Standard pathway

Standard pathway

Education > IMGs > Live and practice medicine in Australia > Standard Pathway
Last updated 4 August 2023

Disclaimer
Before you start reading the information on this webpage, please be aware that this information is a guide only and is subject to change based on updated regulation and policy. Each individual’s experience may vary slightly.

Overview

The Standard pathway applies to IMGs who have a primary qualification in medicine and surgery awarded by a training institution recognised by both the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the World Directory of Medical Schools, but who are not eligible for the Specialist or Competent Authority pathways.

On this pathway, you must pass the AMC Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) MCQ examination.

You must also complete 12 months (a minimum of 47 weeks) of practice in a supervised, approved position.

Steps to Fellowship

  • Schedule your exam via the AMC candidate portal.
  • Complete exam.
  • Apply for AMC certificate if exam passed.
  • Contact a medical recruitment agency or the Rural Health Workforce Agency.
  • Undertake a general practice experience assessment.
  • If you have three years of full-time equivalent experience working in general practice or primary care, you can look for a job in an Area of Need or Distribution Priority Area in the following settings:
    • general practice
    • after-hours general practice
    • medical deputising/retrieval
    • Aboriginal health services.
  • If you do not have three years of full-time equivalent experience in general practice or primary care, you have the option to apply for registration to work in a non-specialist hospital position. 
  • Ensure you have met these registration standards that apply to all registration applicants:
    • continuing professional development (CPD)
    • criminal history
    • English language skills
    • professional indemnity insurance
    • recency of practice.
  • Provide evidence of three years of full-time equivalent experience in general practice or primary care.
  • Complete AHPRA registration application:
    • If you have passed both AMC exams, apply for provisional registration.
    • If you have passed only the AMC CAT MCQ exam, apply for limited registration.
    • Excluding your PESCI outcome (see Step 6), the remainder of your application for registration must be complete.
  • Submit application to sit the PESCI with the RACGP ( an AMC Accredited PESCI provider).
  • Prepare for the PESCI.
  • Sit the PESCI.
  •  Receive your PESCI outcome report within 15 business days of the scheduled interview date.
  • Present in person at an AHPRA office for an identification check.
  • Wait for your AHPRA registration to be finalised.
  • Check which visa options would suit your need with Department of Home Affairs Visa Finder (for example, with pathways to permanent residency for temporary residents, direct pathways to permanent residency, temporary business sponsored visas)
  • For enquiries about 3GA programs and visa status, please contact your local Rural Workforce Agency for assistance (list all agencies here with link)
  • The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) medium-term stream is the most common pathway for migrating to Australia as a doctor and requires that you be sponsored by an Australian medical practice or hospital. For this visa, follow the step-by-step guide here.
  • Follow Ahpra’s ‘presenting in person identity verification’ instructions for proof of identity
  • Wait for the finalisation of your Ahpra registration
  • If a 3GA program is required, contact your local Rural Workforce Agency to complete relevant application forms, and for further advice
  • Apply for your Medicare provider number by completing Form HW019 in conjunction with your employer (and Rural Workforce Agency if a 3GA program is required). Supporting documents from you, your employer, and Rural Workforce Agency may be required.
  • Successfully complete 12 months (minimum 47 weeks) of full-time supervised practice.
  • Undertake a workplace-based assessment or pass the AMC clinical exam if you have not passed it already.
  • Ensure you meet the reporting practice as per this guideline.
  • Key Feature Problem exam (KFP).
  • Clinical exam.
  • Check the Fellowship programs options.
  • Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
  • Submit your application.
  • Pass the selection or entry assessment if required.
  • Sign the training agreement and make the payment if required.
  • Apply for an approved placement and Medicare provider number.
  • Candidates on the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program need to complete:
    • 12 months of full-time equivalent hospital training
    • 18 months of full-time equivalent practice placement
    • six months of full-time equivalent extended skills training
    • optional additional 12 months of full-time equivalent advanced rural skills, leading to rural generalist Fellowship (FRACGP-RG).
  • Candidates on the Remote Vocational Training Stream (RVTS) need to complete:
    • three-year education program requirements
    • workplace-based assessment requirements.
  • Candidates on the Fellowship Support Program (FSP) need to complete:
    • 24 equivalent calendar months education program requirements
    • workplace-based assessment requirements.
  • Check the Fellowship Exams Policy to see if you have satisfied the educational, training, experience and administrative requirements prior to enrolling in the Fellowship exams, to better ensure exam readiness and success.
  • Enrol in the RACGP Fellowship exams via the RACGP website.
  • Complete and pass the:
    • Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)
    • Key Feature Problem (KFP) exam
    • Clinical Exam.
  • Check and ensure you have met the Fellowship requirements.
  • Apply to the RACGP for Fellowship as soon as you’ve met the Fellowship requirements.
  • Once you have received confirmation of Fellowship, apply for specialist registration with AHPRA.

Frequently asked questions


 Read the FAQs 

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