For Locums
FINDING LOCUM WORK
Overview
See how we help find you your perfect locum
How Messly works
A step-by-step guide to using Messly
Browse Jobs
See what locum jobs are available
Resources for locum doctors
The Locum Hub
POPULAR
Our top resources for finding locum work
Compare Locum Agencies
See ratings and testimonials of locum agencies
Locum Salary Calculator
POPULAR
See how much you can earn as a locum
Locum Rates Breakdown
Learn how much you can earn as a locum doctor
The Locum Academy
NEW
Rapid answers to common locum questions
The Locum Toolkit
Useful resources, services and tools for locums
Need help?
Contact Us
For F3s
For f3 doctors
F3 Hub
All our best F3 resources in one place
F3 Options
Learn about your best options for F3
How To Write The Perfect F3 CV
Our top tips for CV writing for F3s
The F3 Workbook
Our workbook to help you plan your F3
Guide To Australia
Read our Down Under guide
For Trainees
For trainees
Training Navigator
Discover the best-ranked FP rotations
Foundation Training Guides
All our guides and breakdowns for FT
Blog
Hiring Doctors
HIRING DOCTORS
For Locum Agencies
Get active locum doctors on-demand
For Healthcare Organisations
Great doctors for your business
Speak to our team
Contact Us
More
MORE
Portfolio Companion
NEW
How to structure and build your portfolio
About Us
Learn about the team behind Messly
Contact Us
Get in touch with our team
Login
Register
Login
Register
December 2022
November 21, 2022

How Do I Get Documents Certified to Move to Australia as a UK Junior Doctor?

As a UK doctor looking to move to Australia, you will need to get a number of documents ‘certified’  or ‘notarised’ as you arrange your registration with AHPRA and sort your visa.

For many, you will not have come across this process before, so here we will break down why this process is required, how it work and how much you can expect to pay.

‍

✍️  What is a Notary?

A Notary (or a Notary Public, to give them their full name) is a person who is officially authorised to copies of original documents as legitimate copies, and to authenticate signatures on documents.

🤔  Why do I need a Notary?

A Notary is required when a document is being relied upon, typically as part of a verification process, and the body receiving them want confirmation that the documents are genuine copies or that signatures on the document are genuine.

When this is needed, you’ll be asked for a “certified copy” or a “notorised copy”. This process must be done by an “Authorised Officer”.

If you are based in England and Wales, a Notary is a valid “Authorised Officer” as per the AHPRA and visa rules, and so is permitted to certify these documents. AHPRA have some additional guidance on this, which you can read here.

✉️  What is a certified copy?

A certified copy or notarised copy is a document that has been approved by a Notary as a genuine copy of the original, and so can be treated as if it's the original.

In almost every case, you make a copy of the original document and then show the notary both the original document and the copy. They check that the copy matches the original and has not been tampered or changed, and then provide you with a stamped and signed "certified copy" which you then use going forward.

📄  What documents need to be notarised to move to Australia?

This might vary from person to person, but typically you will be asked to provide certified copies of the following documents:

✅  Passport
✅  Degree Certificate for each Degree, plus any additional diplomas
✅  Proof of Residence (usually a utility bill)
✅  UK Driving Licence
✅  GMC Registration Certificate
✅  Completion of Foundation Course
✅  Birth Certificates

⏰  When in the process does this need to be done?

There are two main points in the process where you’ll need to show certified copies of your documents.

Firstly, when submitting documents to the EPIC service to get your credentials validated by the AMC. This is a prerequisite for applying for AHPRA registration, and requires certified copies of your degree certificate and identity documents amongst others.

Secondly, when applying for your visa, you will need to show certified copies of your personal documents to prove your identity.

🖥  Can I do the notarisation online?

Yes, most Notaries will be able to do this process remotely.

In-person certification is required for those who require a signature witnessing, which is not usually applicable for applications to work in Australia.

❓ How does the process work?

Firstly, you will need to gather the relevant documents you need to be notarised and ensure that they are all up to date and meet the requirements (e.g. a proof of address has to be recent).

You then email the Notary scans of these documents ahead of time.

