Closure of Subclass 422 – Medical Practitioner (Temporary) Visa – Effective 1 July 2010
On this page
Following the creation of flexible working arrangements for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) under the subclass 457 visa, the subclass 422 visa will no longer be available for new primary visa applicants from 1 July 2010. This removal of the Subclass 422 visa is in line with the Australian Government's deregulation agenda.
Please note that these arrangements do not mean that all subclass 422 visas will expire on 1 July 2010. All IMGs holding a subclass 422 visas on or after 1 July 2010 will be able to remain on that visa until:
- the end of the visa validity period
or - they change their employer sponsor
or - they are granted a new visa subclass.
New arrangements under the Subclass 457 – Business (Long Stay) visa program
As a result of the closure of the Subclass 422 – Medical Practitioner (Temporary) visa, IMGs applying under the subclass 457 visa program will be required to seek employer sponsorship from an approved standard business sponsor under the subclass 457 visa program. Sponsorship and nomination approval must be achieved prior to the lodgement of an application for a subclass 457 visa.
IMGs will also be afforded with:
- access to e-lodgement and streamlined processing
- flexibility to work as an independent contractor or for several employers whilst being sponsored by the one sponsor
and - reduced confusion as to the appropriate choice of visa.
Further information regarding the Subclass 457 – Business (Long Stay) visa program can be located on the department's website.
See: Temporary Business (Long Stay) – Standard Business Sponsorship (Subclass 457)
Subclass 422 Visa applications for dependent family members
After 1 July 2010, holders of primary Subclass 422 – Medical Practitioner (Temporary) visas will still have the ability to add dependent family members to their visa application so that they can join them in Australia. Applications from dependants of primary subclass 422 visa holders will continue to be lodged with the department's Centres of Excellence. These applications will be processed as usual. If granted, these visas will have the same expiry date as that of the primary visa holder.
Frequently asked questions
Listed below is a range of frequently asked questions relating to the closure of the Subclass 422.
See:
Information for Overseas Doctors Who Do Not Currently Hold a Subclass 422 Medical Practitioner Visa ( 86KB PDF file)
Information for Existing Subclass 422 Medical Practitioner Visa Holders ( 60KB PDF file)
Information for Australian Businesses Seeking to Engage a Medical Practitioner Under the Subclass 457 Visa Program ( 76KB PDF file)