Registration Pathways for International Medical Graduates
Starting your medical career in Aotearoa means you’ll need to register with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) before you can practice. This guide explains the main registration pathways, supervision requirements, indicative timeframes, and typical costs for international medical graduates (IMGs).
1. Provisional General Registration
Who it’s for
Doctors entering non-specialist roles (eg RMOs, hospital SMOs) via either:
- the Comparable Health System (CHS) pathway, or
- the Competent Authority (CAH) pathway
Comparable Health System (CHS)
You’ll need to:
- Hold an acceptable primary medical qualification, and
- Have practised clinically for at least 33 months in the 48 months prior to applying
MCNZ currently recognises 29 countries through this pathway. See the full list here
Competent Authority (CAH)
For doctors who have completed Foundation Year 1 and 2 in the United Kingdom and hold full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). This pathway recognises the GMC’s oversight of postgraduate training and offers a more streamlined process for UK-trained doctors moving to NZ.
Supervision
All IMGs practising under Provisional General registration must work under supervision, but the required period depends on the pathway.
| Pathway | Typical Duration of Supervision |
| Competent Authority Pathway | 6 months |
| Comparable Health System Pathway | 12 months (may extend to 18 months if needed) |
During this time, you’ll work alongside a nominated supervisor who will help you adjust to the New Zealand healthcare system, ensure patient safety, and provide feedback on your progress.
Supervisors submit quarterly reports to MCNZ to confirm your development and readiness for independent practice. Once your supervision period and reports are complete, you can apply for General Registration, which allows you to practise independently.
Timeframe
Once a complete application is received, MCNZ generally assesses it within 1 month.
2. Provisional Vocational Registration (VOC3 | VOC4)
Who it’s for
Specialists seeking Vocational (specialist) registration in New Zealand. You’ll work under Provisional Vocational scope while completing college assessments and a period of supervision.
VOC3 – Standard Pathway
- For specialists whose training and experience are similar but not identical to NZ standards.
- Supervision: 6 – 18 months.
- Assessment: Usually includes a college interview and/or workplace assessment.
- Timeframe: Around 6 – 9 months once all documents are received and the application is considered complete.
VOC4 – Fast-track Pathway
- For specialists from countries where postgraduate qualifications are pre-approved by MCNZ and the relevant college.
- Eligibility: Hold an approved postgraduate medical qualification and have worked 24 months in the past 5 years, including 12 months in the last 18 months in that same country.
- Supervision: Typically 6 months.
Timeframe
20 working days once complete View the list of approved postgraduate qualifications
Once the college and MCNZ confirm successful completion of supervision and assessment, you’ll be granted full Vocational Registration.
3. Special Purpose – Locum Tenens (LTSP)
Who it’s for
Specialists wanting to work in New Zealand short-term (up to 12 months). This pathway suits those interested in locum or sabbatical-style work.
Key Details
- Registration is valid for a maximum of 12 months and cannot be extended.
- You’ll work under supervision for the entire placement.
- Often used by visiting specialists in hospital or private practice settings.
Timeframe
MCNZ typically processes LTSP applications within 20 working days once complete.
Supervision
All international doctors begin their NZ career under supervision. The required period depends on your registration pathway.
| Pathway | Typical Duration of Supervision |
| Provisional General (Comparable Health System) | 12 months (may extend to 18 months) |
| Competent Authority Pathway | 6 months |
| Provisional Vocational (VOC3) | 6 – 18 months |
| Provisional Vocational (VOC4) | 6 months |
| Locum Tenens Special Purpose | Duration of appointment (max 12 months) |
You’ll be paired with a nominated supervisor who will help you transition into the NZ healthcare system and provide regular guidance. Your supervisor will submit quarterly reports to MCNZ to confirm your progress and readiness for independent practice. Once your supervision period and reports are successfully completed, you can apply for General or Vocational registration, depending on your scope.
Indicative Fees (NZD)
| Pathway / Fee Type | Indicative Cost (NZD) |
| Provisional General (CHS) Application | $ 1 877.35 |
| Annual Practising Certificate (all scopes) | $ 950.00 |
| Provisional Vocational (VOC3/VOC4) Application | $ 4 505.65 |
| Vocational Practice Assessment (usually paid by employer) | $ 19 725.47 |
| College Advice – Paper-Based Assessment | $ 5 448.17 |
| College Advice – Interview | $ 2 305.00 |
| College Advice – Re-evaluation | $ 1 676.37 |
*Fees are indicative and subject to change. Check the MCNZ website for current charges.
Before you apply – key documentation and application steps
Applying for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) involves several important steps. A clear, complete application helps ensure everything runs smoothly.
At Good Together, we guide doctors through every stage, from document verification and English testing to references, COPS, and post-interview setup, so you can feel supported from start to finish.
1. Documentation verification via MyIntealth (formerly EPIC)
All core documents, including your primary medical qualification and any postgraduate qualifications, must be verified through MyIntealth (formerly EPIC) before submission to MCNZ. Learn more about MyIntealth verification
2. English Language Proficiency
If English is not your first language or your degree was not taught entirely in English, you’ll need to provide evidence of English proficiency:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 7.5 with ≥7.0 in each band
- OET Medicine: Minimum grade B in each band
View MCNZ’s English language policy
3. References
You must nominate three professional referees who can comment on your recent clinical performance, professionalism, and communication.
- References are provided on a specific MCNZ form, sent to referees by your recruiter or employer.
- MCNZ may later contact referees to clarify or confirm details.
- Referees should be senior medical practitioners who have worked with you within the past three years.
4. Submission of MCNZ Application
Your MCNZ application must include all verified documents and supporting paperwork, typically:
- Completed application form (submitted by yourself, your recruiter or employer)
- Verified qualifications and ID
- Completed reference forms
- English-language evidence
- A current job offer in New Zealand
A good agency will check every form and document before submission, saving you weeks of delays.
5. Certificate of Professional Status
The COPS confirms your good standing with your current medical regulator (eg GMC, AHPRA etc) and must be sent directly from that regulator to MCNZ.
- The COPS must be received within three months of your start date in New Zealand.
- If you have any disclosures (complaints, investigations, conditions on practice), MCNZ requires the COPS before your application can be processed and again within three months of start date — so two COPS may be needed depending on timing.
6. Disclosures (Fitness to Practise)
It’s essential to declare any past or current investigations, complaints, or conditions on your practice when applying.
MCNZ values honesty and transparency. If an issue is disclosed early, it’s rarely a problem, but if something emerges later that wasn’t declared, it can cause significant delays or affect your registration outcome.
At Good Together, we help you present disclosures clearly and factually so MCNZ receives full context from the outset.
7. MCNZ Registration Meeting – final step in NZ
Once all documentation has been approved, you’ll be invited to a short MCNZ identity-verification interview after you arrive in New Zealand.
- Takes about 10–15 minutes and must be completed in person with an MCNZ agent or staff member.
- This interview confirms your identity and is the final registration step before your APC can be issued.
8. Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) issued
After your MCNZ interview and once you’ve paid the APC fee, the Annual Practising Certificate is issued. This is the official document that allows you to begin work as a registered doctor in New Zealand. You’ll receive confirmation via email from MCNZ, and your registration details will appear on the public register.
Key Takeaways
- Every international doctor must register with MCNZ before starting work in NZ.
- Your pathway depends on your training, experience, and intended role.
- Supervision is a normal part of the process – it’s about support and safety.
- Timeframes vary. Begin your application 3–6 months before your intended start date.
