I Want to Move to Australia – What Do I Do Now?
Australia consistently ranks as one of the world’s best places to live. With its outstanding healthcare system, lifestyle opportunities, and strong economic growth, it’s no wonder that many doctors see Australia as an ideal place to build a medical career.
But the process of moving and registering as a doctor here can be complex. The key is to start with the big picture: which pathway applies to you, how your qualifications will be verified, and what early steps you need to take to prepare. This article gives an overview of the main issues to consider before diving into the finer details.
Step 1: Choose the Right Pathway
The very first decision is understanding which pathway applies to your situation. Each pathway has different requirements, timelines, and outcomes:
Competent Authority Pathway – For non-specialist doctors from certain countries (NZ, UK, Ireland, Canada, US). Must meet both qualification and experience criteria. Leads to Provisional Registration with a route to General Registration.
Standard Pathway – For non-specialist doctors who don’t qualify for Competent Authority. Requires the AMC MCQ exam. Leads to Limited Registration and later General Registration.
Short-Term Training Pathway – For doctors near the end of specialist training overseas, taking up temporary training posts in Australia (up to 2 years). Does not lead to General Registration.
Specialist Pathway – For internationally trained specialists. Each Australian specialist college assesses comparability with local training. If deemed comparable, it provides a path to Specialist Registration.
Expedited Pathway – For certain internationally trained specialists who meet AHPRA’s criteria. Usually requires a period of supervised practice before full Specialist Registration.
Understanding your correct pathway early saves time, money, and frustration later.
Step 2: Verify Your Qualifications
Once you’ve identified your pathway, the next step is credentials verification through the ECFMG/EPIC system, linked to the Australian Medical Council (AMC). This process ensures your qualifications are legitimate and recognised.
Key Actions:
Check your medical school – Confirm your school is recognised by the AMC here.
Create a MyIntealth Account – Set up your account, verify your identity, and complete the Intealth Identification Form (IIF). This includes an online notarisation via NotaryCam.
Establish an EPIC Portfolio – Upload your primary medical degree (and specialist qualifications if relevant) and nominate the AMC to receive reports.
Create an AMC Candidate Account – Register here and establish your AMC portfolio. This portfolio links directly to AHPRA for registration and to specialist colleges for assessments.
Be aware: fees apply at each step (Intealth account, AMC portfolio, additional qualifications).
Step 3: Secure Supervised Employment
Doctors entering under limited or provisional registration must have a supervised practice plan. This means you’ll need to:
Find an employer in Australia willing to support your registration and provide supervision.
Include details of your supervisors in your AHPRA application.
Work under location-specific approval until you achieve General or Specialist Registration.
This step can take time, so it’s worth networking early with employers, recruitment agencies, and health services.
Step 4: Plan Ahead for CPD
Even before you arrive, you should start preparing for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. AHPRA requires all doctors to engage in structured CPD once practising in Australia.
Osler is an ideal place to begin. By joining the Osler Community (free version), you can:
Capture learning activities in a portfolio that will be valid for CPD when you move.
Access a wide range of content relevant to international doctors.
Build a 12-month record of activity before your arrival, giving you a strong base of evidence when you start.
This habit not only helps with compliance but also shows prospective employers and regulators that you are committed to professional development from the outset.
Where to Next?
At this stage, your focus should be on the big decisions:
Which pathway do I qualify for?
Is my medical school recognised?
Have I started the Intealth/AMC portfolio process?
How will I find a supervised job?
Am I building my CPD record early?
Future articles will explore each of these in more depth—including how to navigate AMC exams, strategies for securing employment, and tips for specialist assessments.
✅ Takeaway: Moving to Australia as a doctor is a structured but achievable process. If you clarify your pathway, verify your qualifications, and prepare for supervised work and CPD early, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth transition to a rewarding medical career in Australia.
Authors
Emma Gordon is a market leader in medical recruitment with 20 years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the technical and legislative requirements of recruiting international doctors. In her work with Elective Recruitment, Emma has managed assignments for a variety of public and private healthcare organisations and has placed hundreds of doctors at all levels into positions across Australia.
Todd Fraser is an intensivist and medical educator from Queensland. He is the Chief Medical Officer of Osler’s CPD Home.