In an attempt to address shortages of medical practitioner in rural areas, the government has introduced an exemption to the age requirement for certain visas. This exemption, which came into effect on 1 July 2015, means that eligible medical practitioners will no longer be required to be less than 50 when applying for one of the following visas:
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187); or
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
Broadly, in order to be eligible for the age exemption, a medical practitioner must have applied for either the direct entry stream or the temporary residence transition stream of the above visas and show that he/she:
- has worked as a medical practitioner for the last 4 years immediately before applying for the visa;
- that the employment was located in regional Australia for at least 2 of those years; and
- the nominated position is located in regional Australia.
Contact one of our migration lawyers now to find out if you are eligible for this exemption.