For overseas-trained and Australian-trained doctors already working in Australia who are looking to move hospitals, secure their ideal permanent or locum role, or progress their registration and visa status with the right employer.

 

Your Registration & Visa Status

1. I'm already working in Australia as a doctor. Can JPS Medical Recruitment still help me? Yes. JPS works with doctors at every stage of their Australian career — including those still on limited, provisional, or specialist registration who need to move to the right hospital, and those who have achieved general or specialist registration and are now looking for their ideal permanent role.Whether you need visa sponsorship, supervision support, or simply want to find the best available opportunity, JPS can help.

 

2. What types of AHPRA registration do onshore doctors typically hold? Doctors working in Australia may hold one of the following registration types:
   • Limited registration — granted for a specific position and employer, typically for doctors who do not yet meet the requirements for general registration
   • Limited specialist registration — for overseas-trained specialists working under supervision toward specialist recognition
   • Provisional registration — for doctors completing an intern year or supervised practice period or CA pathway overseas-trained specialists working under supervision toward specialist recognition
   • General registration — unrestricted registration once all requirements have been met
   • Specialist registration — for doctors who have achieved Fellowship or equivalent specialist recognition

   Your registration type determines what is required when changing employers or locations.

 

3. What happens to my AHPRA registration if I want to change hospitals? This depends on your registration type.
   Doctors holding general or specialist registration can generally move employers without needing a formal Change of Circumstance application to AHPRA. However, they must continue to meet all ongoing registration obligations.Doctors on limited, limited specialist, or provisional registration must submit a Change of Circumstance application when changing employers. This usually involves updated supervision arrangements, documentation from both the doctor and the new employer, and, where applicable, approval from the relevant specialist college.JPS coordinates this process and works with you, the new employer, and the relevant college to help ensure a smooth transition.

 

4. What is a Change of Circumstance application? A Change of Circumstance application is a formal notification to AHPRA that the conditions of your registration have changed because you are moving to a new employer.
   For doctors on limited or provisional registration, AHPRA requires updated supervision arrangements and confirmation that the new hospital can meet your registration requirements.Where required, approval from specialist colleges such as the RACP, RACS, RANZCOG, or RANZCP may also be needed.JPS coordinates this process on your behalf.

 

5. What if I am still on a Subclass 482 work visa? If you are on an employer-sponsored visa such as the Subclass 482, your visa remains linked to your sponsoring employer. When changing employers, your new hospital or practice must assume sponsorship of your visa. Some employers may also support your transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 pathway.JPS has extensive experience working with employers throughout Australia that sponsor international doctors — including NSW Health, QLD Health, WA Health, SA Health, VIC Health, ACT Health, and NT Health, as well as private hospitals and GP practices. We can help identify organisations that align with your visa, supervision and long-term career requirements, and we know which employers are active visa sponsors.

 

6. 6. I am unhappy in my current role but my visa is tied to my employer. What are my options? This is one of the most common situations we encounter.
   Holding a Subclass 482 visa does not mean you are permanently tied to your current employer. Provided another hospital or practice is willing to assume sponsorship of your visa, you can change employers.JPS can identify suitable employers, confirm their sponsorship requirements before any introduction is made, and guide you through the transition. If your circumstances are urgent, we can often move quickly to identify suitable opportunities.

 

7. Can JPS help me find a hospital that will sponsor my visa and support my pathway to permanent residency? Yes. We regularly work with hospitals and healthcare organisations that sponsor Subclass 482 visas and support eligible doctors through permanent residency pathways. Before introducing you to an employer, we ensure they can meet your requirements regarding sponsorship, supervision, and long-term career progression.

 

Moving to a Better Role

8. Why do many doctors change hospitals after arriving in Australia? Many international doctors accept their first Australian position because it provides the supervision, registration pathway, or visa sponsorship they need. Once these objectives have been achieved, it is common to move to a hospital or practice that better aligns with long-term career goals, preferred location, remuneration, or lifestyle.
   For many doctors, their first Australian role is a stepping stone rather than their final destination.

 

9. I've completed my initial Australian role and now have general or specialist registration. What are my options? Once you hold general or specialist registration — particularly if you have permanent residency or Australian citizenship — you become eligible for a much broader range of employment opportunities.

   Many doctors accepted their first Australian role primarily to obtain supervision or visa sponsorship rather than because it was their ideal position. JPS specialises in helping these doctors secure their next role — often with improved remuneration, greater career progression, and access to locations that better suit their lifestyle.

 

10. How does JPS know about roles before they are advertised? JPS has established relationships with hospitals and health services across Australia. Many vacancies are discussed with us before they are advertised publicly, and in some cases positions are filled exclusively through our network. Registering with JPS gives you access to opportunities that may never reach the open market.

