There are 5 steps – AMC / RACGP / AHPRA /Visas / Medicare number
1) First step is registering with the AMC. The main hurdle in this section is getting all your (original) documents together and getting two sets of notarised copies.
2) Once you’ve sent one set of all your documents to the AMC, they carry out a paperwork check. If everything is in order, they send them on to the RACGP, who in turn, check that you meet their requirements to be a category 1 GP. As well as the documents that were needed by the AMC, the RACGP will ask for: Letter of good standing from the RCGP and a formal offer from your employer. (N.B. the websites say that these documents should be part of the application process to the AMC. However, you only need to send a covering letter saying “documents sent with application to AMC”). See this link:
http://www.racgp.org.au/assessment/pathways/specialistpathway
If all is OK, then they will give you category 1 status as “FELLOWSHIP ad eundum gradum”.
3) This then allows you to apply to the AHPRA (the national health board – a bit like a national version of our PCTs) who will give you actual registration to work as a GP. (N.B. You can start the AHPRA part while the RACGP are signing off the fellowship but they won’t finalise it until the RACGP gives their approval). The AHPRA require you to send them the second set of notarised copies of all your documents. You then get a letter “in principle” from the AHPRA confirming registration, which you use to get your work visa.
4) The work visa you’ll need is a 457, which is sponsored by your employer. Assuming the employer is a registered sponsor, this part takes between two to four weeks. The 457 visa covers your partner / family
5) Once you get to Australia, go to the local AHPRA office to pick up your actual registration document using the “in principle” letter you received earlier. You then need to arrange for a Medicare number, so you can bill Medicare for your work. To do this, you’ll need to visit the practice you’re going to work for to sign the forms and then have them sent off for approval. This stage takes a further 2 weeks.
6) Then you can start work!
For any queries, please email info@overseasdoctorjobs.com or call +44(0)1483 763102.