Doctors' thread

[whoiam]

I am also asking the same questions as my physician brother would like to work in Australia. but, if you please support me with other information :

1) Did your husband completed all AMC exams or just the first part which is AMC MCQ ?

2) You said He has MRCGP, Did he obtain this certificate from Australia or from another country ? and what does it mean MRCGP ?

3) He got the offer to work in Perth after AMC or with that MRCGP?

 

I know I really disturbing you with a lot of questions, but your reply will be appreciated. thanks in advance.

 

 

Hi Lavache,

MRCGP is the Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners in the Uk. Google it if you want to know more about it. It is considered on par with the Australian qualifications because most things medical are modelled on the uk system in Australia. So there is no need for AMC exams or any such. Another reason for them accepting it straight away is that they are really short of GPs. Without knowing what your brothers qualifications are or from where he is it would be difficult to help u any further. A good port of call is the Amc themselves. Hope this helps.

[whoiam]

Hi,

I just found this thread, didn't realise there are other medics on here. We have applied for a 175 visa on my husbands skills as a town planner and I am a GP. I'm hoping to be over in Melbourne in July, if all goes well with our visa. I have a DWS post lined up to start in August.

Livingston Family, In answer to your question he has to apply to AHPRA and to the RACGP as well. The AMC will automatically send off his paperwork to the RACGP if he has applied via the specialist pathway.

I would get his AHPRA application in now, as they can take ages to allocate a case officer. They however need the AMC to complete their process to grant a licence.

I'm currently waiting for the the AHPRA /RACGP to finish their process.

I'm not sure about the 457 and PR as am going to be a dependent on my husbands PR visa.

 

Hi Jaffas,

Nice to read your post and see you are already quite a bit ahead. If you don't mind me picking your brains a bit- how long did Amc take you ? Did they write to tell you that they have sent approval onto RACGP ?

I am also trying to figure out the time line for these things.

Many thanks.

[Guest jaffas1]

Hi Jaffas,

Nice to read your post and see you are already quite a bit ahead. If you don't mind me picking your brains a bit- how long did Amc take you ? Did they write to tell you that they have sent approval onto RACGP ?

I am also trying to figure out the time line for these things.

Many thanks.

HI Whoiam,

 

The AMC process and EICS verification took about 2 - 3 months to complete ( my university were really fast, but the RCGP took their time replying to ECFMG. ECFMG are based in the US , and then send the verification to Australia).

Yes, the AMC send the details across to the RACGP quite early on, I think it took them about 3 weeks in my case, and they sent me an email to confirm it had been passed on for categorisation. There is another fee to be paid for categorisation with the RACGP, as well as paying another fee at the fellowship application stage.

I found that calling the RCGP helped to move them along.

I would start the AMC process as early as you can because of how long it takes them to verify your qualifications via ECFMG. The RACGP kept my file open, until I was able to secure a post. Once Fellowship Ad Eundum gradum is given, you have 6 months to prove you are working in Australia, unless they cancel it.

Hope that helps.

[whoiam]

Hey thanks ever so much for ur detailed reply. Did amc send it to RACGP for categorisation 3 weeks after you submitted to amc? Don't they need to hear from ecfmg before it? We submitted in mid dec. And just for an emIl that they have asked rcgP to do the ecfmg stuff. Long wait ahead I guess. I didn't know we had only 6 months to start working. You are a fount of knowledge dear.

[Palmyradebanks]

Here is my timeline so far

 

10/10/11 - job offer accepted

12/10/11 - resigned from current post

17/10/11 - contact at new job got in contact and paperwork collated

04/11/11 - AMC application submitted

05/11/11 - GMC COGS requested

14/11/11 - AMC confirm receipt of application

15/11/11 - AMC confirm receipt of COGS

06/12/11 - AMC Declare submission inadequate (needed letter from school confirming attendance and more detailed name change stat dec as married)

19/12/11 - AMC confirm receipt of new paperwork

05/01/12 - AMC declare its till inadequate as used a different notary for new stat decs without submitting a stat dec stating why different notary!

10/01/12 - AMC confirm receipt of new paperwork

26/01/12 - AHPRA application submitted

27/01/12 - AMC processes to EICS/ECFMG stage

02/02/12 - AHPRA approved awaiting Fellowship confirmation

 

To date my medical school denies receiving a request for EICS/ECFMG and have emailed AMC but awaiting response. Flights booked for 10weeks today so beginning to think may have been over optimistic with 6m processing time :-)

 

Palmyra

[Guest Kate36]

Hi Jaffas,

 

We fly to Melbourne in May. I'm starting work, in June, in Mornington.

