Mastering PEP Application Part B: The Definitive 2026 Guide to Letter of Support from Practice for RACGP PEP Specialist Pathway

International medical graduates (IMGs) with specialist qualifications represent a vital pillar of Australia’s general practice workforce, making up over 54% of GPs nationwide. For Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) seeking a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) via the Specialist Pathway, the RACGP Practice Experience Program Specialist Stream (PEP SP) offers a structured, self-directed pathway. 

This six-month program combines workplace-based assessments with targeted education, helping eligible SIMGs transition smoothly into Australian practice while contributing to communities in need—particularly in regional and rural areas.

However, success hinges on meticulous preparation, especially Part B of the PEP SP application—the critical stage involving job offer approval and the Letter of Support from Practice. This document verifies that your proposed supervisor and practice meet rigorous RACGP and AHPRA standards for training quality, patient safety, and comprehensive general practice delivery.

At Doctor Connect, we specialise in connecting SIMGs with practices that align with these exacting requirements. Our deep understanding of the PEP process positions us to help you navigate Part B efficiently, minimising delays and maximising your chances of approval.

Why Part B Matters: Securing Your Foundation for Success

After completing Part A (the RACGP Comparability Assessment, which determines if you are substantially or partially comparable to an Australian-trained GP), you must secure an approved employment offer. Part B then requires detailed submission on the PEP SP application platform, including supervisor details, practice information, and—most importantly—the Letter of Support from your nominated practice.

RACGP assesses this to confirm the placement provides genuine, high-quality supervised experience. Incomplete or non-compliant submissions are a leading cause of delays. Understanding the guidelines upfront empowers you to prepare proactively with your practice.

Supervisor Eligibility: Building Trust Through Verified Expertise

Your nominated supervisor must demonstrate they can provide effective mentorship. The Letter of Support (or accompanying checklist) requires confirmation of the following:

• Completion (or commitment to complete) the Medical Board of Australia’s (MBA) online education and assessment module on supervised practice for IMGs.

• Full, unrestricted AHPRA registration as a specialist general practitioner.

• A minimum of three years’ full-time equivalent (FTE) practice in Australia with general and/or specialist registration prior to appointment.

• Current practice as a specialist GP delivering comprehensive general practice care.

• Explicit confirmation that the supervisor is aware of and has agreed to the nomination.

Evidence required: A link to an online booking system or a signed statement from the practice confirming current active practice.

Pro Tip: Choose supervisors with recent experience mentoring IMGs. Their established track record often streamlines RACGP verification.

Practice Information and Work Hours: Ensuring Alignment and Legitimacy

The practice must demonstrate legitimacy and operational readiness:

• Active online presence (website, Facebook page, or digital listing) showing accessibility to patients.

• Practice address must exactly match the one listed on the official website (RACGP verifies this online).

• Candidate work hours in the Letter of Support must precisely match those in your formal offer letter.

These elements assure RACGP that the practice is a genuine, patient-facing operation capable of supporting your supervised training.

Onsite vs Remote Supervision: Flexibility with Accountability

• Onsite Supervision: Confirm whether your supervisor is based at the practice address (Yes/No).

• Remote Supervision: If the supervisor is not onsite, you must upload a detailed Remote Supervision Plan (or the AHPRA Supervised Practice Plan – SPPA-30 form). This document, on practice letterhead and signed by the practice manager, must clearly outline how effective supervision, communication, and oversight will be maintained despite physical distance.

Remote arrangements are permissible but require robust documentation to satisfy AHPRA and RACGP standards for patient safety and training integrity.

Special Requirements for New Practices: Proving Establishment and Quality

New practices (open to patients for less than 6 weeks at the time of application) face additional scrutiny to confirm they deliver comprehensive general practice and can support training.

Once the practice has been open for a full 6 weeks, submit a formal letter on practice letterhead, signed by the practice manager, addressing:

• Confirmation that the practice provides comprehensive general practice, with detailed elaboration on:

  • Provision of preventative care

  • Continuity of care

  • Delivery of patient-centred healthcare and coordination according to patient, family, and community needs

• Confirmation that the practice manager has read and understood the RACGP Standards for General Practice Training (3rd Edition).

• Confirmation that the practice has read and understood the RACGP Standards for General Practices (5th Edition).

• Exact date the practice opened.

• De-identified patient demographic reports for the first 6 weeks (covering gender, age, length of consultation, and Medicare item numbers used for billing).

• Any accreditation held (e.g., AGPAL certificate).

This rigorous process ensures new practices meet the high standards expected for PEP placements.

Summary of Key Uploads for Part B

• Evidence of supervisor’s current practice.

• Supervision plan (SPPA 30 form).

• Proof of practice’s online presence.

• Evidence of supervisor’s 3+ years FTE Australian practice (e.g., AHPRA registration history).

• For new practices: Practice manager’s eligibility letter + demographic reports + accreditation documentation (if available).

All RACGP-requested information must appear on official practice letterhead and be signed appropriately.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many applications stall due to mismatched hours, insufficient elaboration in new-practice letters, weak evidence of supervisor experience, or incomplete remote supervision plans. Start early: Collaborate closely with your practice manager and supervisor. Use checklists. Double-check every detail against RACGP requirements. Practices experienced with PEP placements (like many in Doctor Connect’s network) understand these nuances and can prepare documentation efficiently.

How Doctor Connect Supports Your PEP Journey

Navigating PEP as an IMG involves more than paperwork—it requires the right placement from day one. At Doctor Connect, we go beyond traditional recruitment. With over a decade of experience and thousands of successful GP placements, we specialise in matching SIMGs with practices that have eligible supervisors, compliant operations, and genuine support for your development.

Whether you need help identifying PEP-ready opportunities, preparing Part B documentation, or understanding remote supervision logistics, our team provides personalised, end-to-end guidance. We maintain strong relationships with practices across Australia that actively welcome and support international doctors on their path to FRACGP.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Australian GP Career

The PEP Specialist Stream represents a clear, supported route to specialist registration and Fellowship. Mastering Part B is not just about compliance—it’s about positioning yourself for a successful, fulfilling transition into Australian general practice.

Ready to secure a compliant, supportive PEP placement that sets you up for success?

Contact Doctor Connect today for expert guidance tailored to your situation. Explore current opportunities aligned with PEP requirements or book a confidential consultation with our IMG-specialist team.

Your Australian GP journey starts with the right partnership. Let Doctor Connect help you make it seamless.