Routes to Permanent Residency for Doctors

Permanent residency (PR) is the ultimate goal for many overseas doctors moving to Australia. PR grants you the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare, and eventually apply for citizenship. There are several pathways to PR, and the best route depends on your circumstances, qualifications, and willingness to work in specific locations.

The main PR pathways for overseas doctors include:

  • Subclass 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) — The most common PR route for doctors, available through direct entry or by transitioning from a 482 visa after three years. See our detailed 186 visa guide.
  • Subclass 191 visa (Permanent Residence — Skilled Regional) — Available after holding a 494 visa and living and working in regional Australia for at least three years.
  • Subclass 189 visa (Skilled Independent) — A points-tested visa that does not require employer sponsorship or state nomination. Highly competitive with limited places.
  • Subclass 190 visa (Skilled Nominated) — A points-tested visa that requires state or territory government nomination. Each state has its own criteria and priority occupation lists.
  • Subclass 491 to 191 pathway — The 491 (Skilled Work Regional — Provisional) visa is a points-tested regional visa that, after three years, can lead to the 191 permanent visa. This does not require employer sponsorship but does require state nomination or family sponsorship in a regional area.

The Points-Tested System

For the Subclass 189 and 190 visas, you must score a minimum of 65 points on the points test, though competitive scores are typically much higher. Points are awarded for:

  • Age — Maximum points for applicants aged 25 to 32 (30 points), with decreasing points for other age groups
  • English proficiency — Up to 20 points for superior English (IELTS 8.0 in each band or equivalent)
  • Work experience — Points for both overseas and Australian work experience in your nominated occupation
  • Qualifications — Points based on your highest educational qualification (PhD, Masters, Bachelor)
  • Australian study — Additional points if you have completed qualifying study in Australia
  • State nomination — An additional 5 points for a 190 visa nomination from a state or territory
  • Partner skills — Points if your partner also has a skilled occupation and competent English
  • Regional study — Additional points for study in a regional area of Australia
  • Community language — Points for NAATI-accredited community language qualifications

Doctors generally score well on the points test due to their high qualifications, strong English skills, and the fact that medical occupations are in demand. However, invitation rounds are competitive, and higher scores receive priority.

To apply for a points-tested visa, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and then wait for an invitation to apply. Processing times and invitation cut-offs change regularly.

Employer-Sponsored Permanent Residency

For most overseas doctors, employer-sponsored PR through the Subclass 186 visa is the most straightforward and reliable pathway. There are two main approaches:

Transition from 482 to 186

This is the most popular route. You start on a 482 visa, work for your sponsoring employer for three years, and then transition to the 186 visa (Temporary Residence Transition stream). The advantage of this approach is that you do not need a new skills assessment and the requirements are relatively straightforward.

Direct Entry 186

If your employer is willing to sponsor you for permanent residency from the start, you can apply directly through the 186 Direct Entry stream. This requires a skills assessment and three years of work experience but allows you to skip the temporary visa stage entirely.

Regional Route: 494 to 191

If you are working in regional Australia on a 494 visa, you can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa after three years. This route is particularly attractive for doctors in regional areas who benefit from higher demand and often more competitive salary packages.

Whichever employer-sponsored route you choose, finding the right employer is essential. Visit our job search guide for practical advice on connecting with employers who sponsor overseas doctors.

Planning Your PR Strategy

Choosing the right PR pathway requires careful planning. Consider the following factors:

  • Timeline — Employer-sponsored routes typically take three to four years from arrival to PR. Points-tested visas can be faster if you receive an invitation quickly, but waiting times can be unpredictable. See our timeline guide.
  • Location preferences — If you prefer to live in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, employer-sponsored routes (482 to 186) are generally your best option. If you are open to regional Australia, the 494 to 191 pathway offers additional flexibility.
  • Family — All PR visa subclasses allow you to include your spouse and dependent children. PR provides significant benefits for families, including access to subsidised education and Medicare. See bringing your family.
  • Costs — PR visa applications involve significant fees. Factor in the visa application fee, skills assessment costs, English tests, health examinations, and any migration agent fees. See our costs breakdown.
  • Registration pathway — Your medical registration pathway may influence your visa options. For example, doctors on limited registration may need to work in specific locations or roles, which can affect which visa subclass is appropriate.

We strongly recommend consulting a registered migration agent who specialises in medical migration to develop a personalised strategy. Our resources page includes links to relevant professional bodies and government agencies.

Important Planning Note

This page is designed as practical guidance for overseas doctors and should be used alongside official requirements published by AHPRA, the AMC, relevant specialist colleges, and the Department of Home Affairs.

Rules, fees, and processing times can change. Before lodging any application, verify current criteria directly with official sources listed on our Resources page.