Cardiologist Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship 2026/2027: Earn AUD $550,000+ a Year

Cardiologist jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship can offer qualified international specialists excellent earning potential, modern cardiac facilities and several possible routes to permanent residence.

A 2026 Queensland Health advertisement for an Interventional Cardiologist offered a total remuneration package of up to AUD $550,085 per year. The package included a base specialist salary, employer superannuation, leave loading, professional-development benefits, a vehicle allowance and possible overtime, recall, on-call and attraction or retention payments. This is a high-value specialist package rather than a guaranteed national salary for every cardiologist.

The principal immigration occupation is:

Cardiologist — ANZSCO 253312

Cardiologist is currently listed for:

Skills in Demand visa subclass 482
Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186
Skilled Independent visa subclass 189
Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190
Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa subclass 494

The Medical Board of Australia is identified as the relevant assessing authority.

International cardiologists must complete more than an immigration application. They may also need:

Primary-source verification of medical qualifications
Specialist assessment through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Medical Board registration through Ahpra
Approval of a supervised-practice position
Hospital credentialling and scope-of-practice approval
Employer sponsorship
Visa approval

A positive result from one organisation does not guarantee approval from the others.

Quick Overview

Occupation: Cardiologist
ANZSCO code: 253312
Professional regulator: Medical Board of Australia
Registration administrator: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
Specialist college: Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Main temporary visa: Skills in Demand visa subclass 482
Maximum subclass 482 stay: Generally up to four years
Subclass 482 application cost: From AUD $4,015
Core Skills Income Threshold: AUD $79,423 for nominations lodged from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027
Specialist Skills Income Threshold: AUD $146,576 during the same period
Subclass 494 salary threshold: AUD $79,423
Selected 2026 cardiology package: Up to AUD $550,085
Broader specialist-physician median weekly earnings: AUD $3,620
Approximate annualised group median: AUD $188,240
Average full-time hours for cardiologists: Approximately 49 hours per week
Estimated cardiologist workforce: Approximately 1,100
RACP assessment outcomes: Substantially comparable, partially comparable or not comparable
RACP accelerated-assessment timeframe: Approximately six weeks for a complete application
RACP standard-assessment timeframe: Up to approximately six months
Estimated RACP pathway fees: Approximately AUD $7,280 to AUD $16,884, excluding possible additional costs
Medical Board expedited pathway: Cardiology is not currently an accepted expedited specialty
Permanent employer-sponsored route: Subclass 186
Points-tested routes: Subclasses 189, 190 and 491
2027 position: Visa thresholds, RACP fees, registration requirements and occupation settings must be checked again before applying

Can Foreign Cardiologists Get Visa Sponsorship in Australia?

Yes. Australian public hospitals, regional health services, private hospitals and specialist medical groups may sponsor suitably qualified international cardiologists.

A typical pathway can involve:

Confirming that the primary medical degree is eligible.
Establishing an Australian Medical Council portfolio.
Completing primary-source verification.
Identifying the correct RACP specialist-assessment pathway.
Submitting training, qualification and consultant-experience evidence.
Receiving a comparability decision.
Securing a position that meets the RACP requirements.
Arranging approved supervision or peer review.
Applying for limited or provisional registration.
Completing hospital credentialling.
Receiving an employment contract.
The employer submitting the visa nomination.
The cardiologist submitting the visa application.
Completing the required supervised practice.
Applying for specialist registration and RACP Fellowship after successfully completing all requirements.

The subclass 482 Core Skills stream generally requires an eligible occupation, nomination by an approved sponsor, at least one year of relevant work experience, the Annual Market Salary Rate and any required professional registration or skills assessment. It can normally be granted for up to four years.

Cardiologist is also included among the occupations exempt from the ordinary subclass 482 condition requiring the visa holder to work only in the nominating employer’s business or an associated entity. The doctor must still comply with the approved occupation, registration requirements and all other visa conditions.