 

Just wondering how your plans are going?

 

I had my medical today and once that's sent off, assuming it is all ok, then that's the last hoop I have to jump through before my visa is approved. The end is in sight! It does seem like a very lengthy process.

 

Im no expert but if there's anything you want to ask feel free.

 

Once I start work I'll let you know if I have any 'top tips' I.e. things I wish I'd known before I started work etc.

 

All the best,

 

Kate

[Guest jaffas1]

Hi whoiam, the AMC forwarded my forms to the RACGP at the same time as EICS verification was started. As far as I am aware, the RACGP were quite happy to start categorisation whilst waiting for verification.

[Guest jaffas1]

Hi Kate, so far so good, just waiting for the RACGP and AHPRA to finish processing my applications.

I'm off on a short trip to Melbourne in April before the move in July.

It would be great to keep in touch, and share some tips on here, or PM me to keep in touch.

We had our medicals last month for our PR visa and are hoping to get a case officer soon.

I heard Mornington is lovely and am definitely going to visit the area when we make our move.

[Livingston Family]

Hi Livingstones, we are in a similar situation to u guys. My DH applied to amc mid dec. Haven't heard anything definite from them yet. Next as u know they send it to RACGP. After that AHpra. Our agents said that would possibly take us to early June. My advise would be to give a months buffer time in your plans from the proposed visa grant date.

With re. to visa is that you wouldn't have to be out in the sticks for 10 yrs. You could get your employer to sponsor you for an Ens visa. More on the Ens is available on the immi website. We are planning to go out on a Ens121 pr visa as our employer is happy to sponsor us and bcos that is what we want.

Keep us posted as to how you get along. There are very few doctor immigrations on here so it's good to find people in the same boat once in a while.

 

Thanks Whoiam

 

I hadn't realised that PR was a possibility from the outset - it would have significant advantages, especially for my wife who is non medical - it looks like a lot of the advertised jobs in Oz are not open to short term visa holders - 457 included. My understanding is that the 457 is designed to be relatively quick to sort out - has opting for the ENS 121 led to much more paperwork or delays? If its not going to hold us up then I'll ask my employers if they would be willing to sponsor PR - this is great timing as they've just emailed me the forms for 457 application!

 

Great to hear others in the same boat....

 

Thanks to everyone else who responded to my wifes initial post

[whoiam]

I am hoping a DRc application for ENS 121 will not take much more time than a 457. but only time will tell!

[whoiam]

heres a quick update. The AMC recieved our application on Dec20th. Today(27 Feb) they let us know that they have written to RACGP . Thats taken about 2 months considering the holidays in between. Still havent got the EICS--hopefully it will come in time. Have asked our recruitment agents to put in the APHRA forms as suggested over here by someone. Hoping to hear from RACGP inviting us to pay the money and submit forms for categorisation etc by the end of this week. Agents say that it will take about 8 weeks from APHRA form submission to eligibility grant. Hope its true.That being the case should have the letter by the end of April( optimistic presumption). And visa application after that.

 

Hope everything is also going well for all of you guys who are in the same waiting game!:biggrin:

[Guest Daniel and Emma]

hi everyone,

 

we havent been on here for a while but things are starting to happen now! I have accepted a position in Brisbane and have signed the contract. I have been sent an email by the agency to start the registration paperwork. They have given us a provisional start date of 15th October, depending on visa etc.

 

I was just wondering what people have done/are planning to do about flights? The agency strongly advised us not to book flights before the visa is sorted, but this could be mid July, and we are planning on going over at the start of Sept so we have about 4-5 weeks to get accommodation/cars etc sorted before I start work. Also we know that the flight prices will be going up the later we book the flights!

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Emma and Daniel

[whoiam]

hi everyone,

 

we havent been on here for a while but things are starting to happen now! I have accepted a position in Brisbane and have signed the contract. I have been sent an email by the agency to start the registration paperwork. They have given us a provisional start date of 15th October, depending on visa etc.

 

I was just wondering what people have done/are planning to do about flights? The agency strongly advised us not to book flights before the visa is sorted, but this could be mid July, and we are planning on going over at the start of Sept so we have about 4-5 weeks to get accommodation/cars etc sorted before I start work. Also we know that the flight prices will be going up the later we book the flights!

