Which Visa Do UK Doctors Need to Work in Australia?
Most UK GPs use the subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. It is employer-sponsored, grants full work rights for the nominated occupation, and is the standard route used by practices recruiting from the UK.
The 482 visa in brief
| Detail | 482 visa |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | The employing practice |
| Duration | Up to 4 years |
| Work rights | Full, for the nominated occupation |
| Family | Partner and children included |
| Partner work rights | Unrestricted (any employer, any occupation) |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes — via 186 (Employer Nomination) after typically 2–3 years |
| Cost (primary applicant) | ~$2,645 AUD |
| Cost (per dependent) | ~$1,325 AUD |
Who sponsors the visa?
The practice that offers you a position. They must be an approved sponsor (most medical practices recruiting IMGs already are) and they nominate you for a specific occupation — typically "General Practitioner" (ANZSCO 253111).
Many practices cover the visa nomination fee as part of the employment package. This is negotiable and common for UK GPs given the high demand.
What about other visa options?
Partner visa (subclass 820/801)
If your spouse or de facto partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may already have (or can apply for) work rights through a partner visa. This removes the need for employer sponsorship and gives you more flexibility in choosing a practice.
Skilled migration (subclass 189/190/491)
Points-tested independent skilled visas. These do not require employer sponsorship but do require a skills assessment and sufficient points. The 491 (Skilled Work Regional) is particularly relevant for doctors willing to work outside major cities — it carries a pathway to permanent residency and is often faster to process than the 482.
Working Holiday (subclass 417)
UK citizens under 31 (or 35 in some cases) can enter Australia on a Working Holiday visa with unrestricted work rights. Some doctors use this as a bridging visa while their 482 is processed — but it does not support employer nomination for permanent residency, so it is a temporary measure.
Important: visa advice is regulated
Immigration advice in Australia is regulated under the Migration Act 1958. Only registered migration agents (RMAs) and lawyers may provide immigration assistance. The information above is factual reference — for advice specific to your situation, consult a registered migration agent.
Doctor Pathways provides registration and pathway guidance. For visa-specific questions, we refer to qualified migration professionals.
Timeline: visa alongside registration
The visa and the AHPRA registration are separate processes that typically run in parallel:
- You secure a job offer from an Australian practice (often through a recruitment partner or direct application)
- The practice begins the 482 nomination process (~2–4 months)
- You simultaneously apply to the MBA for Competent Authority assessment (~4–6 weeks)
- Once both the visa and the registration are granted, you travel to Australia and begin supervised practice
Planning horizon: start the process at least 12 months before your planned move date. The visa and registration steps overlap, but each has its own processing queue. Not sure which pathway applies to your qualifications? Try the eligibility checker.