This Information page is designed to provide prospective International Medical Graduates (IMG) with valuable information prior joining St Vincent’s Melbourne (SVHM). Below are some must-do's before you can start work, facts about life in Melbourne and some activities you can look forward to once you arrive.
Visa
The 407 training visa is SVHM preferred visa for sponsoring IMGs. This visa allows you to take part in workplace-based occupational training activities to improve your skills for your job, area of tertiary study, field of expertise or in a professional development training program in Australia.
For more information on the 407 training visas, visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/training-407
Medical Registration
Medical registration with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required for all IMGs wishing to practice medicine in Australia.
For more information around obtaining medical registration as an IMG, visit https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/registration/international-medical-graduates.aspx
Provider and Prescriber Numbers
Provider and prescriber numbers are required to claim under the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
For more information around obtaining provider and prescriber number, visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/apply-for-initial-provider-and-prescriber-numbers?context=20
National Criminal History Check (NCHC)/ Police Check
All appointments are subject to a satisfactory police check. You will receive a link to use our nominated platform Fit2Work to apply for a NCHC/police check, however if you have a current NCHC/police clearance which was processed within the last 6 months, please return this as part of your initial onboarding documentation submission.
Please note, generally NCHC are processed instantaneously; however, in certain case, processing can take up to 10 working days so your promptness in applying for your NCHC is appreciated. You will also be required to attach certified 100 points of identification in order to complete the check.
Australian Mobile Phone Number
You are required to obtain an Australian mobile number prior to your work commencement at SVHM. This ensures the Medical Workforce and Education teams are able to reach you. In Australia, major mobile number providers include: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Please do your own research to ensure you are happy with your chosen provider.
Australian Tax File Number (TFN)
You will need to apply to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for a tax file number prior to work commencement. A tax file number (TFN) is your personal reference number in the tax and superannuation systems. Once a TFN has been issued, you keep it for life; there is no need to reapply if your circumstances change.
For more information around obtaining your TFN, visit https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/tax-file-number/apply-for-a-tfn
The Australian income tax year for tax purpose consists of 12 months period from 1 July to 30 June. All individuals working in Australia must lodge a tax return at the end of the financial year.
For more information around obtaining your tax return, visit https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/your-tax-return
Australian Bank Account
You will need an Australian bank account to receive your salary payments from SVHM. To create a bank account, you'll generally need to provide identification documents, such as a passport or driver's license, and potentially proof of address, along with your personal details. There are four major banks in Australia and many credit unions.
The major banks are:
- Commonwealth Bank
- National Australia Bank (NAB)
- ANZ
- Westpac
You may browse their websites to find the right banking corporation for your needs.
Public Transport
Melbourne is well serviced by public transport (Bus, Tram & Train) to get you to and from work, whether you're working at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (Fitzroy), St Vincent's Hospital on the Park (East Melbourne), Caritas Christi (Kew) and St Georges Health Service (Kew).
You can ‘Plan your Journey’ using the PTV website, which will include information on the cost and setup of a Myki card.
A "myki" card is a reloadable, credit card-sized, contactless smart card ticketing system used for electronic payment of fares on most public transport services in Melbourne and regional Victoria, Australia
Accommodation
Here are some helpful tips to assist you finding the right housing for your lifestyle.
Popular suburbs near SVHM include: Fitzroy, Collingwood, Carlton, Fitzroy North, East Melbourne, Melbourne CBD and South Yarra.
Below are some common websites used within Melbourne to search either a rental property or housemate matching service:
https://www.realestate.com.au
https://www.domain.com.au
https://www.flatmatefinders.com.au
Common requirements when applying for a rental include:
- Photo ID
- Proof of Employment and Income
- Bank Statements
- Proof of Australian Bank account
- Letters of Reference
- Budget to cover 6-8 weeks of initial rent and to cover bond payment
Healthcare and Insurance
It is important to note that certain countries provide Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) so you may be eligible for some Medicare cover. Medicare is Australia's universal health insurance scheme, providing free or subsidized healthcare to all Australians and most permanent residents.
For more information on RHCA, visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/reciprocal-health-care-agreements
If you’re not covered by an RHCA, it’s highly recommended that you have private health insurance or even travel insurance policy to cover you for any hospital or medical treatment.
You may also want to consider ambulance cover, as some Private Health funds do not include Ambulance Treatment. Ambulance transport is not covered by Medicare. Emergency transport can be very costly, so please ensure you have adequate Ambulance cover.
For more information on ambulance cover, visit https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au
Melbourne is known for its cafes, restaurants and bars, sport, arts and theatre culture. The greater state of Victoria with its ancient, living First Nations culture, regions filled with untamed coastlines, rolling hills and valleys and wilderness filled with wildlife, rivers and waterfalls, and so much more.
Here are some websites that might help you decide where to go visit:
DoctorConnect
DoctorConnect provides information to international medical graduates and their employers. It aims to help international medical graduates understand the steps required to work as a doctor in Australia, where they can work and restrictions on billing patients under Medicare.
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/doctorconnect
Doctors Speak Up
This multimedia resource has been developed to address the language and communication needs of international medical graduates (IMGs) working or seeking work in Australia.
https://doctorsspeakup.com
Australian Medical Council
The Australian Medical Council Limited (AMC) is an independent national standards body for medical education and assessment. Its purpose is to ensure that the standards of education, training and assessment of the medical profession promote and protect the health of the Australian community.
https://www.amc.org.au
The 2022-2026 Doctors in Training (DiT) Enterprise Agreement
'Enterprise agreements' (or enterprise bargaining agreements) are agreements made at an enterprise level between employers and employees about terms and conditions of employment.
In Victoria, the Australian Medical Association Victoria (AMA VIC) negotiates and administers enterprise agreements (EBAs) on behalf of doctors in training and medical specialists with various Victorian public health services. These agreements cover terms and conditions of employment, including salary, leave entitlements, and other benefits.
https://www.amavic.com.au/article/amav-current-enterprise-agreement-for-doctors-in-training