FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Australia

I want to apply for a job in Australia where can I work?

In an area which is classified a Distribution Priority Areas or DPA.  The workforce locator map here will allow you to check the geographical classification of any location in Australia

How long are the contracts?

Generally 2 years – occasionally a practice may consider less than this however it’s more uncommon.

How long does the paperwork take?

For AHPRA’s expedited pathway, we suggest approximately 4-6 months from job acceptance to visa approval

Will I work under supervision?

Yes, there is a comprehensive supervision requirement to comply with. This is an initial 6 month supervision period where you will still be able to see patients independently

What is the AHPRA GP Expedited Pathway?

This is a pathway for Specialist GPs from UK, Ireland or New Zealand who have a recognised GP qualification (MRCGP / MICGP and RNZCGP). This pathway leads to Specialist registration.

There is a requirement for an initial 6 month supervision period completing work based assessments. This pathway does not lead to Fellowship with the RACGP however there are options to complete this separately with the RACGP.

AHPRA Expedited Pathway FAQs

Do I need to sit exams?

You will be required to complete six months supervised practice including an orientation to the Australian health system and cultural safety education. After 3 months, submit a supervised practice report and complete the required work-based assessments.

At the end of the 6 months of practice, submit an orientation report, a supervised practice report and evidence of completed assessments.

 

Why do I have to meet English language skills registration standards?

To be registered as a health practitioner in Australia, you must be able to demonstrate that your English language skills will enable you to safely practice your profession.

If English is your first language then you must prove evidence of schooling and / or further education in an English speaking country. If you are not able to prove this, then you may need to sit an English language exam such as IELTS / OET. If you sat PLAB or IELTS coming to the UK and continued working in an English speaking environment then it’s likely you will meet the requirement.

You can click here for further info on AHPRA English Language Policy.

What is AHPRA registration?

AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency) is Australia’s national organisation responsible for doctor registration and accreditation.

To practice medicine legally in Australia you must be registered with AHPRA.

Can I work part time on the visa?

Yes, you can work full or part time on the temporary work visa.

Is there an upper age limit for the work visa?

No there are no age requirements for the Subclass 482 visa. If you wish to apply for Permanent Residency then upper age limits of 45 apply however there are circumstances where this can be exempted.

Do I need private health insurance?

Australia holds a reciprocal agreement with 11 countries including the UK and Ireland which allows you to access publicly funded services. You may wish to take out health insurance for the long term for when you are in Australia as this will give you & your family additional cover to what may be obtained via the Australian Medicare system.

How will I be taxed?

You will be taxed as an Australian resident. The tax system is incremental with the top tax rate as 45% which is paid on anything over $180K. You are likely to work as an independent contractor so you can put some costs against your gross income.

New Zealand

I want to apply for a job in NZ where can I work?

Anywhere! There are no restrictions on where you can work. Options are city based GP jobs, rural jobs or something in-between.

How long are the contracts?

Minimum contracts tend to be 12 – 24 months. You can sometimes find 6 month GP jobs but this will limit your options.

How long does the paperwork take?

We suggest approximately 3 months from job acceptance to visa approval.

What is MCNZ registration?

The Medical Council New Zealand (MCNZ) is the national organisation responsible for doctor registration and accreditation. To practise medicine legally in New Zealand you must be registered with the MCNZ.

Will I work under supervision?

In NZ you will work under supervision while registered within the provisional general scope of practice. After around 9 months you can apply for general scope of practice.

Why do I have to meet English language skills registration standards?

To be registered as a health practitioner in NZ you must be able to demonstrate that your English language skills will enable you to safely practice your profession. If you’ve taken your original medical diploma in English, then you don’t need to take a language test. If not, then you will need to prove otherwise.

If you are currently practising in a non-English country then it’s likely you’ll need to sit an English exam such as IELTS / OET. If you’re working in the UK but completed your Medical training elsewhere then you may be able to meet the English language policy via references. You can click here for further info for the English Language policy for NZ

Can I work part time on the visa?

It depends on your visa. Under the Accredited Employer Work Visa, you must work full time which is deemed to be 30 hours per week.

If you apply for the Straight to Residence Visa, there is no minimum number of hours to be worked. Our Immigration Advisor, Nicola, can advise on the most appropriate route for you and your family.

 

Is there an upper age limit for the work visa?

No there are no age requirements on the temporary visa. However, if you want to apply for residence at a later date there is an upper age limit of 55.

Do I need private health insurance?

If you’re a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand then you’re eligible for a range of publicly funded healthcare services. However, having private health insurance may allow you more control over where and how you want to get treated, and which specialist you want treatment from.

New Zealand has a reciprocal agreement with the UK and Australia so if you live in either of these, you are entitled to range of publicly funded services.

How will I be taxed?

New Zealand works on an incremental tax system with proportions of tax calculated at 17.5%, 30% and 33%. Anything earned over $180K is taxed at 39%. We can provide you with a calculator to work out how much income you’ll have after tax – please get in touch for more information.