I’m an IMG, where can I work?

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

Need help understanding your pathway?

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Date Updated: 2025-06-24

First, know your restrictions! There are 3 common restrictions within General Practice. These are 19AB, 19AA, and Area of Need- but what do they mean?

• 19AB restricts International Medical Graduates and requires them to work in a Distribution Priority Area for a moratorium of 10 years in order to access Medicare Benefits. Yes, there are exemptions but make sure you have it confirmed before you move forward!
  

• 19AA restricts Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents who are not Fellowed and requires them to join a 3GA training program whilst preparing for Fellowship in order to be able to access Medicare. Make sure you’re eligible for a program, and that your practice is eligible as a location PRIOR to signing any contracts. The 3GA programs will primarily require you to work in a rural area.
  

• Area of Need Certificates are required for General Practices employing a General Practitioner seeking Limited Registration (Area of Need). An Area of Need Certificate is based on the need for doctors in the area.

Non DPA / MM 1

You can work here if you are:

• Unrestricted Doctors
• VR Doctors who have 19AB Exemptions

DPA / MM 1

You can work at these locations if you are:

• VR Doctors
• Non VR Doctors who are on a Visa

Non VR GPs should be aware that they cannot pursue Fellowship in a MM 1 location unless they are on a rural pathway exemption participating in AGPT, or on an exemption for extenuating and unforeseen circumstances participating in FSP. If they’re under PFP, they can work in a MM 1 location as long as it is DPA.

DPA / MM 2 – 7

Whether or not you have a restriction, you can work in a DPA rural area. Please note that current guidelines have assigned DPA to all MMM 2 – 7 locations.

Need more guidance on where you can work and what exemptions or training programs you’re eligible for? Contact us at help@peoplemedical.com.au or book a consult with our team below! 

We Can Help You

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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