The fast-track AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway (ESP) was launched on 21st October 2024 for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) holding general practice qualifications approved by the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
SIMGs must complete a period of supervised practice (usually for 6 months), before applying to have their Medical Board conditions removed.
Who is eligible for the Expedited Pathway?
- UK GPs who gained the MRCGP (CCT) from 2007 onwards
- Irish GPs who gained the MICGP (CSCST) from 2009 onwards
- New Zealand GPs who gained the FRNZCGP from 2012 onwards
Nb. This pathway leads to Specialist Registration
What are the benefits of the Expedited Pathway compared to the RACGP Specialist Stream?
Simply put. Time and money.
The new Expedited Pathway avoids the need for assessment by the RACGP or ACRRM, saving approximately 4-5 months from the process.
Costs vary between the two GP colleges, but we expect applicants on the expedited pathway to save approximately $10,000 AUD through the registration process.
What are the drawbacks of the Expedited Pathway?
SIMGS on the expedited pathway will not receive fellowship of the GP colleges (FRACGP or FACRRM) at the end of the pathway.
The GP colleges are currently exploring how SIMGs will request and gain fellowship.
The benefits of RACGP Fellowship
ACRRM are yet to provide an update since the launch of the expedited pathway.
What is the process?
Step 1: Apply to the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and MyIntealth (ECFMG) for verification of your primary and specialist medical qualifications.
Step 2: Apply to the Medical Board (AHPRA) for specialist registration
Nb. You need to have a valid job offer before applying for the Expedited Pathway
Step 3: Apply for a visa to work in Australia
We provide a free 1-hour consultation with a migration lawyer to discuss your specific requirements and questions.
Access our guide here that provides detailed information on each step, including expected timeframes and costs.
What are the pathway requirements?
- Complete six months supervised practice, including an orientation to the Australian healthcare system.
- Submit a supervised practice report after 3 months.
- Complete the required work-place based assessments.
- Submit an orientation report, supervised practice plan report and evidence of completed assessments at the end of the 6 months.
What are the supervision requirements?
Unlike the RACGP / ACRRM Specialist streams, applicants do not require Level 3 AHPRA supervision.
Instead, SIMGs (and their practices) will propose either Direct, Indirect or Remote supervision, as part of their application for specialist registration.
All supervisors must hold specialist registration as a General Practitioner and hold fellowship of either GP college (RACGP or ACRRM).
The supervisor must provide a signed and dated CV along with the supervision plan application documents, as part of the SIMGs application to the Medical Board.
Will I still be bound by the 10-year moratorium and need to work in a DPA location?
Irish and UK GPs will still be required to work in a DPA location.
New Zealand graduates who were citizens or permanent residents when they commenced medical school can work in non-DPA locations.
Our Vacancy Map allows you to search more than 1,000 live GP jobs in DPA and non-DPA locations throughout Australia.
Book a free consultation with the DXC Medical team
The DXC Medical team have helped more than 200 SIMGs relocate to Australia. You can read some of the stories in our GP Journeys blog series.
With consultants based in six regional locations, we have the on the ground knowledge of their best medical practices, schools and suburbs in every Australian state and territory.
Three of the DXC team have completed their own relocations to Australia (from the UK, Canada and Sri Lanka), so deeply understand all the factors involved in making your relocation as seamless and smooth as possible.
To book in a free consultation to discuss your personal and professional questions and requirements, please contact one of our six regional offices.