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Emma and Daniel

 

I think what the agents said sounds sensible. We too arent booking flights until the visa comes through. From what I've been reading here on PIO 4-5 weeks seems ok to sort out cars etc. Rental if proving tricky - might be worthwhile getting a reloc. consultant to sort something out by the time u get there.

cheers.

[Guest Daniel and Emma]

Hi,

 

i have another question! - how much notice is best to give at work?

 

I am currently a salaried GP and have been at the practice for about 7 months so far. My contract states I have to give 3 months notice. I am planning to send the paperwork to the AMC next week to get things started, and the practice and recruitment agent have put a provisional start date of 15th October on the contract. We were hoping to move over at the start of Sept to get the accommodation/cars/medicare provider number etc sorted.

 

The latest I can hand in my notice would be end of May, but as I have to put my current practice down as referees, I obviously need to let them know sooner, but my worry is that the will take the 3 months notice period from when I let them know, whic would leave me without work for a few months before we go when we need to save more than ever!

 

I would be grateful to hear how other people have managed it?

 

Thanks,

 

Emma

[Guest jaffas1]

Hi Emma,

It's quite a difficult situation to be in. I would gently break it to your practice as it would be bad form for them to find out when the AMC asks for references.

I don't think they would count that as notice , in fact if you told them you are leaving in September it would give them more time to recruit someone else.

But saying that , you know them better and I'm not sure how they will react.

[whoiam]

Hi,

 

i have another question! - how much notice is best to give at work?

 

I am currently a salaried GP and have been at the practice for about 7 months so far. My contract states I have to give 3 months notice. I am planning to send the paperwork to the AMC next week to get things started, and the practice and recruitment agent have put a provisional start date of 15th October on the contract. We were hoping to move over at the start of Sept to get the accommodation/cars/medicare provider number etc sorted.

 

The latest I can hand in my notice would be end of May, but as I have to put my current practice down as referees, I obviously need to let them know sooner, but my worry is that the will take the 3 months notice period from when I let them know, whic would leave me without work for a few months before we go when we need to save more than ever!

 

I would be grateful to hear how other people have managed it?

 

Thanks,

 

Emma

Hi Emma,

You dont actually have to give your current employers as referees to the AMC--u can easily give your previous employers or colleagues as referees - thats what my OH did.

With regard to notice do what you feel comfortable--that will depend on what your relationship with the practice is. If they are quite casual and friendly do give them the heads up and let them know as early as possible and tell them that you are only giving formal notice from the end of MAy. Otherwise just wait till MAy and then let them know.

[IMG]

I am new to this thread, and I found very important information on it. thanks a lot.

[IMG]

Any Surgeon is here ??

[Guest Daniel and Emma]

thanks for all your replies - I was just wondering if anyones referees had actually been contacted to give references? The agency have said that they dont think AMC or APHRA actually contact the referees unless there are any problems, and they dont know anyone who has been contacted.

 

I know I need to tell work sooner or later, and I think I feel feel better once I have, but I just want to make sure I tell them before they are potentially contacted for references!

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Emma

[whoiam]

Hi Emma--OH says that no references were sought by AMC --APHRA is still handling our stuff but they havent contacted anyone yet. But Our agents had requested references from our referees in the very beginning. Hope this helps.OH has just given in notice this last week! Any idea what to tell HMRC? -- Just wondering if it will be of any benefit since we are not here for the whole financial year will they give us a tax break--do let me know your thoughts.

Cheers.

[IMG]

Dear mates,

First of all, I have to thank you for your time to read my thread. I am confused regarding specific questions related to my case .....

Briefly, I am an IMG, I got my surgical practice 5 years in general surgery in middle east country and obtained my Master degree in general surgery from middle east University. Moreover, I applied with my wife to visa subclass 176 ( sponsored by family member) and Obtained my permanent residency in Australia. I have granted my permanent residency in Australia.

I am thinking of taking the AMC MCQ to practice surgery in Australia. I would like you to give me a hand regarding how to practice surgery in Australia. In addition to that,

1) What is the suitable pathway for me to gather surgical training program?

2) Is it preferable to Obtain Membership of Royal Collage of Surgeons from England or Ireland "MRCS of England or Ireland" ?

3) Would my permanent visa help me to shorten the pathway?

4) Could you tell me about an agency to guide me?

