How difficult is it for a doctor to immigrate to Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, etc.?
If I am a doctor who just graduates from an Australian medical school, how hard will it be for me to immigrate to Britain, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand? Is being a GP a highly skilled profession that immigration officials of those countries would choose more than someone who is of (I don't want to sound patronising but I can't phrase this better) mediocre skill, such as an accountant, or a plumber? Add: English was my first language so I'm fluent in English, and reside in the USA
Immigration - 2 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Immigration to the UK as a doctor shouldn't be impossible (we certainly need more doctors than plumbers or accountants!!), although things have become more difficult as they continue to tighten up immigration laws, also the new "caps" which the new UK Coalition Government are placing on immigration will make it even harder to be accepted. Being a doctor should allow you to apply for a visa as a "highly skilled migrant" (Tier 1) but you'd still need to pass the points based assessment as regards age, qualifications, experience, earnings potential, English language fluency and financial means etc. Plus the capping regulations will mean less applications being considered/successful (they come into effect next summer). http://www.workpermit.com/uk/uk-immigration-tier-system/tier-1/general-highly-skilled-migrants.htm
Answer 2 :
Australia You need to understand that a GP is not a doctor straight out of medical school. You have to spend several years working as an RMO in a hospital and then apply for a Residency program and then it is another 3 years. Only after that are you considered a GP. Only Australian citizens can apply for the Residency program. At present there is a need for doctors in Australia BUT in 2012 there will be an increase of 300% in the number of locally trained medical students (the first intake will graduate then). So it is highly probable that in 5 years only specialist doctors (cardiologists, radiologists etc) will be eligible for migration. The expectation is now that there will not be enough placements for the 2012 graduates to complete their intern year and most of the international students will have to return home to complete this.
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