How do I know if a Doctor is eligible for a 19AB spousal exemption?

This is a FAQ BLOG and you can refer to our 19AB & IMGs blog here.

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Date Updated: 2025-09-15

Spousal exemption is available to Australian temporary residents or Australian permanent residents or citizens. If the Doctor is an Australian permanent resident or citizen, the applicant must hold AHPRA Specialist Registration before applying.

The applicant is eligible for 19AB spousal exemption if their spouse is either a:

Medical Practitioner that is unrestricted by 19AB and ordinarily resides in Australia, or a
Skilled Migrant who:
- Ordinarily resides in Australia
- Has General Skilled Migration visa
- Has been assessed by the relevant skilled body as having a General Skilled occupation in demand
- Migrated to Australia in the past 10 years with the purpose to work in the General Skilled Migration occupation, and
- Is currently working, volunteering or undertaking a training placement in that General Skilled Migration occupation

If they meet the criteria above, then the Doctor may be able to work in a Non-DPA area so that they may be close to their spouse.

How can they apply for a spousal exemption?

The Doctor can apply by completing the 6-page Application Form and send an email to 19AB@health.gov.au along with supporting documents. It can take around 28 business days upon receiving the completed application to expect an outcome.

If they are granted a spousal exemption, then they will be given a Letter of Support. This should be attached to their Application for a Medicare provider number and/or prescriber number for a medical practitioner form (HW019) before submitting it to Services Australia.

You can also read more about how to apply for a 19AB Spousal Exemption here.

If you need help with your 19AB exemptions, you can have a chat with us or let us help you with your documents! You can contact help@peoplemedical.com.au or click the button below!

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Here at People Medical Consulting, we have a passion for guiding medical practitioners through their career pathways to Australia. We have extensive experience in assisting medical facilities in recruiting doctors from local and overseas who will best suit their requirements.

We provide Document Assistance for those requiring support for their PESCI with IME, ACRRM or RACGP, registration and all other mandatory AHPRA requirements, fellowship program related forms and letters, application for Medicare provider and prescriber numbers, application for 19AB or 19AA exemptions and preparation of employment documents.

If you want to talk to someone about your pathway or practice management—book a consultation with us below, or if you need Recruitment or Document Assistance, contact us at help@peoplemedical.com.au or click the buttons below. We’d be glad to help you!

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Information from this blog has been taken directly from:

Date Updated: 2025-09-15

How can they apply for a spousal exemption?

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