FAQ - Frequently asked questions
- How much will it cost me to find a job using Aster Medical?
- Why work with a professional recruitment agency?
- Why does Australia need overseas qualified doctors?
- How do I obtain a visa to work in Australia?
- Do I need to sit an English test?
- Is there an age limit for doctors working temporarily in Australia?
- How long can I work in Australia?
- How long is the whole process from receiving a job offer to start working?
- Who decides on which jobs I am interviewed for?
- What is the pay like in Australia?
- Who pays for my medical registration and immigration charges?
- Who will pay for my relocation?
- Do I need private health insurance while I am working in Australia?
- What are schools like in Australia and when can I enrol my children?
How much will it cost me to find a job with Aster Medical?
Our recruitment services to doctors are absolutely free.
Why work with a professional recruitment agency?
In an era where everything is available on line, one might well ask why they should be involved with a recruiter.
Although it is entirely possible to 'do-it-yourself', it is a very frustrating and time consuming process unless support is at hand. Here are a few reasons why you should go through Aster Medical.
1. Our recruitment services to doctors are absolutely free.
2. We have access to a huge number of unadvertised vacancies that you couldn’t otherwise access.
3. Searching for suitable positions, forwarding a CV and arranging an interview can be very difficult from overseas. We do all this efficiently on your behalf and keep you informed along the way.
4. We know how to write strategic and effective CVs that are consistent with what is expected in Australia and market your skills to prospective employers.
5. Very few candidates can make a move without considering the needs of their families. Part of our process includes a community needs assessment to help make sure each member of the family is looking forward to the move
6. The application processes for work visas and medical registration are complicated and time-consuming. If you are unfamiliar with the process it can take several months of frequent phone calls and correspondence.
7. Our specialty is GP recruitment. We know the market, salaries and benefits by specific locations and we always work on your behalf when negotiating remuneration, travel and accommodation.
Why does Australia need overseas qualified doctors?
In Australia, as in most OECD countries, the demand for health services is increasing every day. Australia’s ongoing shortage of doctors and allied health professionals is especially severe in outer metropolitan, regional and rural areas. To address this situation the Australian government has created special programs which allow employers to recruit International Medical Graduates (IMGs) into jobs in districts of workforce shortage which local medical practices have been unable to fill by Australian medical practitioners.
How can I obtain an Australian visa?
Due to skills shortage in the Australian health industry, the Australian Government has set up programs that enable Australian employers to import skills.
Once Aster Medical has confirmed a position for you, we start the process of applying for a work visa for you. This can be done online and takes approximately four to six weeks to finalize.
In order to be granted a work visa in Australia, you must meet certain criteria set by the Australian Department of Immigration (DIAC). For further information, please visit the DIAC website or ask us at Aster Medical, we are here to help you.
If English is not my native language, do I need to sit an English test?
Yes. It is a requirement that you successfully complete an English proficiency test. You must achieve a minimum score of 7 in each of the 4 components of the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The results of your test are only valid for two years. If you have any concerns about the testing process then please talk to one of our consultants.
Another English test approved by the AMC is the Occupational English Test (OET) where you need to achieve a score of B in each module.
Is there an age limit for healthcare workers coming to work temporarily in Australia?
No. As long as your qualifications meet the required criteria for the position you wish to apply for, you will be eligible to work in Australia on a temporary basis, regardless of age.
How long can I work for?
Most of the vacancies are for periods of six months or 12 months initially. In many cases, the medical job contracts are extended for further terms. We are able to organise longer placements if required.
How long is the whole process from receiving a job offer to?
The medical registration and immigration process can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 1 year. This depends heavily on how accurate and efficient you are in submitting all information required to complete your registration and immigration paperwork.
What is the pay like in Australia?
In Australia, General Practice as a profession pays well. The annual income that a GP can expect to earn ranges between AUD $150,000-$300,000 per annum. This number can increase depending on the number of extra hours or after hours work performed. Other factors that can have an impact on your wage are: area of practice, type of work undertaken, private vs. bulk billing, hospital work and whether you are a practice owner, employee or contractor.
Click here to see non-specialist salaries in Australia.
Tax rates 2009-10
Taxable income |
Tax on this income |
$1 – $6,000 |
Nil |
$6,001 – $35,000 |
15c for each $1 over $6,000 |
$35,001 – $80,000 |
$4,350 plus 30c for each $1 over $35,000 |
$80,001 – $180,000 |
$17,850 plus 38c for each $1 over $80,000 |
$180,001 and over |
$55,850 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000 |
Who pays for my medical registration and immigration charges?
You are responsible for the payment of your registration fees and visa charges; however some employers reimburse these expenses should you complete your contract in full. Please note that these fees are also tax deductible.
Who will pay for my relocation?
Some GP practices may provide assistance to doctors with their relocation expenses. This depends on the policies of the individual practice. Ask your AsterMedical consultant what provisions you are eligible for or are available once you have applied for a position.
Do I need private health insurance while I am working in Australia?
We strongly encourage you to take out private cover, as many employers will not consider you unless you have it. Even though Australia has reciprocal agreements with several European countries (see Medicare for further details), there are exemptions. There are significant taxation incentives to taking out private health insurance which equate to the cost of insurance so you do not lose money if you need to make a claim. To review the specific policies for visitors to Australia, you can look at the following links:
- Australian Private Health Insurance Guide: www.healthinsurance.com.au
- Medicare (National Health Insurance): www.medicare.gov.au
- HBA Private Health Insurance: www.hba.com.au
- Medibank Private (Private Health Cover): www.medibank.com.au
- MBF Private Health Insurance: www.mbf.com.au
- Australian Unity (Private Health Insurance): www.australianunity.com.au/
- Information on Private Health Insurance: www.iselect.com.au
Who decides on which post I am put forward for?
You do. Aster Medical works closely with our clients to find a job that we think will suit all your requirements. If that post is not what you are looking for then we will be happy to repeat our search until we successfully find a post that suits you.
What are schools like in Australia and will I be able to enrol my children at any point in the school year?
State schooling here is very similar to that in European countries. Children begin school at age 5 and the Australian system is well resourced and of a high standard. There is much less pressure put on children here than in the UK with the emphasis being on producing active and resourceful lifelong learners rather than attaining a specified standard.
State schools must accept any child who lives in that particular school's residential zone. If you have children please speak to our specialist consultants who will be able to help you find suitable accommodation and schooling for your child/children.
Aster Medical, providing a holistic, ethical recruitment service |
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