Recruiting international GPs via the Expedited Specialist pathway

The Expedited Specialist pathway provides Northern Territory general practices and health services with a faster way to recruit eligible general practitioners (GPs) from the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand.   

Introduced by the Medical Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the pathway recognises comparable specialist qualifications, enabling eligible international medical graduates (IMGs) to obtain specialist registration in Australia more efficiently while maintaining Australia’s high standards of patient care. 

Rural Workforce Agency NT supports employers throughout the recruitment process by connecting you with suitable candidates and providing guidance from recruitment through to onboarding. 

Register your interest with Rural Workforce Agency NT to access eligible candidates and receive tailored recruitment support. 

How can Rural Workforce Agency NT help?

Recruiting international GPs involves registration, employment, visa and relocation requirements that can be complex to navigate. Our team provides personalised support to both employers and candidates, helping coordinate the process and reduce the administrative burden. 

To help participating employers access suitable candidates, Rural Workforce Agency NT is delivering a targeted international recruitment campaign across the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand. The campaign combines international advertising, digital marketing, stakeholder engagement and personalised workforce support to attract suitable GPs and improve successful recruitment and relocation outcomes. 

Participating employers will receive practical guidance to support international recruitment, including:  

  • identifying suitable candidates
  • coordinating interviews and recruitment
  • providing guidance on the Expedited Specialist pathway
  • supporting registration and relocation processes
  • providing information on visa pathways
  • connecting employers with available relocation support
  • supporting onboarding and orientation
  • providing ongoing professional development opportunities.
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Why recruit through the Expedited Specialist pathway?

Recruiting an experienced international GP can help your practice or health service: 

  • fill GP vacancies sooner
  • improve patient access and reduce waiting times
  • increase clinical capacity
  • strengthen continuity of care
  • expand your team’s skills and experience
  • meet growing community demand
  • support workforce sustainability and succession planning
  • reduce reliance on locum doctors.

For more information about the Expedited Specialist pathway, visit the Medical Board of Australia website 

Is your practice or health service suitable for the Expedited Specialist pathway?

The Expedited Specialist pathway is available to eligible GPs from the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand who meet the Medical Board of Australia’s registration requirements. Rural Workforce Agency NT supports employers participating in the pathway by assisting with recruitment and onboarding.

To participate as an employer, your practice or health service is required to: 

  • provide an appropriate GP position 
  • support supervision requirements during an initial 6-month supervised practice period
  • provide orientation to your workplace and local health system support clinical governance and continuing professional development requirements
  • assist with visa sponsorship where applicable.

If you’re unsure whether your practice or service is suitable, get in touch with Rural Workforce Agency NT and our team will help you understand your options.

What happens next?

Tell us about your workforce requirements and the GP role you’re looking to fill.

Email our team at recruitment@ntphn.org.au.

We’ll identify suitable candidates, discuss recruitment options and coordinate introductions and interviews.

Once you’ve selected a candidate, we’ll provide guidance throughout registration, relocation and onboarding to support a smooth transition into your practice.

Are you a Specialist International Medical Graduate? Learn more about how you can become a GP in Australia’s Northern Territory.