A Doctor's Guide to Permanent Residency

Dreaming of a medical career under the Australian sun?

As Australia's leading medical recruitment specialists, Wavelength is here to help you navigate the visa landscape. Many doctors seeking to migrate to Australia can access permanent residency (PR) pathways under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program. The best part? These visas generally don't require employer sponsorship. 

Popular PR Visa Options for Doctors 

The most commonly sought PR visas for medical professionals under the GSM program include: 

• Skilled Independent (Subclass 189): For highly skilled individuals who can meet the points test without state or territory nomination. 

• Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190): Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory, offering additional points. 

• Skilled Regional Nominated (Subclass 491): A provisional visa requiring state or territory nomination to live and work in a designated regional area, with a pathway to permanent residency. 

To be eligible for a PR visa under the GSM program, all skilled professionals, including doctors, must meet fundamental criteria: 

• Age: Be under 45 years old. 

• Points Test: Score a minimum of 65 points on the Australian points grid. 

• Skills Assessment: Hold a valid skills assessment for your medical profession. 

• English Language Proficiency: Achieve the required score in an approved English proficiency exam (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent). 

• Educational Qualification: Possess recognised qualifications. 

• State Nomination (if applicable): Meet specific criteria for state nomination if pursuing a Subclass 190 or 491 visa. 

Understanding the Points Breakdown for Doctors 

The GSM program operates on a points system, with various factors contributing to your overall score. While 65 points is the minimum, a competitive application for in-demand medical specialties like GPs, , and Emergency Medicine specialists often requires 80 to 85 points. 

Here's how your points are calculated: 

• Age is Key (Maximum 30 points):  

1. • 18-24 years: 25 points 
   • 25-32 years: 30 points 
   • 33-39 years: 25 points 
   • 40-44 years: 15 points 

• English Language Proficiency (Maximum 20 points): 
  
  
  
  
• Superior English (IELTS 8.0 or equivalent): 20 points 
• Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent): 10 points

• Skilled Employment Experience (Maximum 20 points):  

• 1 year: 5 points 
• 3 years: 10 points 
• 5 years: 15 points 
• 8 years: 20 points 

• 3 years: 5 points 
• 5 years: 10 points 
• 8 years: 15 points 

• Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 points):  

• Doctorate (PhD): 20 points 
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points 

• Master’s or a Doctorate: 10 points 
• Professional year in skilled program: 5 points 
• Note: Medical degrees from an accredited institution and passing Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams are crucial for point recognition.

• State or Territory Nomination:  An additional 5 to 15 points, depending on the visa subclass. 

• Other Factors (Maximum 15 points):  
• Community language skills: 5 points 
• Study in regional Australia: 5 points 
• Partner’s skills and qualifications: 10 points 

Boosting Your Points for a Stronger Application 

If your initial point score falls below the competitive threshold, there are strategic ways to enhance your application: 

• Elevate Your English: Aiming for Superior English proficiency can add an invaluable 10 points. 

• Gain Australian Experience: Working in Australia for a year or more significantly boosts your points. 

• Consider State Sponsorship: A state-nominated visa (Subclass 190) can add 5 points, and a regional nomination (Subclass 491) offers 15 points, providing a vital boost. 

Ready to Make the Move? 

While 65 points is the minimum for an EOI submission, achieving a higher score significantly increases your chances of receiving an invitation. Focus on strengthening your English language proficiency, accumulating relevant work experience, and ensuring your educational qualifications are recognised (including passing your AMC exams!). 

At Wavelength, we understand the complexities of migrating as a medical professional. Our team is here to offer tailored guidance, connect you with AMC exam preparation resources, and keep you informed about the latest opportunities and updates in the Australian medical landscape. 

Take the first step towards your Australian medical career. Complete the form to get in touch with our expert Migration team today! 

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