You will jump on a video call (if done remotely) at the agreed time. You will first need to prove your identity to the Notary before they begin, showing them on screen a proof of address such as a bank statement, bill or driving licence, plus photographic ID such as a passport. 

Then the notary will ask you to hold up the original document on screen, which they will review against the scanned copies which you have emailed to them.

If they are a match, the scans are printed out by the Notary, stamped, signed, sealed and emailed back to you. This is the "certified copy" which you then use going forward.

⌛️  How long does the process usually take?

With the remote process, the video call itself should only take 5 minutes. A copy of the certified documents will usually be sent out within 24 hours of the video call and payment being received. The hard copies are posted up to 3 working days later but often sooner.

In person process can take 10-15 minutes and will be finalised during the appointment for you to take away with you.

💰  How much can I expect to pay, and can I get this reimbursed by my hospital?

All notaries have their own pricing structures and it’s always good to check which services they provide.

For reference Paul O’Flynn, who has contributed to writing this article and is commonly used by UK doctors charges, £80 for up to 5 documents and then £5 per additional document. His contact details are below.

Make sure to ask for an invoice for the payment, which can be passed on to your employer in Australia if they offer to reimburse these fees as part of your relocation package.

This article was written with input from Paul O’Flynn based in Gloucestershire who is commonly used by UK doctors moving to Australia and comes recommended. You can contact him here.

📚 Continue Reading

🚀 This article is part of Messly's Ultimate Guide to Working in Australia. The guide covers all you need to know as a UK doctor to understand your options, research your move, find work, get registered and move out to Australia.

❓ If you are still weighing up whether a move to Australia is right for you, our article To Aus or not to Aus breaks down the pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision. Read this with Common Questions on Moving to Australia as a UK Junior Doctor.‍

🤔 Confused about how the grades work in Australia, and which roles you should be applying for? This article breaks down the grade system and explains which rolesmight be suitable for you.

✈️  There are four routes to finding a job in Australia. In this detailed guide, we explain how each works and the pros and cons of each, so you can kick-start your search for your dream job Down Under.

Tagged:
No items found.

Find locum work on your terms

The best locum agencies together in one place, competing to find you the best locum shifts. Managed for free through your Messly account.

GET STARTED
Messly
view All Posts
SIMILAR Posts
F3
Life as an F3 doctor in Christchurch, New Zealand
F3
Questions to Ask a Potential Locum Agency Before Signing Up
F3
F3 Stories Podcast: Dr Luiza Guimarães
F3
Life as an F3 doctor in Palmerston North, New Zealand
POSTS BY TaGS
AHPRA
Australia
Doctor
ED
F3
Featured
Foundation Training
ICU
Lifestyle
Locum
MCNZ
Medical Training
New Zealand
Podcast
Trainee Doctor
Year Abroad
Subscribe
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
More Posts

You Might Also Like

F3
Life as an F3 doctor in Christchurch, New Zealand
Mar 23, 2023
 by 
Chris Kurwie
F3
Questions to Ask a Potential Locum Agency Before Signing Up
Mar 21, 2023
 by 
Dr Amelia White
F3
F3 Stories Podcast: Dr Luiza Guimarães
Mar 14, 2023
 by 
Dr Amelia White
F3
Life as an F3 doctor in Palmerston North, New Zealand
Mar 1, 2023
 by 
Chris Kurwie
F3
Tips for Locuming in a New Specialty - CAMHS
Feb 28, 2023
 by 
Dr Amelia White
F3
The Ultimate Timeline For Your F3 Year
Feb 6, 2023
 by 
Dr Amelia White

126 New Kings Road
London
SW6 4LZ
‍
T: 020 4525 5373
E: 
support@messly.co.uk

For Locums
OverviewKey FeaturesThe Locum HubThe Locum AcademyLocum Salary CalculatorCompare AgenciesThe Locum ToolkitChangelog
For Trainees
Training NavigatorFoundation Guides
For F3s
The F3 HubYour F3 OptionsWrite The Perfect CVThe F3 WorkbookChangelog
Hiring Doctors
For AgenciesFor Organisations
More
The Messly BlogThe Journal ClubAbout UsContact UsLoginChangelog
Get The App:
© 2022 Berdroot Developments Limited
Made with ❤️ in London