligible Locations (Examples):

Location	Required Years
Albany, WA	5
Broome, WA	4
Darwin, NT	5
Hall’s Creek, WA	3
Port Hedland, WA	4
Tom Price, WA	3
Cardwell, QLD	4
Ingram, QLD	5

Note: Leaving the location early will forfeit the benefits of the Five-Year IMG Scheme, but you retain moratorium scaling credits.

Benefits of Rural and Remote Practice

Working in rural and remote areas offers both professional and lifestyle advantages:

• Broader scope of practice and opportunity to develop sub-specialties.

• High demand for GPs often leads to higher earnings, including private billing and government incentive payments.

• Strong community appreciation and a chance to make a meaningful impact.

• Structured support systems help IMGs transition successfully, including orientation, mentoring, and guidance from colleges and workforce agencies.

Many IMGs move to metropolitan practices after their moratorium, but some choose to stay longer to enjoy the slower pace of rural life while fast-tracking their careers.

Take the Next Step

By working in rural and remote practices, IMGs can reduce their moratorium, gain Fellowship, earn higher incomes, and provide care to communities in need.

Doctor Connect has vacancies in rural and remote practices that can help you shorten your 10-year moratorium and advance your career.

Contact us today to explore opportunities in regional Australia.

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