Due to recent legislative changes, for Subclass 482 and 494 nominations lodged on or after 16 December 2020, the Health Workforce Exemption Certificate (HWEC) is required for the following occupations that are in a hospital based setting:
- General Practitioner (ANZSCO 253111)
- Resident Medical Officer (ANZSCO 253112)
- Medical Practitioner not elsewhere classified (nec) (ANZSCO 253999)
Effect of changes
The HWEC is valid for 12 months and the same certificate can be used across multiple nomination applications during its period of validity. This requirement makes it easier for hospital employers that employ a large number of overseas doctors. Previously, hospital employers needed to apply for a separate Health Workforce Certificate for each doctor sponsored under the Subclass 482 and 494 visas.
Hospital employers are still required to apply for a Health Workforce Certificate when sponsoring overseas doctors for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme and Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa application which are permanent resident visas.
Non-hospital employers must continue to apply for a Health Workforce Certificate when nominating doctors for the abovementioned occupations.
Hospital employers and non-hospital employers may apply for the relevant certificates through the Department of Health's Visas For GPs Program here.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.