Imagine spending over a decade training to become a doctor, only to find yourself working gig jobs just to pay rent. Sadly, this is not a far-fetched scenario anymore for many General Practitioners in the UK.

Recent surveys by the British Medical Association (BMA) and various GP associations have exposed a startling crisis in the UK’s primary healthcare workforce:

• A third of GPs report being underemployed or unable to find sufficient work.
• One in five GPs are considering a complete career change.
• Many highly skilled doctors are turning to Uber driving and other gig economy jobs to make ends meet.

This situation is due to a combination of chronic underfunding, rising costs of running practices, and policy bottlenecks that limit the ability of clinics to hire more doctors — even when patient wait times are at record highs.

As Dr Steve Taylor, a Manchester-based GP and spokesperson for the Doctors Association UK, put it:

“Practices haven’t had enough money to employ the new GPs that we are training, so there are doctors that are unemployed and a large proportion are under-employed — they are not working the hours they’d want to work.”

It’s a tragic irony: patients are waiting weeks for an appointment while qualified GPs can’t get a stable job.

Meanwhile, Australia Needs You — Urgently

While UK-trained GPs struggle to find secure work at home, Australia is actively looking for skilled general practitioners to fill widespread shortages.

Across Australia, especially in regional and rural areas, there simply aren’t enough GPs to meet patient demand. Many communities depend on international doctors to keep local clinics running and maintain essential healthcare services.

Here’s why moving to Australia is not just practical but a brilliant career move for UK GPs:

• High demand: GPs are on Australia’s Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) — meaning faster processing and government support.
• Excellent pay and conditions: GPs in Australia earn competitive salaries, often significantly higher than UK equivalents, with better rosters and more manageable patient loads.
• Work-life balance: Many doctors choose Australia for its relaxed lifestyle, beautiful climate, and access to stunning natural landscapes.
• Clear pathways to permanent residency: Australia values skilled health professionals and offers multiple routes to settle with your family.

Three Reliable Pathways for UK GPs to Migrate to Australia

If you’re a GP frustrated with limited opportunities in the UK, you don’t have to settle for driving an Uber. Here’s how you can take charge of your future and practice the profession you trained for — in a country that genuinely needs you.

1. General Skilled Migration (GSM) — Visas 189, 190, 491

Who is it for?
Qualified GPs who meet Australia’s points test and want flexibility and independence.

Key benefits:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): No sponsor or nomination required; you can live and work anywhere in Australia.
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): You get nominated by a state or territory, often with quicker processing times and additional points.
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): Encourages you to live and work in regional areas with extra points and pathways to PR.

Why it’s popular:
GSM visas give you control over where you live and work. They also provide a direct route to permanent residency and the freedom to switch employers if you wish. For GPs willing to serve in areas of need, this is an excellent option.

2. Employer Sponsored Visa

Who is it for?
GPs with a confirmed job offer from an Australian clinic or health network.

Key benefits:

• Secure work before arriving in Australia.
• Sponsoring employers may assist with relocation costs, registration, and settlement support.
• You can apply for a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa) to start working immediately.
• After gaining experience, you can transition to a Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa) for permanent residency.

Why it’s popular:
Many clinics, especially in regional Australia, actively recruit UK-trained GPs and provide sponsorship and incentives. Employer sponsorship can be faster and less complex than applying through GSM, especially if you want the assurance of a job from day one.

3. Training Visa (Subclass 407)

Who is it for?
Recently qualified doctors or junior GPs seeking Australian experience under a structured training program.

Key benefits:

• Gain valuable Australian work experience and local credentials.
• Ideal stepping stone to transition to a permanent visa once you have local experience.
• Flexible length, typically up to two years, with approved training providers.

Important update:
Due to a surge in applications, the Australian Department of Home Affairs now provides a two-week window between nomination refusal and visa decision to allow applicants to withdraw, reapply, or seek review. This ensures fair processing and protects your review rights.

Don’t Let the NHS Crisis Stall Your Career — Take the Next Step

You didn’t become a doctor to drive strangers around town. Your training, skills, and dedication deserve a country that values and invests in your profession. Australia is ready to welcome you — and Growmore Immigration can help you get there.

As a MARA-registered Australian migration agency, Growmore Immigration specialises in helping UK GPs:

• Navigate complex visa options like GSM, Employer Sponsorship, or the Training Visa.
• Secure job offers with reputable Australian clinics and health networks.
• Manage paperwork, medical registration, and family settlement support.
• Achieve your dream of working in Australia with the confidence you deserve.

Ready to Swap Uber Shifts for Sunsets at Bondi?

If you’re considering any of these pathways, get the right guidance from trusted experts.

Book your free consultation with Growmore Immigration today: https://growmore.community/

Stop waiting for the NHS to fix itself. Take charge of your career — and build the life you truly want under the Australian sun.