This is a working migration guide for Orthopaedic Surgeons under ANZSCO 253514 in 2026. Surgical specialty — RACS Specialist Pathway with orthopaedic surgery endorsement.
For costs and timelines see the 253514 cost & timeline case study. For RACS, see the skills assessment guide.
What 253514 covers
ANZSCO 253514 covers orthopaedic surgery consultant practice (with sub-specialties):
- Joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder)
- Spine surgery
- Trauma orthopaedics
- Sports orthopaedics (knee / shoulder arthroscopy)
- Hand surgery
- Foot and ankle
- Paediatric orthopaedics
- Tumour orthopaedics
- Upper limb / lower limb specialist
Visas open to 253514
| Visa | Open? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 189 Independent | ✅ | Full points-tested PR |
| 190 State-nominated | ✅ | Strong demand |
| 491 Regional state-nominated | ✅ | Critical regional shortage |
| 186 ENS Direct Entry | ✅ | Hospital sponsors |
| 494 Regional employer-sponsored | ✅ | Regional ortho |
| 482 Core Skills | ✅ | 4-year stream |
See Subclass 189, 190, 491, 186, 494, and 482.
RACS Specialist Pathway (Orthopaedics)
Standard RACS Specialist Pathway:
- Application + qualifications + experience + procedure logbook
- RACS Specialist Assessment with orthopaedics endorsement (6-12 months)
- Outcome: Substantially Comparable / Partially Comparable / Not Comparable
- Medical Board Specialist Registration with orthopaedics endorsement
- 12 months supervised practice (Substantially Comparable)
- FRACS + Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship granted
Expected evidence:
- Primary medical degree (MBBS / MD / equivalent)
- Orthopaedic Fellowship (FRCS Tr&Orth UK, FRCSC Orthopaedic, ABOS US)
- Origin-side specialist registration
- Comprehensive procedure logbook
- Continuing professional development records
- English language test (typically OET B grade)
RACS Specialist Pathway fees: ~AUD 8,000-15,000.
Sponsors that hire 253514
- Public hospital networks — all state DoHs employ orthopaedic surgeons
- Tertiary trauma centres — RPA, Royal Melbourne, Royal Brisbane, RAH, SCGH, Royal Hobart
- Specialist orthopaedic hospitals — Mater Hill (QLD), private orthopaedic centres
- Private orthopaedic practices — substantial private earning potential
- Sports medicine centres — AFL / NRL / A-League team orthopaedic surgeons
- Regional ortho — substantial 491 / 494 sponsorship
Common mistakes
- Sub-specialty experience under-documented. Document spine / arthroplasty / trauma / sports ortho focus
- English test too old. OET / IELTS validity ~2-3 years
- Procedure logbook insufficient. Comprehensive case numbers required
Tools
Where to verify
Next step
Want help mapping your orthopaedic profile to RACS + Medical Board? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
ANZSCO 253514
AHPRA
RACS
FRACS
Skilled Migration
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