Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international healthcare professionals — and for good reason. With a high demand for doctors, nurses, and allied health workers, there are multiple visa pathways that can lead to a rewarding medical career and permanent residency.
But which visa is right for you?
In this guide, we’ll compare the Subclass 189, 186, and 482 visas – breaking down the key differences in eligibility, sponsorship requirements, benefits, and PR options to help you make an informed decision.
🩺 Who Is This Guide For?
Whether you’re a:
- General Practitioner, Specialist, or Hospital Doctor
- Registered Nurse or Midwife
- Physiotherapist, Psychologist, or Allied Health Professional
… this breakdown will help you understand which pathway fits your qualifications, goals, and circumstances.
🧭 Overview: The 3 Key Visa Types
| Visa | Type | PR Pathway | Employer Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | Skilled Independent Visa | Yes (Direct PR) | ❌ No |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme | Yes (Direct PR or via 482) | ✅ Yes |
| 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage Visa | Yes (After 2–3 years) | ✅ Yes |
👉 Use the Visa Finder Tool from the Department of Home Affairs to compare options.
🔍 Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
Best for: Highly qualified professionals who meet the points-tested criteria and want maximum flexibility.
✅ Key Features:
- Permanent Residency from Day 1
- No employer sponsorship required
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
- Access to Medicare, study options, and citizenship pathway
🎯 Eligibility:
- Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- A positive skills assessment is required
👉 Check your assessing body here - Minimum 65 points on the points test
- English proficiency (IELTS, OET, or equivalent)
❗ Challenges:
- Highly competitive
- Long processing times
- Not suitable if you want employer support or don’t meet points threshold
🔍 Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
Best for: Healthcare workers with an Australian employer willing to sponsor and a desire for direct PR.
✅ Key Features:
- Permanent Residency upon visa grant
- Sponsored by a hospital, clinic, or health service
- 2 streams:
- Direct Entry Stream
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream (after working on a 482 visa)
🎯 Eligibility:
- Must be on the MLTSSL
- Must have a skills assessment
- Must be nominated by an Australian employer
- Usually need 3 years of work experience (Direct Entry)
- Must be under 45 years old
- Functional English
🔍 Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
Best for: Those seeking faster entry into the workforce with employer support – often used as a stepping stone to PR.
✅ Key Features:
- Temporary work visa (up to 4 years)
- Employer-sponsored
- Can lead to Subclass 186 PR after 2–3 years
- Available for many regional and urban locations
🎯 Eligibility:
- Sponsored by an approved Australian employer
- Occupation must be on the MLTSSL or STSOL
- 2 years’ work experience usually required
- Must meet English language requirements
- Skills assessment may be required
🏆 So… Which Visa Is Right for You?
| You Are… | Best Fit Visa |
|---|---|
| A high-scoring professional with no employer yet | Subclass 189 |
| Already have an employer offering sponsorship | Subclass 186 (Direct Entry) |
| Want to get to Australia quickly and work while pursuing PR | Subclass 482 → 186 |
| Willing to work in regional Australia for added benefits | Subclass 491 or 482 → 186 |
🌏 Why Consider a Regional Employer?
Many hospitals and clinics in regional and rural Australia are approved sponsors and offer:
- Faster visa processing
- Extra PR points
- Incentives like relocation assistance
- A higher likelihood of visa nomination or Labour Agreement flexibility
👉 Browse real job opportunities:
🤝 How MedMigration Can Help
At MedMigration, we help healthcare professionals:
- ✅ Understand which visa suits your goals
- ✅ Navigate skills assessments and AHPRA registration
- ✅ Secure job offers and employer sponsorships
- ✅ Plan long-term PR and career pathways in Australia
👉 Learn more about how we can support you on our Services page
✅ Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Visa Strategy
Each visa has its pros and cons — and the best one for you depends on your experience, registration status, job offer, and long-term goals. Whether you’re just starting or ready to lodge your application, having expert guidance can make all the difference.
📩 Contact MedMigration today to take the next step in your Australian healthcare career.
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