Pathways to registration for international medical graduates

There are different pathways to registration and practice in Australia for internationally qualified medical practitioners (international medical graduates (IMGs)) who have gained their medical qualifications outside Australia or New Zealand. Each pathway involves assessment and each has different eligibility requirements.

Try our new

Registration self-assessment tool

Try our new

Registration self-assessment tool
Steps to apply for registration:
1
Find
Use our self-assessment tool to find out which pathway and registration type is right for you.
2
Gather
Use the checklist for your pathway to gather all the documents you need.
3
Apply
Use your Ahpra portal to apply for and manage your registration.

Registration self-assessment tool

Which option is right for me?

Use this self-assessment tool to work out which pathway to registration is best for you.

Your registration pathway will reflect your qualifications, the type of registration you are seeking, and whether you are intending to work in Australia temporarily or long term.

The results will guide you to the type of registration you can apply for.

Competent Authority pathway

The Competent Authority pathway is for IMGs, both non-specialists and international medical specialists, including general practitioners, who have been assessed by a competent authority and who have practised in a competent authority country.
This pathway leads to general registration.

Find the checklists for this pathway here.

Standard pathway

The Standard pathway is for IMGs who are not eligible for the Competent Authority or Specialist pathway.
This pathway leads to general registration.

Find the checklists for this pathway here.

Specialist pathway

The Specialist pathway is for IMGs with an international specialist medical qualification.
This pathway leads to specialist registration.

Expedited Specialist pathway

The Expedited Specialist pathway is for specialist IMGs with an international specialist medical qualification which is on the Board’s Expedited Specialist pathway: accepted qualifications list. 
This pathway leads to specialist registration.

Short term training in a medical specialty pathway

The Short term training in a medical specialty pathway is for specialist IMGs and specialist IMGs in training, who would like to undertake a short period (usually up to 24 months) of specialist or advanced training in Australia.
This pathway does not lead to registration as a specialist or to ongoing registration in Australia.

Further information

We're keen to help you get the information you need from the best source - and it's not always us!

You'll need to go to other agencies for:

Visa applications are made to the Department of Home Affairs

You need a visa to live and work in Australia. Visa applications are made via the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal.

You need to wait for your Ahpra registration before you apply for your visa. If you apply for a visa without including your Ahpra registration number, your visa application process may be delayed.

If you are being sponsored, you will also need to include a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) in your visa application. Your employer will receive a TRN as soon as they submit the sponsorship nomination. Ask your employer for the TRN and enter it in your visa application. You can apply for your visa as soon as you have the TRN. You do not need to wait for your employer’s nomination to be approved.

For visa issues or more information about migration to Australia go to the website of the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

Related links