The AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway: What IMGs Need to Know in 2025

in Australia often gets delayed by one thing: red tape. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) plays a central role in registration - and for some, the process can feel slow, opaque, and frustrating.

But in 2023–2025, AHPRA introduced new expedited specialist pathway processes for eligible candidates - especially those with comparable overseas training. This blog, written in consultation with A/Prof George Eskander, Chief Examiner at PassGP, will help you understand how the process works, who qualifies, and what to expect.

🏛 What Is the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway?

The expedited specialist pathway is a streamlined AHPRA process for IMGs who are applying for registration through a specialist medical college - such as the RACGP or ACRRM - and who meet comparability criteria.

Instead of lengthy assessments and uncertain timelines, AHPRA now offers:

• Faster registration processing
• Reduced documentation requests
• Clearer communication between AHPRA and the relevant college
• Earlier provisional registration for eligible candidates

According to A/Prof Eskander, who works closely with registrars at PassGP:

“This isn’t a shortcut - it’s a recognition that we were asking world-class doctors to jump through outdated hoops. AHPRA is now working in alignment with colleges to accelerate high-quality candidates into practice.”

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the expedited pathway, you typically must:

• Have completed GP or specialist training in a country considered “substantially comparable”
• e.g. UK, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, some European nations
• Hold current registration without restrictions in that country
• Have recent practice experience (usually within the past 3 years)
• Be applying for limited or provisional registration via RACGP or ACRRM
• Submit your college comparability assessment before applying to AHPRA

It’s essential to check the latest list of eligible countries and comparability decisions on the AHPRA website - these are reviewed periodically.

How AHPRA Works with Colleges Like RACGP and ACRRM

The pathway depends on alignment between the college assessment and AHPRA’s regulatory role.

Here’s how it works:

1. College Comparability Assessment
   You apply to RACGP or ACRRM under the Specialist Pathway (Substantially Comparable) stream.
2. College Approval → Recommendation to AHPRA
   Once deemed comparable, the college sends an official recommendation to AHPRA confirming your suitability for provisional practice.
3. AHPRA Fast-Tracks Your Application
   AHPRA then processes your provisional registration faster than standard timelines.
4. Supervised Practice Period
   You begin supervised practice in an approved setting, often for 6–12 months.
5. Apply for Fellowship
   Once you’ve met your performance requirements, the college can recommend you for Fellowship.

A/Prof Eskander notes:

“We now see candidates going from AHPRA approval to practice-ready in months - not years.”

What Documents Are Still Required?

Even with an expedited pathway, AHPRA still requires:

• Proof of identity (certified)
• Criminal history checks
• Medical registration certificates
• English language test results (OET/IELTS if applicable)
• College outcome letter
• Supervision plan (from your employer)

However, you’re less likely to face long delays caused by minor documentation inconsistencies - AHPRA now pre-reviews and collaborates directly with the college to solve issues early.

Can You Choose Where You Work?

Generally yes, but there are conditions:

• You must work in a college-accredited location (e.g. a GP clinic that meets RACGP standards)
• Your supervisor must be approved by the college
• Remote or rural areas may be prioritised for expedited assessment, especially under Workforce Distribution Priority Area (WPA) policies

PassGP works closely with IMG GPs across regional and metro areas - and our resources are aligned to both rural and urban practice scenarios to match your placement.

How PassGP Helps IMGs in the Expedited Pathway

If you’re eligible for the expedited specialist pathway, you still need to:

• Understand Australian guidelines
• Pass the KFP or CCE (for RACGP), or StAMPS (for ACRRM)
• Learn local consultation style and documentation expectations

That’s where PassGP becomes your secret weapon.

Our platform - built by examiners like A/Prof Eskander, who understands AHPRA processes inside and out - offers:

• Full mock exams based on real RACGP & ACRRM formats
• Tailored resources for substantially comparable IMGs
• 1:1 coaching to help you adapt to Australian clinical reasoning
• Scenarios reflecting AHPRA and college expectations for safe, independent practice

Final Thoughts

The AHPRA expedited specialist pathway is a major step forward for qualified IMGs - but it’s not automatic, and it’s not easy.

To succeed, you need:

• A strong comparability outcome from RACGP or ACRRM
• Timely and accurate documentation
• A partner who understands the landscape

At PassGP, led by A/Prof George Eskander, we support you with more than just exam questions - we support you through the whole journey.

👉 Start your free trial today and let PassGP help you bridge the gap - with speed, skill, and confidence.

Reference: AHPRA