This is a working migration guide for Specialist Physicians (General Medicine) under ANZSCO 253311 in 2026. Specialist physician practice — RACP Specialist Pathway + Medical Board registration.
For costs and timelines see the 253311 cost & timeline case study. For RACP, see the skills assessment guide.
What 253311 covers
ANZSCO 253311 covers general medicine consultant practice:
- General medical inpatient management
- Multi-system / complex medical patients
- Acute medical assessment unit (AMAU)
- General medical clinics
- Care of older persons (gerontology overlap)
- Diabetes / endocrinology (general)
- Obesity / metabolic medicine
- Hospital-in-the-home (HITH)
- Multidisciplinary team consultancy
Distinguished from sub-specialty physicians:
- 253312 Cardiologist
- 253313 Clinical Haematologist
- 253314 Medical Oncologist
- 253315 Endocrinologist
- 253316 Gastroenterologist
- 253317 Intensive Care Specialist
- 253318 Neurologist
- 253321 Paediatrician
- 253322 Renal Medicine Specialist
- 253323 Rheumatologist
- 253324 Thoracic Medicine Specialist
Visas open to 253311
| 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 hospitals |
| 482 Core Skills | ✅ | 4-year stream |
See Subclass 189, 190, 491, 186, 494, and 482.
RACP Specialist Pathway
For overseas Fellowship-holding general physicians:
- Specialist Assessment — RACP reviews qualifications + experience
- Outcome:
- Substantially Comparable — direct path to FRACP (no exams) - Partially Comparable — supervised practice + targeted assessment - Not Comparable — full RACP training pathway
- Specialist Registration — Medical Board grants based on outcome
- Supervised practice — typically 12 months for Substantially Comparable
- FRACP — Fellowship granted
Expected evidence:
- Primary medical degree (MBBS / MD / equivalent)
- Specialist Fellowship (MRCP UK + CCT, FRCPC Canada, ABIM US, etc.)
- Origin-side specialist registration
- Clinical experience evidence
- Continuing professional development records
- English language test (typically OET B grade or IELTS Academic 7.0 each band)
RACP Specialist Pathway fees: ~AUD 5,000-10,000.
Sponsors that hire 253311
- Public hospital networks — all state DoHs employ general physicians; substantial international hire pipeline
- Private hospital groups — Ramsay Health Care, Healthscope, St Vincent's
- Tertiary referral centres — RPA, Royal Melbourne, Royal Brisbane, RAH, SCGH, Royal Hobart
- Regional hospitals — substantial 491 / 494 sponsorship; rural general medicine demand
- Aged care providers — RACF visiting physician contracts
Common mistakes
- Confusing General Medicine with sub-specialty. If you're cardiologist, code as 253312. If endocrinologist, 253315. General Medicine is its own specialty.
- Underestimating Specialist Assessment timeline. Allow 6-12 months for RACP assessment
- English test too old. OET / IELTS validity ~2-3 years
- Mixing pre-Fellowship registrar experience with consultant practice. Distinguish clearly
Tools
- Eligibility wizard
- ANZSCO search — verify 253311 vs sub-specialty codes
- Document checklist
- Visa fee calculator
Where to verify
- RACP
- Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA)
- Home Affairs MLTSSL
- Royal College of Physicians (UK) — origin reference
Next step
Want help mapping your physician profile to RACP + Medical Board? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.