International Medical Graduates

How to Work as a GP in Australia — The Complete 2026 Pathway Guide

Start your Australian pathway Call 03 9419 4814

Australia has one of the most acute GP shortages in the developed world. Rural vacancy rates exceed 40%. The government's Expedited Specialist Pathway, introduced in October 2024, has significantly shortened registration timelines for GPs from comparable healthcare systems.

If you're a GP from the UK, Ireland, India, South Africa, or Sri Lanka and you're considering an Australian career — the opportunity is real, the demand is genuine, and the pathway is navigable with the right support.

Medcare by Caretakers Australia works with international GP candidates from 6–8 months before they plan to arrive. We partner with a registered migration agent, and we have placements ready when your registration comes through.

Who can use the expedited pathway

The Australian Government's Expedited Specialist Pathway allows GPs from specific countries with comparable medical training standards to register with AHPRA without a full AMC examination in some cases.

Primary source countries we recruit from:

  • United Kingdom (GMC-registered GPs)
  • Ireland (IMC-registered)
  • Canada (CFPC or RCPSC)
  • USA (ABFM or equivalent)
  • New Zealand (MCNZ)
  • India (MCI / NMC — standard pathway, not expedited)
  • South Africa (HPCSA)
  • Sri Lanka (SLMC — PGIM General Practice graduates)

If your country is not listed, you may still be eligible via the standard pathway. Contact us and we'll assess your situation.

What the process looks like

STAGE 1

Initial assessment (6–8 months before intended arrival)

We assess your qualifications, training history, and registration against AHPRA requirements. This is free. We'll tell you upfront which pathway applies and what timeline is realistic.

STAGE 2

Pathway paperwork (4–6 months out)

Your registration pathway involves one or more of:

  • AHPRA application (Primary Source Verification of qualifications)
  • AMC assessment (for standard pathway applicants)
  • Skills assessment (DWS area of need assessment for rural placements)
  • Specialist pathway documentation (expedited applicants)

We work with our migration agent partner to coordinate the visa pathway in parallel: typically a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa or Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa for permanent roles.

STAGE 3

Placement matching (2–3 months out)

While your registration is processing, we're identifying practices. We brief you on the roles, locations, and conditions. You decide what you're interested in before you commit to the move.

STAGE 4

Interview and offer

We facilitate introductions between you and the practice. If a practice makes an offer and you accept, we support the final registration and onboarding steps.

STAGE 5

First shift

We confirm your AHPRA registration, indemnity, and Medicare provider number before your first session. You start with a clear compliance record.

Rates, conditions, and what the work looks like

Locum GP rates (2026)

$1,500 – $2,200/day Metropolitan
$2,000 – $3,000/day Regional
$3,000 – $4,000/day Rural / Remote

Permanent GP salary

AUD $200,000 – $350,000+ depending on location, billing model, and experience. Mixed-billing and private-billing practices in regional areas often offer the highest packages.

Working conditions

Most Australian general practices operate a standard 38-hour week across 5 days, with some offering 4-day structures. Locum work is session-based — typically 3–4 hour morning and afternoon sessions.

Indemnity

All doctors practising in Australia must hold independent medical indemnity. Major providers: MDA National, MIPS, Avant. Cost is AUD $5,000–$15,000/year depending on specialty and cover level.

Medicare provider number

Required to bill Medicare. Processed through Services Australia, usually within 4–6 weeks of AHPRA registration.

Why 6–8 months out matters

The agencies that place you after you arrive are competing for the same pool of newly registered GPs. We engage with candidates before arrival — so when your registration comes through, we already know your preferences, have introduced you to shortlisted practices, and have interviews arranged.

GPs who register with us early get placement priority, skip the queue of post-arrival registrations, and start earning sooner.

We also work with postgraduate institutions in the UK, Ireland, and Sri Lanka directly. If you're a student or recent graduate exploring options, contact us now — even if you're 12 months away.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to do the AMC examination?

GPs from comparable healthcare systems (UK, Ireland, Canada, USA, NZ) may qualify for the Expedited Specialist Pathway, which in many cases waives the AMC examination or reduces the requirements. GPs from India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa typically go through a more detailed assessment. We assess your specific situation at the first call.

How long does AHPRA registration take?

For expedited pathway applicants from comparable systems: 8–16 weeks from complete application submission. For standard pathway: 4–8 months. We track your application status as part of our service.

Do I need to stay in one location?

No. Locum GPs move between practices by nature. Permanent placements are obviously location-specific, but you choose the location before you commit.

Can my family come with me?

Visa pathways for skilled workers typically include provision for dependants. Our migration agent partner covers family visa requirements as part of the engagement.

Start your Australian GP pathway

Register now — even if you're 12 months away. The earlier we start, the smoother the process.