A sponsorship offer does not guarantee:

RACP comparability
Medical registration
Hospital credentialling
Visa nomination approval
Visa approval
Specialist recognition
RACP Fellowship
Earnings of AUD $550,000
Permanent residence

How Much Do Cardiologists Earn in Australia?

Jobs and Skills Australia does not publish a separate reliable median earnings figure for the six-digit Cardiologist occupation.

The broader Specialist Physicians group has the following published earnings data:

Median weekly full-time earnings: AUD $3,620
Median hourly earnings: AUD $95
Average full-time working week: Approximately 48 hours
Full-time employment share: Approximately 73%

Annualising the weekly median gives an indicative amount of:

AUD $188,240 per year before tax

This is a broad specialist-physician figure covering cardiology and several other medical specialties. It does not capture all senior public packages, private-practice income or individual specialist arrangements.

The specific Cardiologist profile reports:

Approximately 1,100 employed cardiologists
Around 82% working full-time hours
Average full-time hours of approximately 49 per week
A median age of approximately 47

Registration with the Medical Board of Australia is required.

How Cardiologists Can Earn AUD $550,000 or More

A Queensland Health advertisement closing in June 2026 offered an Interventional Cardiologist total remuneration package of up to:

AUD $550,085 per year

The advertised package included:

Base salary between approximately AUD $216,643 and AUD $274,678
Employer superannuation contribution of 12.75%
Leave loading
Professional-development allowance
Professional-development leave
Vehicle allowance
Possible overtime
Recall payments
On-call allowances
Attraction and retention incentives

The position required specialist cardiology credentials and interventional cardiology training aligned with relevant Australian professional guidance.

This distinction is important:

AUD $550,085 was the maximum total remuneration value, not the guaranteed base salary.

Before accepting a high-value package, determine which parts are:

Guaranteed cash salary
Superannuation
Fixed allowances
Variable overtime
On-call payments
Vehicle benefits
Leave benefits
Professional-development funding
Conditional retention incentives

Indicative Cardiologist Salary Levels

Actual earnings depend on registration, seniority, subspecialty, state, employer and contractual arrangements.

Cardiology Registrar

A doctor working in accredited cardiology training or supervised service employment may earn approximately:

AUD $130,000 to AUD $210,000 in total remuneration

A Western Australian cardiology registrar recruitment pool for the 2027 intake advertised a base salary of AUD $128,760 to AUD $175,802 from September 2026, with an inclusive package of approximately AUD $155,932 to AUD $208,619 after superannuation and professional-development benefits.

Registrar-level employment may be relevant to:

Doctors completing Australian cardiology training
Partially comparable international specialists
Doctors needing additional top-up training
International specialists whose scope has not yet been approved at consultant level

Supervised International Specialist

A substantially or partially comparable overseas cardiologist completing RACP requirements may earn:

Approximately AUD $180,000 to AUD $350,000 or more

The actual classification depends on:

RACP assessment outcome
Registration type
Hospital position
Whether the doctor is appointed as a staff specialist, senior registrar or clinical fellow
Scope of permitted practice
Level of supervision
On-call requirements
Public-sector agreement

A doctor with extensive overseas consultant experience may still enter a supervised position while completing the Australian recognition process.

Staff Specialist Cardiologist

An employed public-hospital cardiologist may receive:

Approximately AUD $250,000 to AUD $450,000 in total remuneration

Potential additions include:

Superannuation
On-call payments
Overtime
Recall payments
Professional-development allowance
Private-practice rights
Clinical-management allowance
Regional attraction incentives

Senior Staff Specialist

Senior cardiologists with leadership duties or regional appointments may receive total packages above:

AUD $450,000 to AUD $550,000

Responsibilities may include:

Departmental leadership
Cardiac service development
Clinical governance
Advanced trainee supervision
Catheterisation-laboratory leadership
Research
Complex interventional services
Regional outreach
High-frequency on-call work

Private Cardiologist

Private-practice cardiologists may generate income above the public-sector employee range.

