Australia's states are actively nominating General Practitioners to meet healthcare demands.
Key Answer: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania are currently nominating General Practitioners for migration to Australia. Each state has its own specific conditions and lists of occupation shortages that GPs must meet to qualify for nomination.
Australia has opened its doors wide for skilled professionals, with states actively nominating General Practitioners (GPs) for various visa pathways. As of today, the 2026 - 27 migration programme highlights a reinforced commitment to bringing qualified GPs from overseas into the country. Let's look at which states are seeking GPs, the specific conditions attached to these nominations, and how recent changes might affect your migration journey.
Which States Are Nominating General Practitioners?
The Australian landscape for state nominations is ever-evolving. Currently, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania are particularly proactive in nominating General Practitioners. Each state has its list of occupation shortages, and GPs are prominently featured on these lists due to nationwide demand. However, while these states remain open, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory have paused their nominations temporarily, pending a review of their quotas and needs.
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW remains a top choice for many aspiring migrants due to its diverse opportunities and lifestyle offerings. For GPs, the nomination requires either a job offer from a NSW medical facility or current employment in NSW in the role of a GP. While NSW occasionally requires residency in the state before nomination, it often waives this for GPs due to the acute demand. The typical points threshold for invitees hovers around 80, but exceptional candidates might find opportunities with slightly fewer points. GPs in NSW benefit from access to current medical facilities and a broad professional network, enhancing both professional growth and personal development.
Victoria
Victoria's nomination programme is strong, prioritising healthcare roles due to its growing population and healthcare system demands. GPs seeking nomination must either be living and working in Victoria or have a significant job offer. Recent trends indicate that Victoria may require a minimum of 85 points given the competitive nature of its programme, but adjustments can occur in response to sudden needs. The state's emphasis on healthcare innovation and research provides GPs with an environment conducive to advancing their careers through participation in pioneering medical studies and projects.
Queensland
Queensland has a strong demand for GPs, particularly in its regional areas. A job offer from a regional medical centre significantly boosts your chance of nomination. While Brisbane applicants might need upwards of 80 points, those willing to work in more rural settings may find flexibility in the points requirement. Commitment to reside in the nominated regional area is a condition attached to the approval. Queensland offers GPs the chance to work in diverse communities, providing a range of medical challenges and experiences that contribute to a well-rounded practice.
South Australia
South Australia is another state warmly welcoming GPs. The state's priority is filling positions in regional and rural centres. Candidates often need to prove a commitment to live and work in South Australia, with points requirements ranging from 75 to 80, depending on the specific area and demand at the time of application. Working in South Australia offers GPs the opportunity to engage deeply with community health initiatives, often leading to leadership roles in local healthcare projects and programs.
Western Australia
In Western Australia, the demand for GPs remains high, especially outside Perth. A regional job offer can serve as a significant advantage. The state requires evidence of employment prospects, and similar to Queensland, lower point criteria may apply if one is willing to relocate to remote areas. Typically, you would be looking at a baseline of around 75 points. The state's vast geographic area provides unique health challenges that can greatly enhance a GP's adaptability and problem-solving skills.
Tasmania
Tasmania, with its serene environment, invites GPs warmly. The state’s process favours candidates already residing in Tasmania but remains open to interstate applications under specific conditions, primarily focusing on rural and regional contributions. The points threshold usually starts at 75. Tasmania's commitment to work-life balance and community-focused healthcare provides GPs with a supportive environment to grow both personally and professionally.
What Has Changed Recently?
The recent shifts in Australia's state nomination processes for GPs have largely focused on addressing the imbalance between urban and rural healthcare availability. States like Queensland and Western Australia are particularly keen on steering GPs to their regional areas through incentives and relaxed point requirements. with 185,000 permanent residency spots allocated for 2026 - 27, there's now a clearer emphasis on skilled professions, including medical practitioners, offering them broader migration opportunities.
One critical change is the adjustment of minimum salary thresholds, which impacts employer-sponsored visas. This change ensures that GPs not only meet visa requirements but also receive fair compensation on par with the national standards. Keeping an eye on these thresholds is important as it reflects the evolving valuation of skilled roles in the country. This adjustment helps ensure that GPs are integrated into the Australian healthcare system with salaries that reflect their skills and contributions, thus supporting long-term retention.
Best State Nomination Strategy for 75 Points? For 80 Points?
For a GP with 75 points, targeting states with a focus on regional development would be strategic. South Australia and Tasmania could be promising choices. Both states have historically shown flexibility in points requirements when the applicant is willing to work in less populated areas where the demand for healthcare services is dire. GPs in these regions often have the chance to influence local healthcare policies, often leading to significant roles in shaping community health strategies.
If you have 80 points, the options are wider. You could consider more competitive states like Victoria or New South Wales. With higher points, you could aim for metropolitan areas, provided you meet other conditions like job offers or residency requirements. Higher points not only increase the breadth of potential opportunities but also may fast-track the nomination process, allowing for quicker integration into the Australian healthcare workforce.
Typical State Nomination Assessment Timeline
The timeline for state nomination assessments varies, but generally, you can expect a decision within three to six months after submitting your application. This variance depends on the completeness of your application, the specific state’s backlog, and how well your qualifications match the state's current demands. It's essential to prepare a thorough and accurate application to avoid delays. Ensuring all documentation is up-to-date and accurately reflects your qualifications can significantly simplify the process, reducing the waiting period and allowing for a smoother transition to work in Australia.
One NWI Observation
At NWI, we often see that while many GPs focus on the points score, the deciding factor can frequently be the willingness to work in regional and rural areas. These locations provide not just opportunities for nomination but also rich professional experiences that can be both rewarding and career-enhancing. Our advice is to remain flexible about location and open to exploring new regions of Australia that are keen to benefit from your expertise. Being open to regional assignments can lead to unexpected career advancements and personal growth, as these areas often value and rely heavily on the expertise of skilled professionals.
Navigating the intricacies of state nominations requires careful attention to detail and timing. Stay informed by checking the specific requirements of your target state regularly and consider a free eligibility assessment on our website to ensure you are on the right track. By understanding and acting on these nomination updates, you can position yourself effectively to secure a place in Australia’s dynamic healthcare sector.