Thank you again for your help. Your cooperation will be more than appreciated.

[whoiam]

Dear mates,

First of all, I have to thank you for your time to read my thread. I am confused regarding specific questions related to my case .....

Briefly, I am an IMG, I got my surgical practice 5 years in general surgery in middle east country and obtained my Master degree in general surgery from middle east University. Moreover, I applied with my wife to visa subclass 176 ( sponsored by family member) and Obtained my permanent residency in Australia. I have granted my permanent residency in Australia.

I am thinking of taking the AMC MCQ to practice surgery in Australia. I would like you to give me a hand regarding how to practice surgery in Australia. In addition to that,

1) What is the suitable pathway for me to gather surgical training program?

2) Is it preferable to Obtain Membership of Royal Collage of Surgeons from England or Ireland "MRCS of England or Ireland" ?

3) Would my permanent visa help me to shorten the pathway?

4) Could you tell me about an agency to guide me?

Thank you again for your help. Your cooperation will be more than appreciated.

 

Hi IMG,

I dont know of anyone who maybe able to help with your specific query because you are a surgeon--most people I have met here are GP's or Dentists or their spouses--but hopefully someone might turn up.

One thing I can tell you is that the MRCS is not going to help you much as it is not seen as a surgical exit exam.(OH was in surgery first and has an MRCS, tho now qualified as a GP). In the Uk the FRCS is taken after higher surgical training and that coupled with CCT(certificate of Completion of training) is required to make you qualified as a Consultant.

There are a lot of medical recruitment companies--head medical, wavelength etc etc. They may be able to advice you better on your options.BTW are you in the Uk or in Oz now?

Good luck.

[IMG]

Hi IMG,

I dont know of anyone who maybe able to help with your specific query because you are a surgeon--most people I have met here are GP's or Dentists or their spouses--but hopefully someone might turn up.

One thing I can tell you is that the MRCS is not going to help you much as it is not seen as a surgical exit exam.(OH was in surgery first and has an MRCS, tho now qualified as a GP). In the Uk the FRCS is taken after higher surgical training and that coupled with CCT(certificate of Completion of training) is required to make you qualified as a Consultant.

There are a lot of medical recruitment companies--head medical, wavelength etc etc. They may be able to advice you better on your options.BTW are you in the Uk or in Oz now?

Good luck.

 

Thanks a lot for your reply, you helped me as you can. I am in Dubai nowadays.

[Dr Scotland]

Hi there - nice to see so many other doctors on here! I'm moving to Adelaide in August this year and starting in the ED at Flinders Medical Centre in September. I will be accompanied by my wife and our daughter, who will be 7 months by then. I'm finishing F2 in August and plan on tranining in EM in Australia. I have my signed contract and AMC/EICS verification (Competent Authority Pathway). I just spoke to someone in personnel at Flinders and she said there's a bit of a backlog with sending stuff off to AHPRA. When I told her we'd booked flights for August, she said it's fine to come out on a tourist visa and get the 457 visa ratified once there. She said that that happens quite commonly with IMGs there. Has anyone else heard of that scenario - having tourist visa in place to get in the country if 457's not granted in time? She sounded encouragingly laid-back and blase about it.Any other Adelaide docs on here? Cheers, Simon

[Guest RickandVik]

Hi IMG,

I dont know of anyone who maybe able to help with your specific query because you are a surgeon--most people I have met here are GP's or Dentists or their spouses--but hopefully someone might turn up.

One thing I can tell you is that the MRCS is not going to help you much as it is not seen as a surgical exit exam.(OH was in surgery first and has an MRCS, tho now qualified as a GP). In the Uk the FRCS is taken after higher surgical training and that coupled with CCT(certificate of Completion of training) is required to make you qualified as a Consultant.

There are a lot of medical recruitment companies--head medical, wavelength etc etc. They may be able to advice you better on your options.BTW are you in the Uk or in Oz now?

Good luck.

 

You sound so spookily like us - OH is MRCS and MRCGP and is a partner in a practice in Scotland, she has just given 3 months notice and will Locum in the UK until all the paperwork is completed. We have just been out to Adelaide and she has been offered positions with 2 rural practices about an hour outside the city. Our plan is to get out there for September paperwork permitting. For anyone looking for a position in South Australia I can suggest you contact The Rural Doctors Workforce Agency, they are Government funded and will bend over backwards to find you the right place to work and to make sure that you have support for all members of the family after your move.