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expedited specialist pathway (australia): who it’s for, accepted qualifications, and 2026 updates

a specialist-only guide: how the expedited specialist pathway works, the accepted qualifications list, and what changed in jan 2026.

The Bottom Line

  • The Medical Board’s Expedited Specialist pathway is for specialist IMGs (SIMGs) whose specialist qualification appears on the Board’s accepted qualifications list.
  • The “gateway” is the accepted qualification list — if your qualification is not on it, you are not eligible for the expedited route.
  • On 29 January 2026, the Medical Board announced the pathway was opened to two new specialties (as part of the Board’s expansion updates).

This is NOT a general IMG fast-track

It is specialist-only, and list-based. Eligibility is defined by the accepted qualifications list and the Medical Board’s rules for SIMGs.

How to use the expedited pathway properly

1

1) Check the accepted qualifications list first

Do this before spending money on recruiters, relocation, or contract negotiations.
2

2) Confirm your current pathway/registration status as a SIMG

The Medical Board describes eligibility and application handling for SIMGs. Ensure you are proceeding under the correct specialist registration logic.
3

3) Prepare a verification-grade file

Your qualification evidence must be easy to assess: primary specialist documents, standing/registration, and training history aligned to the list entry.
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Official Sources

Medical Board — Expedited Specialist pathway overview
Medical Board — Expedited Specialist accepted qualification list
Medical Board News — 29 Jan 2026 (two new specialties added)