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Five Year International Medical Graduates Recruitment Scheme

The Five Year International Medical Graduate (IMG) Recruitment Scheme is an Australian Government initiative to attract and retain appropriately qualified and experienced IMGs to work in remote and rural Queensland.

The Scheme offers a reduction in the ten year moratorium on provider number restrictions under Section 19AB of the Act. Exemptions without geographical restrictions are granted to participating doctors who have satisfied the following requirements of the Scheme:

  • To complete the required term of service in a location deemed eligible for the Scheme;

  • To attain Fellowship with either the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM); and

  • Attain permanent residency and/or Australian Citizenship.

Objectives
  • To provide incentives to attract appropriately qualified and experienced IMG/FGAMS working in general practice to overcome the current and future community needs for general practice medical services in rural and remote Australia;

  • To increase the supply of appropriately qualified IMG/FGAMS in rural and remote Australia;

  • To enhance the professional development, skills, and knowledge of IMG/FGAMS in Australia; and

  • To bring a degree of stability to the provision of general practitioner services in rural and remote communities.

Eligibility Criteria

This Scheme applies to IMGs who are restricted (under Section 19AB of the Act) in accessing Medicare benefits arrangements. IMGs wishing to participate on the Scheme must meet the following criteria:

  • Have recognised general practice training and qualifications falling within Category 1 or Category 2 of the Australian Medical Council Specialist Pathway; or

  • Provide evidence they are eligible to be assessed for FRACGP or FACRRM within two years of commencing on the Scheme;

  • Hold or obtain appropriate registration with the Medical Board of Australia;

  • Intend to seek or currently possess permanent residency and/or Australian Citizenship; and

  • Will be providing at least seven sessions a week as part of their placement.

Application Process

Health Workforce Queensland will assess each application to review eligibility of both the practice and the applicant. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have general practice experience and potential eligibility for enrolment and completion of FRACGP and FACRRM within two years of joining the Scheme and all other eligibility criteria.

For more information on the Five Year International Medical Graduate (IMG) Recruitment Scheme, please view the Department of Health Program Guidelines.

To request an application form, please contact us on 07 3105 7800.