Australia’s healthcare sector is experiencing significant transformations due to recent changes in immigration policies. These reforms aim to address workforce shortages and enhance the integration of internationally trained healthcare professionals into the Australian system.
1. Streamlined Registration for Overseas Nurses
To mitigate the nursing shortage, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has expedited the registration process for qualified nurses from countries such as the UK, Ireland, the US, Singapore, Spain, and parts of Canada. Starting from April 2025, eligible nurses with over 1,800 hours of practice in the past eight years can obtain Australian registration within one to six months, a significant reduction from the previous nine to twelve months.
Read full article here: theaustralian.com.au
2. Increased Intake of General Practitioners
The federal government has reported a rise in offers to junior doctors for General Practice (GP) training positions. In 2025, over 1,750 offers are expected, marking up to a 10% increase from 2024. This surge is complemented by the registration of 9,490 new doctors in the 2023-24 financial year, many of whom are internationally qualified practitioners.
Read full article here: theaustralian.com.au
3. Visa Application Charge Adjustments
Effective from 1 July 2024, the Australian government has revised the Visa Application Charges (VAC) for several visa categories pertinent to healthcare workers:
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa): Increased from $3,035 to $3,115.
- Subclass 407 (Training Visa): Increased from $405 to $415.
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa): Increased from $4,640 to $4,770.
Additionally, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold has been raised to $73,150 per annum, ensuring that sponsored positions meet this minimum salary requirement.
4. Addressing Global Healthcare Worker Shortages
Australia has historically relied on skilled migration to fill healthcare roles. However, recent changes to immigration policies and global competition for healthcare workers have reduced the effectiveness of this strategy. The current education and training system is struggling to keep up with demand, and healthcare worker shortages are more acute in rural and remote areas.
These policy changes reflect Australia’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare workforce by attracting and retaining skilled professionals while ensuring ethical practices and support for migrant workers.
For a more detailed discussion on these developments, you might find this video informative:
What’s Happening with Australian VISAS for Healthcare Workers
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