Transitioning back to the UK from down under can indeed be a significant step, especially for a doctor. Whether it’s prompted by familial ties, rekindling connections with friends, or simply longing for the comforts of a British cup of tea, the journey can seem daunting.
But fear not, as I am here to provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process with ease.
What we’ll cover
- Finding a job
- Medical Regulators and Licences
- VISAs and travel
- Finances
- Why move back to the UK?
Disclaimer: The following was up to date and accurate to my knowledge at the time of writing (Early 2024) but is subject to change. Please always do your due diligence!
Finding a Job
Training Posts
First things first; securing a training post in the UK from Australia is entirely doable.
You can even tackle entrance exams such as the MSRA remotely from a Pearson centre, as I did in Melbourne in January 2024. Interviews are predominantly conducted online, though you may need to accommodate the time difference.
Fellow Posts
Similarly, fellow posts are accessible from Australia with due diligence.
While interviews may require adjusting to the different time zones, the potential career benefits are worth the effort.
Locum Work
Looking for some flexibility? Signing up for a locum agency or joining your local staff bank can be a solid option to consider.
Medical Regulators and Licences
Restoring Your GMC Licence
The steps for restoring your GMC licence will depend on what you did with it when you first moved out to Australia. You may have done one of the following:
1. Relinquished your licence but kept your registration
This is probably the most common path to have taken if you thought there was a reasonable chance you would head back to the UK.
The GMC recommends applying for restoration of your licence to practice 2 to 3 months before you intend to commence work in the UK. You can specify what date you want your licence to be restored up to 3 months after the date that you submit your application.
There are 3 requirements:
- Statement of good standing from AHPRA (Certificate of Registration Services) which you can do through the AHPRA online services.
- Statement of good standing with any other medical regulators that you have been registered or licenced with in the past five years, even if you’ve not worked in that country. Each certificate is valid for only three months.
- A Provision of Medical Services Statement from your most recent employer. You can find a copy of the statement required on the GMC website.
2. Relinquished your licence AND registration
You will need to apply to the GMC for restoration to the register with or without a licence to practice. You will need a licence to practice if you intend to start working as a doctor in the UK.
You will need to provide a Provision of Medical Services Statement from your most recent employer and a Certificate of Registration Status from AHPRA as outlined above.
You can only restore to the type of registration you last held with the GMC. You will need to join the specialist or GP register separately if you intend to do this.
If you took voluntary erasure of your licence to practice from the GMC you will need to only pay for the annual retention fee. However, if you were removed from the register due to missed payment, you must also pay a restoration fee.
Kept your licence and registration
Lucky you, there are no further steps for you. You only need to have made sure that you kept up to date on your revalidation and paid your fees.
Relinquishing Your AHPRA Licence
You do not need to actively relinquish your AHPRA licence in the same way you do for your GMC licence to practice. Health practitioners are asked by AHPRA to renew their registration by the same date each year.
For medical practitioners, this is 30 September.
To not renew, you can log in to online services and click “opt to not renew”. If you do not do this, AHPRA will continue to send reminders to you.
Once you have chosen to not renew your registration, you will receive a confirmation that your registration has lapsed and your name will be removed from the register.
Once your name is removed from the register, if in the future you choose to return to Australia and wish to practice medicine, you will need to reapply for registration.
Finances
Closing Your Bank Accounts
Just before or after leaving Australia, you probably want to consider transferring your Aussie dollar funds to your British (or other) account.
If you don’t plan to return, you probably want to consider closing your accounts so as not to incur unnecessary bank charges. You can usually do this through your banking app or by contacting your bank directly.
To find the best transfer rates you can use services such as Best Money.
Superannuation in Australia
As long as you were on a temporary visa in Australia, once you have left the country with no intention to return to work, you can claim your super (less tax) through the Australian Taxation Office via a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). You can do this through the DASP online application system, ATO online services or by phoning them.
Note that if you do not apply for your DASP within six months of leaving Australia and your visa ceasing, your super fund will transfer your super money to ATO. Avoid giving away that “free” money!
Moving Expenses
Make sure to factor in the cost of moving into your budget, including but not restricted to:
- The cost of flights
- Any bridging accommodation whilst you give up your tenancy in Australia or are looking for your next permanent accommodation in the UK
- Sending your belongings back to the UK (if you use a service such as SendMyBag)
VISAs and Travel
Australian VISA
Make sure to read the terms of your visa closely. If it is like mine, your visa will cease to be valid the day your employment ends.
This means if you plan to do any travelling around Australia before leaving the country, you’ll need to consider switching to another visa such as a Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) which thankfully you can seamlessly do if you apply in advance.
British VISA
If you have British citizenship, skip this step. If you don’t, then you will have to apply for a visa in the same way you have when working in the UK before. This requires securing a job offer from an NHS trust or a recognised sponsor and obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Ensure you check the UK Government’s website to ensure you have met all the requirements for the visa you intend to obtain.
If you’re an IMG making the transition to the NHS for the first time, UK Government’s website.
Why Move Back to the UK?
Finally, let's address the motivation behind returning to the UK.
Whether it's for familial ties, professional aspirations, or a sense of belonging, each individual's reasons are unique. Acknowledging and embracing these motivations can ease the transition back to British soil.
Returning to the UK after working in Australia as a doctor is a significant decision that requires careful planning and execution. By following this guide and remaining diligent in your preparations, you'll be well-equipped to navigate this transition successfully.
