This is a working migration guide for Psychiatrists under ANZSCO 253411 in 2026. Specialist medical practice — RANZCP Specialist Pathway + Medical Board registration. Critical national shortage.
For costs and timelines see the 253411 cost & timeline case study. For RANZCP, see the skills assessment guide.
What 253411 covers
ANZSCO 253411 covers psychiatry consultant practice (with sub-specialties):
- General Adult Psychiatry
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Old Age Psychiatry / Geriatric Psychiatry
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Addiction Psychiatry
- Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
- Psychotherapy
- Perinatal and Infant Psychiatry
- Neuropsychiatry
- ECT services
Visas open to 253411
| 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 mental health |
| 482 Core Skills | ✅ | 4-year stream |
See Subclass 189, 190, 491, 186, 494, and 482.
RANZCP Specialist Pathway
For overseas Fellowship-holding psychiatrists:
- Specialist Assessment — RANZCP reviews qualifications + experience
- Outcome:
- Substantially Comparable — direct path to FRANZCP - Partially Comparable — supervised practice + targeted assessment - Not Comparable — full RANZCP training pathway
- Specialist Registration — Medical Board grants based on outcome
- Supervised practice — typically 12 months for Substantially Comparable
- FRANZCP — Fellowship granted
Expected evidence:
- Primary medical degree (MBBS / MD / equivalent)
- Specialist Fellowship (MRCPsych UK + CCT, FRCPC Psychiatry, ABPN US)
- Origin-side specialist registration with psychiatry endorsement
- Clinical experience evidence
- Continuing professional development records
- English language test (typically OET B grade or IELTS Academic 7.0 each band)
RANZCP Specialist Pathway fees: ~AUD 5,000-12,000.
Sponsors that hire 253411
- Public mental health services — all state DoHs employ psychiatrists; substantial international hire pipeline
- Private psychiatric hospitals — Wesley (private hospital networks), St John of God, The Melbourne Clinic, Northside Clinic
- Private practice — substantial private psychiatry across all metros
- Forensic mental health — Justice Health (NSW), Forensicare (Vic), state forensic mental health
- Regional psychiatry — substantial 491 / 494 sponsorship; rural mental health critical shortage
- Children's hospitals — child and adolescent psychiatry overlap
Common mistakes
- Confusing with psychology. Psychologist is 272311 (different code, different board)
- Sub-specialty experience under-documented. Sub-specialise (CAP, OAP, forensic) — substantial evidence advantage
- English test too old. OET / IELTS validity ~2-3 years
- Origin-side restrictions. Unrestricted GMC / equivalent essential
Tools
- Eligibility wizard
- ANZSCO search — verify 253411 vs 272311
- Document checklist
- Visa fee calculator
Where to verify
- RANZCP
- Medical Board of Australia
- Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) — origin reference
Next step
Want help mapping your psychiatry profile to RANZCP + Medical Board? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.