International Medical Graduates (IMGs) – How to Register and Practise in New Zealand

To practise medicine in New Zealand, IMGs must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current practising certificate.
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Step‑by‑Step Registration Process

1. Self‑Assessment

Begin by using the MCNZ Registration Self‑Assessment Tool to find the appropriate registration pathway for your qualifications and experience.
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2. Choose a Scope of Practice

MCNZ offers three distinct scopes:

• Provisional General → General Scope (for most junior IMGs)

• Vocational Scope (specialist recognition, e.g. VOC3 and VOC4)

• Special Purpose Scope (temporary roles like locum, teleradiology, or short-term training)
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3. Primary Source Verification (EPIC)

All medical degrees and postgraduate credentials must undergo primary-source verification through EPIC. Applicants are advised to begin EPIC at least three months before applying for registration.
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4. Job Offer & Application Submission

A job offer in New Zealand with an approved supervision plan is required for most pathways. Apply online using the myMCNZ portal, with the correct checklist and documents.
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5. Registration Meeting

First-time applicants must attend a registration meeting, where identity and supervision arrangements are confirmed. After confirmation and fee payment, MCNZ issues a practising certificate.
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6. Supervised Practice

• Under Provisional General registration, doctors work under supervision for 6–12 months; supervisors submit regular reports via ePort.

• After satisfactory completion, candidates may progress to full General Scope registration.
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7. Progression & Recertification

Once provisional conditions are met, IMGs may transition to full general or vocational registration. All doctors must engage in continuous professional development (CPD) and recertification programmes annually.
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Pathways in General Scope

Examinations Pathway

Doctors holding an acceptable primary degree and passing NZREX Clinical (or equivalent like PLAB or AMC) can follow the Examination Pathway. A PGY1 position with supervision is required.
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Competent Authority (UK & Ireland)

Accepted for UK/Ireland graduates who completed approved internships. Requires at least six months supervised practice before full General Scope registration.
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Comparable Health System Pathway

Available to IMGs with at least 33 months of recent clinical experience in a comparable health system. Requires 12 months of supervised practice in New Zealand.
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Australian General Registrant Pathway

For applicants already holding full general registration in Australia (AMC or assessment-based). Requires 12 months supervised practice in NZ.
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Vocational Scope (Specialist Pathways)

VOC3 – Provisional Vocational Registration

For overseas-trained specialists whose qualifications are evaluated by a NZ/Australasian College. Requires 6–18 months supervised practice with assessment by the College.
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VOC4 – Fast‑Track Provisional Vocational

For IMGs with approved UK, Ireland, or Australian postgraduate qualifications and relevant clinical experience. Applications are processed within approximately 20 working days.
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Special Purpose Scopes

These pathways include roles such as Locum Tenens, Visiting Expert, Teleradiology, or Temporary Training.
They are intended for short-term practice only and do not lead to permanent registration.
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Common Requirements

• Acceptable degree: Must be from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and align with MCNZ criteria.
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• English proficiency: Required unless exempt based on training location.

• Fitness to practise: Applicants must hold a Certificate of Professional Status (COPS) and have no disciplinary history.
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• Immigration: Registration does not grant work/residence rights. A valid visa is required through Immigration New Zealand.