If you’re an overseas-trained doctor or international medical graduate (IMG) planning to practise medicine in Australia, understanding the types of registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) is essential.
Two of the most commonly encountered types of registration are Provisional and General Registration. But what do they mean—and how do you move from one to the other?
Let’s break it down.
What is AHPRA?
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) works in partnership with the Medical Board of Australia to regulate medical practitioners and other health professionals across the country.
Before you can legally work as a doctor in Australia, you must be registered with AHPRA.
What is Provisional Registration?
Provisional Registration is a temporary form of registration that allows medical graduates or IMGs to work under supervision in an approved clinical setting.
🔹 Who is it for?
- Medical graduates completing their internship (PGY1) in Australia
- IMGs completing workplace-based assessment (e.g. the AMC Clinical Pathway)
- Candidates on the Competent Authority Pathway who need to complete 12 months of supervised practice
🔹 Key features:
- Requires supervision under an AHPRA-approved supervision plan
- Only valid for specific positions and locations
- Used as a stepping stone toward General Registration
👉 Read about Provisional Registration
What is General Registration?
General Registration is what most doctors aim for—it means you are fully registered to practise medicine in Australia without needing supervision.
🔹 Who is eligible?
- Australian medical graduates who’ve completed their internship
- IMGs who’ve successfully completed:
- AMC exams + 12 months supervised practice (Standard Pathway)
- Workplace-based Assessment Pathway
- 12-month supervised work under the Competent Authority Pathway
🔹 Key features:
- No supervision required
- Allows full scope of medical practice
- A requirement for most employer-sponsored visa and permanent residency options
👉 Learn more about General Registration
How Do You Transition from Provisional to General?
Here’s a simplified step-by-step process:
- Secure a job in an approved supervised position (e.g. hospital internship or placement aligned with your pathway).
- Apply for Provisional Registration through AHPRA, including supervision and orientation plans.
- Complete 12 months of full-time supervised practice (or part-time equivalent).
- Submit a work performance report from your primary supervisor at the end of your placement.
- Apply for General Registration once all supervised practice and reporting requirements are met.
Why This Matters for Overseas Doctors
Understanding the difference between Provisional and General Registration is crucial for:
- Planning your migration and career timeline
- Securing sponsorship through visa pathways (e.g. subclass 482, 186, or 189)
- Navigating AHPRA paperwork and meeting eligibility requirements
✅ Did you know?
If you’re applying for jobs in Australia, employers often prefer candidates eligible for General Registration, so reaching that level can open more doors.
How MedMigration Can Help
At MedMigration, we help IMGs:
- Understand which registration and visa pathway is best for them
- Navigate the AHPRA application process
- Find suitable employers who are approved to supervise provisionally registered doctors
- Transition smoothly from Provisional to General Registration
Final Thoughts
While Provisional Registration is a temporary step, it’s an important milestone on your journey toward General Registration and full medical practice rights in Australia.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or next steps, our team at MedMigration is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today for expert advice on AHPRA registration and medical migration pathways.
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