If you are an Indian doctor looking to work in Australia, you are an International Medical Graduate, or IMG. Choosing your Australian medical visa is a critical step. It is important to know that getting your AHPRA registration and choosing a visa are two different, but connected, processes.
Let us simplify the main options, from temporary work visas to permanent residency (PR) pathways.
Before You Think About a Visa - Understand AHPRA and AMC First
A visa lets you into Australia, but AHPRA registration lets you practice medicine there. You must solve the registration puzzle first.
For IMGs, this usually means passing AMC exams as part of the Standard Pathway. Other routes include the Competent Authority Pathway (for UK/Irish trained doctors) or the Specialist Pathway.
Key Takeaway: You typically need to start your AHPRA registration and know your IMG pathway Australia before a hospital can seriously sponsor you for a work visa. Do not put the cart before the horse.
Main Australian Medical Visa Types for IMGs
For Indian doctors, Australian visas fall into clear groups: temporary work visas, employer-sponsored visas, and skilled permanent residency (PR) visas. There are also special visas for regional areas. Most IMGs begin their journey on a temporary visa. Later, they transition to permanent residency.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) - The Most Common Starting Point
This is the most popular work visa for doctors in Australia. It requires an employer to sponsor you. Think of it as a job-linked visa.
- How it works: You get a job offer first, then your employer sponsors your 482 visa. It's typically valid for up to 4 years.
- Your rights: You can work for your sponsor and bring your family with you.
- The pathway: This is how most IMGs first enter the Australian healthcare system to gain local experience.
This visa answers your questions: Yes, you need a job offer in Australia first. And yes, your immediate family can join you on this visa.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) - Direct Permanent Residency
The 186 visa is a direct PR visa for doctors. It is also employer-sponsored, making it a common next step after working on a 482 visa.
- The goal: It leads straight to permanent residency. You don't need to change visas later.
- The benefit: It offers full work rights, Medicare access, and long-term security for you and your family.
- Typical journey: Many doctors move from a Temporary Skill Shortage (482) visa to this permanent Employer Nomination Scheme visa after meeting work requirements.
It is the key answer to, "How do I get a secure PR after working in Australia?"
Skilled Independent & State Nominated Visas (Subclass 189 & 190)
These are points-based permanent residency visas. You apply directly to the Australian government. You do not need to do it through an employer.
- Skilled Independent (189): This points-tested PR visa has no sponsorship requirement. Your points are based on your:
- Age
- English skills
- Work experience
- Qualifications
- State Nominated (190): This is nominated by a state or territory government due to their need for an expert. If you are nominated for this visa, it gives you extra points.
These are excellent for experienced IMGs who qualify with high points. They answer the wish: "I want to migrate without needing employer sponsorship."
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) - The Regional Pathway
This is a provisional visa for doctors willing to work in regional Australia. There is a high demand for medical skills outside major cities.
- How it works: You must live and work in a specified regional area. A state or an eligible family member sponsors you.
- The pathway: After holding this visa and meeting conditions for a few years, you can apply for a Permanent Residence (191) visa.
It is a strategic answer for those asking, "Does working in a regional area help me get PR faster?". The answer is often yes.
Comparison Table - Find Your Best Australian Visa Pathway
Choosing a visa can feel overwhelming. This table gives you a quick comparison of the main Australian medical visa types for IMGs. Use it to see which option fits your situation.
| Visa |
Type |
Sponsorship Needed |
Duration |
PR Pathway? |
Best For |
| 482 |
Temporary |
Employer |
Up to 4 years |
Yes (to 186) |
IMGs with a job offer |
| 186 |
Permanent |
Employer |
Permanent |
Direct PR |
Doctors settling long-term |
| 189 |
Permanent |
None |
Permanent |
Direct PR |
High-points IMGs without sponsor |
| 190 |
Permanent |
State |
Permanent |
Direct PR |
Doctors nominated by a state |
| 491 |
Provisional |
State or Family |
5 years |
Yes (to 191) |
IMGs willing to work in regional Australia |
This table helps answer your big questions: "Should I start with a temporary or permanent visa?" and "Which visa is the best match for my profile right now?"
Your AMC to Australia Visa Roadmap with MOKSH Academy
We understand the real challenge:
- Connecting AMC exams
- AHPRA registration
- A job offer in Australia
- The right Australian medical visa
As specialists for Indian IMGs, MOKSH Academy helps map your entire journey - from exams to PR pathway.
We provide a profile evaluation, AMC and AHPRA planning, and strategic visa pathway selection (482, 189, 190, 186).
Get your free, personalized pathway assessment today.
Typical Pathway for Indian IMGs to Australia
The journey from India to becoming a doctor in Australia follows a clear, step-by-step pathway for IMGs. Here is the most common sequence:
- Pass your AMC exams in India.
- Apply for provisional registration with AHPRA.
- Secure a job offer from an Australian medical center.
- Move to Australia on a Temporary Skill Shortage (482) visa.
- Work and gain valuable experience.
- Shift to a Permanent Residency visa (like the 186, 189, or 190).
This AMC to PR Australia journey is a process that consists of many years. But it is the proven route thousands of Indian doctors have successfully taken.
How to Choose the Right Visa as an IMG
Consider the following important factors while choosing your Australian medical visa:
- What is my AHPRA registration status?
- How many years of experience do I have?
- Are my PR goals immediate or long-term?
- Are you ready to work regionally?
- Do I have an employer sponsor?
Your answers create a clear picture that will keep you stress-free. They point you to the safest visa pathway for your specific situation, saving you time and money.
Common Mistakes IMGs Make with Australian Medical Visas
Avoid these frequent Australia IMG visa mistakes to save yourself from any stress:
- Applying for a visa before securing AHPRA registration. This is the most common error.
- Not planning for Permanent Residency from the start. Your visa choice affects your entire pathway.
- You chose the wrong sponsorship route without understanding the long-term consequences.
- Ignoring regional visa strategies that can fast-track your goals.
Avoiding these missteps is the best way to minimize your risk of a frustrating doctor visa rejection Australia. You cannot do it alone. Connect with experts at MOKSH Academy and get things sorted out.
In Short
We have gone through all the Australian medical visa types for IMGs. You have clear options, from temporary work to direct PR pathways. Use this knowledge to chart your course confidently from India to a medical career in Australia. If you need any counselling from experts, contact MOKSH Academy.
