How do I become a permanent resident?
To become a permanent resident, you must be:
- registered with the Medical Board of Australia
- granted a permanent visa.
Becoming a permanent resident means you can keep working in Australia.
The Department of Home Affairs has more information about how to become a permanent resident.
What happens if I become a permanent resident?
If you become a permanent resident, you must contact Medicare and advise them of your new status.
If you are working under 19AB, you must stop working immediately.
You will still be subject to the rules under section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973. You will also be subject to section 19AA.
If you continue to work, you will gather debt for providing Medicare services until you satisfy section 19AA.
Vocational recognition
Once you become a permanent resident, you must become vocationally recognised as a specialist medical practitioner to access Medicare benefits.
If you are not vocationally recognised, you can still access Medicare benefits if you have an approved placement on a 3GA program.