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
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.
