Visa application usually occurs only after you’ve secured a job offer. This is because the various visas you are eligible to apply for almost always need a formal letter of employment OR sponsorship.
The most common visa type used by doctors taking up a clinical position would probably be subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (short-term stream). This visa type may lead to permanent residency via subclass 186 Employer Nominated Scheme (temporary residence transition stream) OR after general registration the subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa. It is important to note that as part of the visa requirements, your ANZSCO code must be an occupation on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) – “Resident Medical Officer 253112” would probably cover most positions; this is tied to Ahpra registration.
My first work visa was a subclass 408 Temporary Activity (research activities). I would however caution against using this visa type unless you are currently an established academic researcher (will need documentary proof during the application process). I have since switched to a subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage visa.
The visa application process would differ from person to person, but it should generally follow the process below.
- Prior commencing the visa application process
You should have the following before embarking on visa application: (A) job offer with an employer willing to sponsor your visa; (B) valid passport; (C) Ahpra registration [or at the very least, have started applying for Ahpra registration]; (D) English test results and curriculum vitae [needed for Ahpra too]; and (E) Overseas Visitors Health Insurance/Cover [I use Medibank].
You may also need a police certificate for every country you’ve spent >12 months in for the past 10 years. For Malaysia, the issuing authority would be our Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can apply for the Certificate of Good Conduct (Sijil Kelakuan Baik) here. The full guide for the application process can be found here. Official processing time is stated as 30 to 90 working days, but I am very thankful to report that my personal experience was 10 to 15 working days (2-3 weeks).
One minor issue (but nevertheless important) to note for the 482 visa is that you should have had worked in the occupation for at least 2 years – this would mean that those who are looking to do internship training directly in Australia (i.e. no prior job experience) cannot apply for this particular visa. To the best of my knowledge, those who do not fulfill this requirement (e.g. interns) will come in on a subclass 407 Training visa.
If you have a spouse/de factor partner who will be listed on your application, they should also ensure they have a valid passport and police clearance. Spousal relationship will require a marriage certificate as evidence, while de facto partners should provide documents such as joint bank account statements, billing accounts in joint names, joint leases or mortgages, or documents showing that both have the same residential address. Other dependents under/over 18 will require a lot more documents – please refer to the website for full information.
All scanned documents should be in colour. Non-English documents will need to be translated.
- Applying for the visa
Assuming you already have all the documents ready, the visa application process should not be too difficult. Mine was done via an immigration lawyer so I would not be able to comment on the system.
The next time you hear back from the Australian Department of Home Affairs after you submit the online application might be a request for biometrics verification at the VFS Global Centre. I was given a 2-week window to complete this step. VFS Global is located at Suite 19.06, Wisma MCA, Jln Ampang, KL, so for those from outside KL it would mean more travelling and accommodation costs incurred. The biometrics collection fee is RM158 per person (not included in visa application fee).
You would most likely require a health assessment as well. This can only be done at 4 places throughout Malaysia – Life Care Diagnostic Medical Centre (Bangsar, KL); Adventist Wellness Centre (Georgetown, Penang); Wellness Clinic, Normah Medical Specialist Centre (Kuching, Sarawak); and KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital (Luyang, Sabah). The full details can be found here. I did mine at Normah, which cost me RM439 per person. There is an option to complete this step upfront prior lodging your visa application, as long as you have a HAP ID – refer to this guide for more information.
UPDATE [10 Oct 2024]: There may have been recent changes to the visa application process as I have heard of friends who did not have to go through the biometrics verification step.
- Waiting for, then receiving, your visa application outcome
It is crucial that you do not arrange or book any flights into Australia until you are granted the visa in writing – this is listed on the official site, and I can also tell you from personal experience that not following this advice will lead to a lot of stress.
Once you are granted the visa, then you’re good to go. You can now book your flights and make the final arrangements to leave Malaysia for Australia. Remember that you will need to complete your Ahpra registration at your new workplace – you should have received clear instructions from Ahpra in the letter notification of your in-principle approval for registration as a medical practitioner.
UPDATE [12 Nov 2023]: My wife and I have recently switched over to a 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (short-term stream) with ANZSCO of Resident Medical Officer. Since we already have most of our documents ready, the process was completed within 2 weeks!
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