 

11. I took my first role in a location that wasn't my preference. Can you help me move? Yes. Many overseas-trained doctors initially accept regional or rural positions to obtain supervision, Australian experience, or visa sponsorship. Once those objectives have been achieved, JPS can help you move to your preferred location, specialty, or hospital. We recruit across metropolitan, regional, and remote Australia.

 

12. What types of permanent roles do you place doctors into? JPS has specialised in permanent medical recruitment since 2012. We place doctors into permanent hospital positions across metropolitan, regional, and rural Australia, as well as privately operated GP practices.

 

13. Do you also place doctors into locum roles? Yes. JPS has an established locum doctor division specialising exclusively in locum medical recruitment. Whether you are looking for short-term work between permanent roles, want to experience different hospitals, or are considering a long-term locum career, our specialist locum consultants can help.

 

14. 14. What is the difference between a locum and a permanent role? A permanent role offers long-term stability, fixed employment, and ongoing career progression within a hospital or practice. A locum role is generally short-term, offers greater flexibility, and often attracts higher day rates.

    Many doctors use locum work strategically — to experience different hospitals or locations before committing to a permanent move, or to maintain income while waiting for their preferred permanent opportunity. JPS recruits for both permanent and locum positions and can help determine which option best suits your circumstances.

 

15. What salary can I expect as an onshore doctor? Remuneration varies according to specialty, experience, registration type, employer, and location. Regional and remote positions often offer higher remuneration than metropolitan roles and may include additional benefits such as accommodation, relocation assistance, travel allowances, and salary packaging. Your JPS consultant can provide indicative salary ranges based on your specialty and experience.

 

GPs & Private Practice

16. Do you place GPs as well as hospital doctors? Yes. JPS recruits both General Practitioners and hospital doctors. We assist GPs who require supervision or visa sponsorship, as well as fully registered GPs seeking their ideal practice.

 

17. What should a GP look for when choosing a practice? Important considerations include:
    • Billing model — mixed billing, bulk billing, or private billing
    • Patient demographics and clinical mix
    • Fellowship support (RACGP or ACRRM) if not yet completed
    • Visa sponsorship and permanent residency pathways if required
    • Metro, regional, or remote location
    • Practice culture and clinical support available
    • Practice ownership or buy-in pathways — some practices offer this as a long-term option for the right doctor

    JPS helps match GPs with practices that align with both their immediate requirements and long-term career goals.

 

18. Do Distribution Priority Area (DPA) requirements still apply once I have general registration? DPA requirements relate to Medicare eligibility rather than AHPRA registration. GPs who have not yet achieved Fellowship of the RACGP or ACRRM are generally required to work in a DPA location to access unrestricted Medicare billing. Achieving Fellowship of the RACGP or ACRRM generally removes these Medicare location restrictions.

 

Working with JPS Medical Recruitment

19. What level of doctor does JPS work with? JPS recruits hospital doctors from Registrar level and above, together with General Practitioners. We work with doctors throughout every stage of their Australian career — from those completing supervised practice through to experienced specialists and consultants.

 

20. Does JPS charge doctors a fee? No. JPS Medical Recruitment never charges doctors any recruitment fees. Our fees are paid entirely by the hiring hospital or medical practice. JPS has been operating since 2012, holds ISO 9001 certification, and is a Corporate Member of the RCSA.

 

21. How do I register with JPS Medical Recruitment? Simply contact our team or register through our website. You will typically need to provide:
    • Current AHPRA registration
    • Updated CV
    • Visa details (if applicable)
    • Preferred specialty
    • Preferred location
    • Preferred role type

    A consultant will then contact you to discuss your circumstances and identify suitable opportunities.

 

22. How quickly can JPS find me a new role? This depends on your specialty, registration type, visa status, and location preferences. Doctors with general or specialist registration and unrestricted work rights may secure a new position within two to four weeks once a suitable opportunity is identified. Doctors requiring visa sponsorship or AHPRA registration changes generally require additional time because of the regulatory processes involved.

 

23. Is it worth registering with JPS even if I'm not actively looking? Yes. Many of Australia's best medical opportunities are never publicly advertised. Registering with JPS means you will be considered for suitable opportunities as they arise — including confidential approaches from hospitals seeking doctors with your experience. There is no obligation to accept a role, and registration is completely free.

 

Every doctor's circumstances are different. Whether you are considering changing hospitals, moving into a GP practice, securing visa sponsorship, progressing toward permanent residency, or simply exploring your options, the team at JPS Medical Recruitment can provide personalised advice based on your registration, specialty, and career goals. Visit jpsmedical.com.au.