The new Visas for GP legislation has been in place now for almost 2 weeks. The information is trickling through from the Department of Health and our GP clients which is allowing us to slowly build a picture of what it means for UK trained GPs working in Australia.
We have heard from a couple of metropolitan city-based practices that their workforce certificate has been declined. This doesn’t by any means give a complete picture as these are only small areas of larger cities and is no indication of the major cities not being available for UK GPs. The Workforce Agency has confirmed that it is not preventing the issuing of employer sponsored visas for overseas trained GPs in these state capitals however reducing the number of eligible positions. The numbers will be adjusted based on the number of visa applications received and granted in the preceding years.
As the number of metropolitan city positions become fewer, for some GPs it will be advantageous to start to consider some regional and rural areas of Australia. This does not mean working in the very remote areas of Australia. It is understood that areas which hold RRMA3 – RRMA7 will automatically be granted certificates. These areas include the far outlying areas of the large cities or smaller towns and cities. Regional locations include wonderful areas offering a fabulous lifestyle and all the activities for the whole family you would need. We work with some practices in lovely coastal areas which give easy access to the beach, great schooling options for children and leisure activities.
Longer Term Considerations
It is worth remembering that the workforce shortage certificate only affects employer sponsored visas so the Permanent Skilled Visa (189) doesn’t require the certificate. This is a points based permanent visa so if your long-term goal is to stay in Australia, dependent on your eligibility, once this is granted you have this you will have many more options around locations of jobs.
Find out More about working in Regional Australia
Read out the benefits of working in Regional Australia for GPs
Find Out what life is like for a UK GP working in Regional Australia
GP Jobs Regional Australia
Here are a couple of examples of the areas you could consider:
