There is currently a shortage of doctors and nurses in Australia, particularly in regional areas.
Visa options for doctors
Requirements for practice
Doctors who wish to practice in Australia must first be registered with the Medical Board in the State or Territory where they intend to practice.
After the visa is granted, doctors must apply to the Health Insurance Commission for a Medicare Provider Number if they will be working in general practice or will be prescribing drugs.
Full details on registration requirements and Medicare are available on the DoctorConnect website.
Temporary Visa Options for Doctors
Doctors who do not yet hold full medical registration in Australia can be employed and sponsored as a temporary resident while they are in the process of meeting the requirements to obtain full medical registration.
Permanent Visa Options for Doctors
There are several different permanent visas available for doctors who have full medical registration in Australia.
Learn more about Visa Options for Doctors
Visa options for nurses
Working in Australia as a Nurse
Nurses need to be in good health and have a certain level of education and experience. To work in a hospital or other health care area, nurses need to pass a health examination which includes a chest x-ray.
To work in Australia, nurses need to be assessed by either the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council (ANMC) or the nurse regulatory body in the State or Territory in which they want to work.
The ANMC's website has more information including links to State and Territory nurse regulatory bodies.
Visa Options for Nurses
Nurses are currently in high demand in Australia. There are excellent career opportunities with permanent and temporary work available in Australia. Most visa applications for nurses receive priority processing.