How long will my application take to process?

The length of the process will depend on your training, qualifications and experience.  However we do advise that you should allow six months from receipt of a complete application to a decision being made.  Therefore, where possible, your applications should be in the Council office well in advance of making employment arrangements, which may be affected by the outcome of your application.

How do I know if my application is likely to be successful?

We cannot give you a simple yes or no answer at the outset, as each application is assessed individually, and there are a number of steps in the process.

The Medical Council website has self-assessment checklists of the training and experience required for each individual vocational scope of practice.  Please refer to these checklists to compare your training to that undertaken by New Zealand trained doctors.

What is an ‘approved position’?

If you are required to complete a period of assessment, you will need to find a position that has suitable workforce and technical resources to carry out the assessment.  Suitable positions are more likely to be in larger hospitals as some hospitals; particularly smaller ones may not have the necessary resources available.  Council will want to ensure that any assessment requirements can be satisfied before a position is approved.

What if I am only coming to work in New Zealand for less than six months?

You can apply for registration within a special scope of practice.  Further information on this scope is available on the website.