Medical Practitioner Visa Closed

Jun 2, 2010

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.

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