FAQ

We recommend building a strong relationship with an experienced medical recruitment agency, such as Medical Connect, where you can access the best jobs to suit your specific needs, as well as personalized support for any required regulatory processes.

The duration of the process can vary dependent on various issues including your specialty and current location. If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG), you should be prepared to allow six to nine months, taking into account job sourcing, interviews, registration and relocation processes.

If an application is successful, employers will usually proceed first with a telephone or video interview, after which they may be in a position to offer you a job. Once you have accepted a job offer, you will need to complete regulatory processes that can include applications for primary source verification, specialty medical college assessment, registration/licensing, and an appropriate work visa. These processes can be quite time consuming, and are far easier to navigate when using an experienced recruitment agency, like Medical Connect.

Some agencies will charge you for assisting you, and this is something you should certainly avoid prior to any association. Medical Connect`s services are free of charge and we pride ourselves on knowing that every doctor from overseas that we secure a job for is paid the exact same rates as their Australasian colleagues. We don`t take a percentage of your remuneration and we negotiate the best package for you every time.

You could register with multiple agencies; however, it does not necessarily improve your job prospects. Experienced agencies like Medical Connect will be able to represent you for all roles that are available and therefore registering with multiple agencies can often convolute the process.

Relocation packages are generally offered by employers. These vary from location to location and can include relocation of goods and chattels, economy airfares for you and your dependents & short term accommodation. Medical Connect will negotiate the best package possible for your role.

Initially you will simply just need to provide us with a copy of your CV. Based on your individual circumstances, we will be able to advise you as to what other documentation you may be required to provide throughout the process. Some of the documents to think about include references, medical qualifications (primary and specialist, CCT etc), passport/ID.

In many cases doctors are able to work in Australia or New Zealand without taking any exams, however this will depend on your experience and qualifications. For a more detailed description of the eligibility requirements, please feel free to contact us.

Tax rates in Australia and New Zealand differ based on what salary bracket you fall into. Please visit the following links for further information:

• Australian Taxation Office: www.ato.gov.au
• NZ Inland Revenue Department: www.ird.govt.nz

Most work visa options will allow you to include family members, with the eligibility requirements based on factors including age and financial dependency to you.

Eligibility for permanent residency is based on a number of factors, and is most commonly only an option after a period of work on a temporary work visa. Medical Connect can put you in contact with a registered migration agent to assist with more detailed eligibility queries.

To be eligible to work as a locum doctor in Australia or New Zealand, there are a few important requirements that need to be met (see next question).

Medical Registration
To work as a locum doctor, you will need to have unrestricted registration with either AHPRA (Medical Board of Australia) or the Medical Council of New Zealand. If you are on a Limited or Provisional category of registration, then you may not be able to work as a locum doctor unless the locum job is for an extended period of time.

If you have queries in relation to your eligibility for locum work based on your registration, please contact us for advice.

Visa and Residency Status
In Australia, Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents are able to locum without any immigration restrictions, whilst some Temporary Residents may also be able to locum dependent on the specific visa subclass. New Zealand Citizens can also locum in Australia without needing to meet any further immigration requirements.

You must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, or hold an unrestricted work visa to be able to locum in New Zealand.

If you are unsure whether or not your residency status allows you to work as a locum doctor, please contact us.