How to Get PR in Australia as an Indian Doctor: The Verified Pathway
VisaClarity Team
Migration Information Hub Writers
Indian doctors can secure permanent residency (PR) in Australia through the General Skilled Migration program by validating their qualifications through the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and obtaining registration with AHPRA. Applicants must pass the AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations to secure supervised clinical employment before applying for points-tested visas like Subclass 190 or Subclass 491.
The Registration Pathway for Indian Doctors
Indian medical graduates who completed their MBBS or postgraduate degrees in India are classified as International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Because the Medical Board of Australia does not include India on its Competent Authority list, Indian-trained doctors must follow either the Standard Pathway or the Specialist Pathway to register.
The Standard Pathway is the most common route for general practitioners and resident medical officers. The steps are sequential and must be completed in order.
Step 1: Primary Source Verification
You must verify your primary medical degree (MBBS) through the AMC portal. This verification is managed electronically by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) EPIC portal. You cannot sit examinations until your medical school and degree title are verified.Step 2: The AMC Part 1 (CAT MCQ) Examination
The AMC Part 1 is a computer-adaptive test consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions. It tests your clinical medical knowledge across internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and obstetrics. The examination fee is $3,055 AUD. You must pass this exam to be eligible for limited registration.Step 3: The AMC Part 2 (Clinical) Examination or WBA
After passing the MCQ exam, you must complete your clinical assessment. You have two options: 1. AMC Clinical Examination: A 16-station objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) testing clinical skills, communication, and patient management. The fee is $4,530 AUD. 2. Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA): If you secure an approved hospital position after passing AMC Part 1, you can complete a WBA program under supervision instead of sitting the Clinical Exam.Step 4: English Language and AHPRA Registration
You must achieve the required English language score. AHPRA requires Academic IELTS with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands, or OET with a minimum grade of B (350) in all four components, or PTE Academic with a minimum of 65 in all communicative skills.Once exams and language tests are complete, you can apply for Provisional Registration with AHPRA to undertake your required 12 months of supervised practice. Successful completion of this year leads to General Registration.
Comparison of Pathways for Indian Medical Graduates
The table below outlines the two primary routes Indian-trained doctors use to secure professional registration and visa eligibility in Australia.
| Parameter | The Standard Pathway | The Specialist Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Target Applicant | General MBBS graduates or junior doctors | Senior specialists with Indian MD/MS/DM/MCh |
| Assessing Body | Australian Medical Council (AMC) | Relevant Australian Specialist Medical College |
| Prerequisite Exams | AMC Part 1 (MCQ) and AMC Part 2 (Clinical/WBA) | Evaluation of portfolio and college-specific exams |
| AHPRA Registration | Provisional Registration leading to General | Specialist Registration |
| Primary Visa Routes | Subclass 190, Subclass 491, Subclass 482 | Subclass 186, Subclass 190, Subclass 189 |
Permanent Residency Visa Pathways for Doctors
Once you obtain provisional or general registration with AHPRA, you are eligible to claim points under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. Healthcare professions are highly prioritized by both the federal and state governments.
General Skilled Migration (Subclass 189 and 190)
Doctors are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). If you hold general registration, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Subclass 189 (Independent) or Subclass 190 (State Nominated) visas. Due to critical health workforce shortages, states regularly invite doctors at the baseline minimum of 65 points.Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional regional visa requiring you to live and work in a designated regional area for 5 years. It provides a direct pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years. It grants an automatic 15 bonus points toward your EOI points score.Employer Sponsored Pathways
If you secure a hospital contract, the sponsoring health network can sponsor you for a Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa or a direct permanent residency Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa. Employer-sponsored visas are not points-tested.Sources
- [AMC Standard Pathway Guide], Australian Medical Council, https://www.amc.org.au/img/standard-pathway, Checked 4 June 2026. - [Medical Board of Australia - IMG Registration], Medical Board of Australia, https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/International-Medical-Graduates.aspx, Checked 4 June 2026. - [Skilled Occupation List], Department of Home Affairs, https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list, Checked 4 June 2026.Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Indian MBBS graduate apply for Australian PR directly from India?
No. You cannot apply for a skilled migration visa as a doctor without holding registration with the Medical Board of Australia. This registration requires passing the AMC Part 1 MCQ examination and securing supervised clinical employment in Australia first.How much do the AMC exams cost for Indian doctors?
As of 2026, the AMC Part 1 (MCQ) exam fee is $3,055 AUD. The AMC Part 2 (Clinical) exam fee is $4,530 AUD. These fees do not include primary source verification fees via EPIC or English test charges.Is the PLAB or USMLE recognized in Australia to bypass AMC exams?
Yes, but only if you have completed your training and practiced under supervision for at least 12 months in a Competent Authority country (like the UK or USA) using those qualifications. You cannot bypass the AMC exams if you hold PLAB/USMLE but have only practiced in India.What is the minimum PTE score required for AHPRA registration?
AHPRA requires a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) in a single sitting of the PTE Academic test.What is the difference between provisional and general registration?
Provisional registration allows you to practice only under supervised conditions in an approved hospital position. General registration is granted after completing 12 months of approved supervised practice in Australia, allowing you to practice independently.Important Disclaimer: VisaClarity Australia provides general information only and is not a registered migration agent or law firm. This content does not constitute migration advice under the *Migration Act 1958* (Cth). Visa rules change frequently — always verify details on the Department of Home Affairs website and consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for advice specific to your circumstances.