Planning Your Arrival and Start Date as an Overseas GP in Australia

At Doctor Connect, we know that successfully transitioning to your new practice in Australia requires careful planning around your arrival and start date. Coordinating with both your new practice and our team ensures a smooth process, avoiding unnecessary delays while you complete registration, immigration, and Medicare requirements.

Start Date: What You Need to Know

Your start date is recorded in several places:

• Service Agreement with your practice

• AHPRA registration

• RACGP PEP Part B and C

• Medicare Provider Number application

Delays can occur due to processing times at ECFMG, AHPRA, Immigration, and Medicare, but working together with Doctor Connect and your practice helps streamline this workflow. Thanks to the Kruk Report developments, registration is now faster and smoother.

Our team keeps track of outstanding paperwork and ensures you stay informed throughout the process.

Reviewing Your Start Date

Once your AHPRA paperwork is lodged, we meet with you to confirm final timings. You will need to consider:

• Notice period at your current workplace

• School terms for your children

• Travel arrangements

We create a coordinated plan for:

• Handing in your notice

• Travelling to Australia

• Starting work at your practice

Key Considerations

• Immigration Processing: Varies by passport and visa type. For the 482 Skills in Demand (SiD) visa, the process includes:

  • Nomination: processed and paid by the practice

  • Visa Application: processed and paid by the doctor

• Medical and Police Checks: Required for all adult family members

• Part C of RACGP PEP: Payment and processing required to obtain Medicare Provider Number

• Medicare Provider Number: Typically takes around 14 calendar days once Part C is complete

In total, after your visa and Part C approval, you can expect to start work in approximately 3-4 weeks. Most administrative processes, including ABN registration, can be completed before arrival. TFN requires your presence in Australia, but you can start work without it.

Arrival Timing and Settling In

Most doctors plan to arrive 1-2 weeks before completing the Medicare Provider Number process. This allows time to:

• Attend orientation at the practice

• Meet your RACGP supervisor and colleagues

• Learn the IT systems

• Shadow and prepare for consulting

Accommodation Considerations

Your practice manager can provide guidance on suitable rental locations and may assist with property viewings. Ideally, give yourself around 4 weeks’ notice to secure long-term accommodation. Many doctors aim to move in on their first night to avoid higher short-term rental costs.

Working Together for a Smooth Transition

The registration and relocation process is a cascading workflow. Each step must be completed before moving to the next. The Doctor Connect team will:

• Confirm required documents for each stage

• Answer questions promptly

• Coordinate with your practice and RACGP

  
  

Processing speeds can vary depending on public holidays, application volumes, or document readiness. Being proactive and responsive helps move the process faster and ensures you start work as quickly as possible.

Start Your Australian GP Career with Confidence

Planning your arrival and start date carefully ensures a seamless transition into your new practice. At Doctor Connect, we are here to support you throughout the process and help you settle successfully into your Australian career.