Revenue can come from:

Specialist consultations
Echocardiography
Stress echocardiography
Ambulatory monitoring
Holter interpretation
Cardiac imaging
Coronary angiography
Interventional procedures
Device clinics
Inpatient consultations
Private-hospital appointments

Private gross billings are not the same as personal earnings.

Expenses may include:

Rooms
Nursing staff
Cardiac technicians
Billing services
Medical indemnity
Equipment
Information systems
Accounting
Registration
College fees
Tax
Superannuation
Unpaid leave

Highest-Paying Cardiology Subspecialties

Higher remuneration often reflects advanced procedures, scarce expertise and emergency availability.

Interventional Cardiology

Interventional cardiologists may perform:

Coronary angiography
Percutaneous coronary intervention
Complex coronary intervention
Intravascular imaging
Physiological coronary assessment
Mechanical circulatory support
Emergency reperfusion procedures

The 2026 Queensland Health position offering up to AUD $550,085 specifically sought an Interventional Cardiologist and described a growing cardiac catheterisation service.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Electrophysiologists may provide:

Arrhythmia assessment
Electrophysiological studies
Catheter ablation
Pacemaker implantation
Defibrillator implantation
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy
Device follow-up

These roles require extensive subspecialty training and hospital credentialling.

Structural Heart Cardiology

Structural-heart specialists may work with:

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Mitral valve interventions
Atrial septal defect closure
Patent foramen ovale closure
Left atrial appendage procedures
Periprocedural cardiac imaging

The employer may require formal interventional training, procedural logs and multidisciplinary structural-heart experience.

Advanced Cardiac Imaging

Imaging specialists may provide:

Echocardiography
Transoesophageal echocardiography
Stress echocardiography
Cardiac computed tomography
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Structural-heart procedural guidance

A 2026 Queensland cardiology vacancy sought experience in complex echocardiography, structural-heart imaging, CT coronary angiography and cardiac MRI.

Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology

Responsibilities can include:

Advanced heart-failure management
Mechanical circulatory support
Transplant assessment
Pulmonary hypertension
Multidisciplinary care
Complex medication management
Device-based therapy

Adult Congenital Cardiology

Adult congenital cardiologists manage patients with complex congenital heart disease who have survived into adulthood.

These positions may be concentrated in major metropolitan teaching hospitals.

Salary Versus Total Remuneration

A position advertised at AUD $500,000 may contain several components.

For example:

Component	Possible treatment
Base salary	Guaranteed taxable income
Superannuation	Employer retirement contribution
On-call allowance	May depend on roster
Recall payment	Depends on actual call-backs
Overtime	Depends on hours worked
Vehicle allowance	May be fixed or conditional
Professional-development allowance	Restricted to professional expenses
Leave loading	Employment benefit
Attraction incentive	May depend on location or continued service
Private-practice rights	Income may vary

Applicants should request a written remuneration schedule.

Ask:

What is the guaranteed base salary?
Is superannuation included in the headline package?
How frequently will I be on call?
What is the recall rate?
Are retention payments guaranteed?
Is there a minimum service requirement?
Are private-practice rights included?
Who pays indemnity and college costs?
What must be repaid if I leave early?

Visa Salary Requirements

For nominations lodged from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, the confirmed thresholds are:

Core Skills Income Threshold: AUD $79,423
Specialist Skills Income Threshold: AUD $146,576
Subclass 494 TSMIT: AUD $79,423

The thresholds are indexed annually.

The employer must satisfy both:

The applicable immigration income threshold.
The Annual Market Salary Rate for equivalent Australian employment.

When the proposed salary is below AUD $250,000, the employer must demonstrate that the overseas cardiologist will not receive less than an equivalent Australian worker. Home Affairs can refuse a nomination where the foreign employee would be paid less than the market rate.

For a consultant cardiologist, the Australian market rate will ordinarily be far higher than the basic AUD $79,423 Core Skills threshold.

