Migrating to Australia as a doctor is an exciting opportunity — but success depends heavily on what you do before you arrive. Many International Medical Graduates (IMGs) experience delays, stress, or missed opportunities simply because key steps weren’t completed early enough.
This guide outlines the essential actions every doctor should take before migrating to Australia, helping you prepare strategically for registration, employment, and visa pathways.
1. Understand Your AMC Assessment Pathway
Before anything else, you need to determine which AMC pathway applies to you:
- Standard Pathway – for most IMGs
- Specialist Pathway – for specialists assessed by Australian medical colleges
👉 Start here:
AMC Assessment Pathways Overview
https://www.amc.org.au/pathways/
Understanding your pathway early helps you plan:
- Exam requirements
- Registration timelines
- Sponsorship readiness
2. Start Primary Source Verification (PSV Immediately)
Primary Source Verification (PSV) is non-negotiable for IMGs and should be started as early as possible.
PSV confirms your medical qualifications directly with your university and is required for:
- AMC assessment
- AHPRA registration
- Employer confidence
👉 Official guidance:
AMC Primary Source Verification
https://www.amc.org.au/pathways/primary-source-verification/
Common mistake: Waiting until after job offers or visa discussions — this often causes major delays.
3. Familiarise Yourself With AHPRA Requirements
AHPRA registration is essential before you can practise medicine in Australia. As an international doctor, you should review:
- English language requirements
- Supervision levels
- Documentation standards
👉 AHPRA – International Practitioners
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/International-practitioners.aspx
Knowing these requirements early helps you align your registration, employment, and migration plans.
4. Begin AMC Exam Preparation Early
If you’re on the Standard Pathway, AMC exams are a major milestone.
Preparing early allows you to:
- Progress faster toward registration
- Improve job prospects
- Demonstrate readiness to employers
Many IMGs choose structured preparation support, such as:
- AMC MCQ preparation
👉 https://www.imgsos.com.au/amc-mcq/ - AMC Clinical exam coaching
👉 https://imgsos.com.au/amc-mcq/
Starting exam preparation before migration significantly reduces pressure later.
5. Research Workforce Demand and Location Options
Australia’s doctor shortages are not evenly distributed. Demand is strongest in:
- General Practice
- Mental health
- Emergency medicine
- Regional and rural healthcare
Reliable workforce data can be found here:
👉 Health Workforce Data Portal
https://hwd.health.gov.au/
Doctors open to regional practice often access:
- Faster employment
- Stronger sponsorship opportunities
- Better long-term stability
Learn more about rural health needs:
👉 https://www.health.gov.au/topics/rural-health-workforce?
6. Understand the Migration Landscape Early
Australia’s migration system increasingly prioritises healthcare professionals, particularly those aligned with workforce needs.
For strategic context, review:
👉 Australia’s Migration Strategy 2023–2033
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-strategy
This helps you understand why:
- Employer sponsorship is increasingly important
- Regional pathways are favoured
- Registration readiness matters
7. Get Professional Guidance Before You Commit
Migrating as a doctor involves registration, exams, employment, and visas — all of which interact. Planning these steps in isolation often leads to setbacks.
At MedMigration, we help doctors:
- Plan their AMC and AHPRA timeline
- Align registration with visa strategy
- Identify suitable employers and locations
- Avoid common pre-migration mistakes
Early guidance can save months — or even years — in your migration journey.
Final Thoughts
Migrating to Australia as a doctor isn’t just about arriving — it’s about arriving prepared. By starting verification early, understanding your pathway, preparing for exams, and researching workforce demand, you position yourself for a smoother transition and stronger long-term outcomes.
📩 To plan your migration the right way from the start, visit
👉 https://medmigration.com.au/
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