Migrate to Australia as a Neurologist (ANZSCO 253318) — 2026 Pathway Guide

This is a working migration guide for Neurologists under ANZSCO 253318 in 2026. Sub-specialty internal medicine — RACP Specialist Pathway with neurology endorsement.

For costs and timelines see the 253318 cost & timeline case study. For RACP, see the skills assessment guide.

What 253318 covers

ANZSCO 253318 covers neurology consultant practice:

• General neurology — outpatient + inpatient
• Stroke — acute / thrombolysis / thrombectomy assessment
• Multiple sclerosis / neuro-immunology
• Movement disorders — Parkinson's, dystonia, DBS programming
• Epilepsy / EEG
• Neuromuscular — MND, myasthenia, neuropathy
• Headache — migraine clinic
• Dementia / cognitive neurology
• Neurogenetics

Visas open to 253318

See Subclass 189, 190, 491, 186, 494, and 482.

RACP Specialist Pathway (Neurology)

Standard RACP Specialist Pathway:

1. Application + qualifications + experience review (6-12 months)
2. Outcome: Substantially Comparable / Partially Comparable / Not Comparable
3. Medical Board Specialist Registration with neurology endorsement
4. 12 months supervised practice (Substantially Comparable)
5. FRACP + Neurology Fellowship granted

Expected evidence:

• Primary medical degree (MBBS / MD / equivalent)
• Internal medicine Fellowship (MRCP UK / FRCPC / ABIM)
• Neurology sub-specialty CCT / Fellowship
• Origin-side specialist registration with neurology endorsement
• Clinical experience evidence
• Continuing professional development records
• English language test (typically OET B grade)

RACP Specialist Pathway fees: ~AUD 5,000-12,000.

Sponsors that hire 253318

• Public hospital networks — all state DoHs employ neurologists
• Tertiary stroke / neurology centres — RPA, Royal Melbourne, Royal Brisbane, RAH, SCGH, Royal Hobart
• Comprehensive Stroke Centres — designated centres with thrombectomy capability
• Private hospital groups — Ramsay, Healthscope, St Vincent's
• Specialty epilepsy / movement disorder centres — Royal Melbourne, Westmead
• Regional neurology — substantial 491 / 494 sponsorship

Common mistakes

• Coding 253311 instead of 253318. Sub-specialty — confirm code
• Confusing with neurosurgery. 253515 = neurosurgeon (RACS pathway, not RACP)
• English test too old. OET / IELTS validity ~2-3 years
• Origin-side neurology endorsement absent. Required for streamlined pathway

Tools

• Eligibility wizard
• ANZSCO search — verify 253318 vs 253515 / 253311
• Document checklist
• Visa fee calculator

Where to verify

• RACP
• Medical Board of Australia
• ANZAN
• Stroke Society of Australasia

Next step

Want help mapping your neurology profile to RACP + Medical Board? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.