Can Cardiologists Use the Specialist Skills Stream?

Potentially.

The Specialist Skills stream can be used for eligible occupations in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 when the nominated earnings meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.

Cardiologist is a professional occupation within Major Group 2. A qualifying position with guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD $146,576 may therefore be considered under the Specialist Skills stream, subject to all other nomination and visa requirements.

The following may not be sufficient by themselves:

Projected private billings
Optional overtime
Non-guaranteed on-call work
Accommodation
Vehicle use
Discretionary bonuses
Conditional private-practice revenue

The guaranteed earnings stated in the nomination must satisfy Home Affairs requirements.

Main Visa Routes for Cardiologists

Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482

The subclass 482 visa is the main temporary employer-sponsored route.

A cardiologist generally needs:

Nomination by an approved sponsor
An eligible cardiologist position
Appropriate medical and specialist qualifications
Required professional experience
Medical registration or a clear registration pathway
Required English ability
Salary meeting the relevant threshold
Salary meeting the Australian market rate
Health and character approval

The visa normally permits a stay of up to four years and currently costs from AUD $4,015 for the principal applicant.

Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186

The subclass 186 Direct Entry stream provides permanent residence.

Cardiologist is included on the Core Skills Occupation List and is available for subclass 186 Direct Entry.

Applicants generally need:

Employer nomination
Age below 45 unless exempt
At least three years of relevant experience unless exempt
A positive skills or specialist assessment unless exempt
Competent English
Mandatory professional registration
Health and character approval

A successful subclass 186 applicant can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, enrol in Medicare and potentially apply for citizenship after meeting the separate eligibility requirements.

Some subclass 482 cardiologists may alternatively qualify through the Temporary Residence Transition stream after satisfying the applicable sponsored-employment requirements.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494

Regional health services can sponsor cardiologists through subclass 494.

Applicants generally need:

A regional employer nomination
Suitable specialist assessment
Required medical registration
Relevant experience
Competent English
Age below 45 unless exempt
Health and character approval

The visa is usually granted for five years and can support a future regional permanent-residence pathway.

For nominations lodged before July 1, 2027, the salary and market-rate requirements include a TSMIT of AUD $79,423.

Regional Australia for skilled migration generally includes all areas except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, although applicants must check the precise postcode classification applying to the visa.

Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

Cardiologist is currently listed for subclass 189 points-tested migration.

Applicants generally need:

An eligible occupation
Suitable assessment
An Expression of Interest
Age below 45 when invited
Competent English
At least 65 points
An invitation
Health and character approval

In the June 4, 2026 subclass 189 invitation round, Cardiologist received invitations at a minimum reported score of 80 points. Future invitation scores may be higher or lower, and inclusion in one round does not guarantee inclusion in another.

Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190

Subclass 190 provides permanent residence through state or territory nomination.

Cardiologist is included in the national occupation framework, but each state can determine:

Whether it is accepting cardiologists
Minimum points
Registration requirements
Employment requirements
Residence conditions
Priority locations
Application windows

National occupation eligibility does not guarantee state nomination.

Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491

Subclass 491 is a provisional points-tested regional visa.

A cardiologist may qualify through:

State or territory nomination
Eligible family sponsorship in regional Australia

Applicants submit an Expression of Interest and must receive an invitation.

Subclass 491 can provide a future pathway to permanent residence after the visa holder satisfies the applicable regional residence and compliance requirements.

Professional Registration Is Mandatory

A doctor cannot practise independently as a specialist cardiologist without appropriate Medical Board registration.

Specialist registration may be available to doctors who:

Hold an Australian-approved specialist qualification
Hold a qualification on the Medical Board’s Expedited Specialist accepted list
Complete a specialist-college comparability pathway

The Medical Board publishes specialist status on the public register. Medicare and employers can use that register to confirm a doctor’s recognised specialty.

For most overseas cardiologists, the central professional pathway is:

Specialist assessment through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians

Is Cardiology Included in the Medical Board Expedited Specialist Pathway?

