Most overseas doctors begin their journey to Australia on the Skills in Demand visa (482), then move to one of three permanent-residency pathways. Here's how each one works.
The most common visa for medical practitioners moving to Australia. It lets you start working here while you pursue the permanent visa options for doctors.
Your sponsoring practice backs the visa as part of your placement, and you work primarily for them while it's active.
GPs immigrating to Australia typically reach permanent residency one of three ways.
No age limit for GPs. Doctors moving from the 482 to the 186 on this stream aren't subject to an age cap.
Age limit 45. Very few practices sponsor for this visa.
Timing: you can only apply after obtaining Specialist AHPRA registration, which typically takes around 6 months.
Worth knowing: invitation timing is uncertain and highly competitive.
When GP Link places you, employer-backed visa sponsorship is arranged as part of the role, and your visa steps are tracked in the GP Link app right alongside your AHPRA registration, so you always know what's next.
Create a free account and we'll map the registration and visa steps for your exact situation, before you commit to anything.