. Working out what to do next is another.
You may already have started looking at Australian GP jobs, compared cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, or searched for information about registration. But once the idea of moving becomes a serious possibility, the process can feel much bigger than simply finding a job.
If you are considering a UK GP to Australia move, it helps to understand the main steps before you start making applications.
1. Start by Understanding Your Registration Pathway
Before applying for Australian GP roles, you need to understand how your UK qualifications fit into the Australian registration system.
For eligible UK-trained GPs, the Expedited Specialist Pathway can provide a route towards specialist registration in Australia. UK GPs with an eligible MRCGP and CCT may be able to use this pathway, subject to the current requirements of the Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA.
This is important because your registration pathway can affect which jobs you can apply for, where you can work and how you plan your move.
Rather than assuming that every UK GP follows the same process, check your individual qualifications, training history and registration circumstances first.
2. Think About Where You Actually Want to Live
Australia is a large country, so choosing a location should be part of your career decision.
A GP considering Sydney may have completely different priorities from someone looking at Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth.
Ask yourself:
Do I want to live close to a major city?
Would I consider a coastal location?
Am I comfortable working in a regional area?
How important are schools and childcare?
What commute would I be comfortable with?
Do I want access to an airport?
Would I prefer a busy metropolitan practice or a smaller community?
Some UK GPs initially focus only on the city they want to live in. However, being flexible about the exact location can open up more GP opportunities.
Distribution Priority Area locations can also be worth considering, particularly for international GPs who need to understand where they can practise and how location requirements may affect their Australian career.
3. Start Looking at GP Jobs Early
You do not necessarily have to wait until every part of your relocation is complete before exploring Australian GP opportunities.
Speaking with Australian GP recruiters early can help you understand what types of practices are currently looking for doctors, what locations may suit your background and what working arrangements are available.
Australian GP roles can differ significantly.
You may find positions offering:
Percentage of billings
Hourly guarantees
Mixed billing
Bulk billing
Flexible working hours
Full-time or part-time sessions
Permanent positions
Locum opportunities
Regional or DPA opportunities
This is why comparing the headline percentage alone is not enough.
A role offering 70% of billings is not automatically better than one offering 65%. Patient numbers, consultation fees, appointment availability, working hours, practice support and the billing model can all influence your actual income.
4. Understand How Australian GP Work Can Be Different
Moving from the NHS to Australian general practice can involve more than changing countries.
The way you work may also feel different.
Depending on the practice, you may have greater flexibility over your working hours and sessions. Many Australian GP positions operate around a percentage-of-billings model, meaning your income can be closely connected to your patient numbers and billings.
The consultation structure, practice systems, administrative support and relationship between the GP and practice can also vary.
That is why it is useful to ask detailed questions before accepting a position.
Find out about the patient base, expected consultations, consultation length, billing arrangements, nursing support, administration and how new GPs build their patient list.
5. Look Beyond the Job Offer
A common mistake when planning a UK GP to Australia move is focusing entirely on the job.
The job matters, but so does everything around it.
Think about housing, schools, transport, healthcare, climate and your partner's or family's plans.
For example, a role that looks attractive financially may not be the right fit if the location does not suit your family.
On the other hand, a slightly different role in a location that fits your lifestyle could make the overall move much more rewarding.
Australia offers a wide range of lifestyles. You could work near a major city, live close to the coast or choose a regional community.
The best option depends on what you actually want from your move.
6. Plan Your Visa and Relocation Separately
Registration and immigration are related to your move, but they are not the same thing.
Once you understand your registration position and potential employment options, you will also need to consider the visa pathway that applies to your circumstances.
Visa requirements can depend on your situation, so UK GPs should obtain specific immigration advice from a registered migration professional rather than relying solely on recruitment websites or general online information.
You will also need to think about practical relocation issues such as accommodation, flights, shipping belongings, banking, driving and settling into your new community.
Planning these early can make the final move much less stressful.
7. Do Not Rush Into the First Australian GP Job
When you have spent months thinking about moving, it can be tempting to accept the first suitable Australian role that comes along.
But your first job can influence your entire experience.
Before accepting an offer, look at the full picture.
Consider:
Location: Does it suit your lifestyle?
Income: How does the billing structure actually work?
Patient base: Is there enough demand to build a sustainable workload?
Support: What nursing, administrative and clinical support is available?
Working hours: Do they match the lifestyle you are trying to create?
Career development: Can you develop your clinical interests?
Long-term plans: Could you see yourself staying in the area?
These questions can help you avoid choosing a role simply because it has an attractive headline earning figure.
8. Use Your Research to Create a Personal Plan
There is no single UK GP to Australia pathway that works perfectly for everyone.
Your qualifications, registration status, experience, preferred location, family circumstances and career goals can all influence your next steps.
A simple plan could look like this:
Step 1: Check your eligibility and registration pathway.
Step 2: Decide which Australian locations interest you.
Step 3: Research available GP roles.
Step 4: Understand the billing and employment arrangements.
Step 5: Discuss visa options with a registered migration professional.
Step 6: Compare job offers carefully.
Step 7: Plan your relocation and move.
Having this structure can make the process feel much more manageable.
What Should a UK GP Do First?
If Australia is becoming a serious career option, you do not need to have every detail worked out before starting your research.
The first step is understanding where you stand.
Once you know your likely registration pathway, you can start looking at suitable locations and Australian GP opportunities. From there, you can compare practices based on more than just salary.
For a more detailed overview of the move, read our guide: UK GP to Australia: 7 Things to Know Before Moving to Australia.
It covers some of the key considerations UK GPs should think about before making the move, from career opportunities and registration to lifestyle and working in Australia.
Thinking About Moving From the UK to Australia?
Moving country is a major decision, especially when your medical career is involved.
The right approach is to understand your pathway first, then explore opportunities that match your qualifications, career plans and preferred lifestyle.
Ray Rekruiters works with international GPs and Australian healthcare practices, helping doctors explore suitable GP opportunities across Australia.
If you are a UK GP considering Australia, understanding your options early can make the eventual move much easier to plan.