No.

As of August 2026, the Medical Board’s accepted expedited specialties include:

Anaesthesia
General practice
Obstetrics and gynaecology
General paediatrics
General medicine
Psychiatry
Diagnostic radiology

Cardiology is not separately included on the accepted qualification list.

This distinction is critical.

A cardiologist holding a UK or Irish cardiology qualification should not assume that the expedited General Medicine pathway automatically recognises their cardiology specialty.

General medicine and cardiology are separate fields of specialty practice.

A doctor seeking specialist cardiology recognition will normally need RACP assessment unless the Medical Board formally adds a qualifying cardiology credential in the future.

RACP Accelerated Specialist Pathway

The RACP Accelerated Specialist Pathway is different from the Medical Board Expedited Specialist pathway.

The RACP accelerated route assesses eligible overseas physicians whose qualifications and consultant experience come from:

United Kingdom
Republic of Ireland
Hong Kong
India
Sri Lanka

Cardiology is one of the specialties assessed by the RACP.

Eligible Qualifications

The main qualification requirements include:

United Kingdom

Certificate of Completion of Training, or
Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training

Republic of Ireland

Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training

Hong Kong

Fellowship of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, and
Fellowship of the Hong Kong College of Physicians

India

Doctor of Medicine in General Medicine or General Paediatrics, and
Doctorate of Medicine in the specialty being assessed

Sri Lanka

Doctor of Medicine, and
Adult Medicine specialist qualification from the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo

Membership of the Royal College of Physicians alone is not treated as an acceptable UK specialist qualification for this pathway.

Accelerated Assessment Time

The RACP reports an average timeframe of approximately:

Six weeks from completion of the application to issue of the comparability decision

The assessment normally does not require an interview. Applicants can be transferred to the Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway if the assessors identify gaps that need further examination.

Supervised Practice After Accelerated Assessment

Substantially comparable applicants from:

United Kingdom
Republic of Ireland

will commonly need approximately six months of peer review.

Applicants from:

Hong Kong
India
Sri Lanka

will commonly need approximately 12 months, with a possible reduction after six months of satisfactory practice.

The exact requirement is determined individually.

RACP Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway

The Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway is available to physicians holding an eligible overseas specialist qualification and consultant experience.

The applicant must normally have:

A verified specialist qualification
At least three years of specialist training
Recent practice
Consultant-level experience
Appropriate professional registration
Verifiable references
Continuing professional development

Cardiology is one of the RACP specialties available for assessment.

Standard Assessment Process

The process generally involves:

Primary-source verification.
Document collection.
Application submission.
Referee reports.
Specialist interview.
Comparability decision.
Approved supervised practice.
Final specialist recognition.
Application for specialist registration.
Application for RACP Fellowship.

The interview is not a clinical examination. Its purpose is to understand how the applicant’s training, assessment, experience and scope compare with an Australian-trained cardiologist.

The RACP reports that a Standard Specialist Assessment decision can take up to approximately six months from receipt of a complete application.

RACP Comparability Outcomes

Substantially Comparable

Substantially comparable means the applicant is considered to be at the standard of a newly qualified Australian specialist.

Requirements can include:

Up to 12 months of peer review
Workplace reports
Orientation
Cultural-safety education
Continuing professional development
A possible practice visit
Individual upskilling

All substantially comparable overseas physicians complete at least six months of peer review.

A substantially comparable outcome is favourable, but it does not necessarily allow immediate unrestricted independent practice.

Partially Comparable

Partially comparable means the applicant may reach the Australian specialist standard within a maximum of 24 months of supervised practice.

Requirements may include:

Top-up training
Peer review
Workplace-based assessments
Specific clinical rotations
Additional procedural evidence
Professional-development activities
A practice visit
Correction of identified training gaps

Partially comparable candidates can have up to four years to complete a maximum of 24 months of full-time-equivalent supervised requirements after starting an approved position.

Not Comparable

Not comparable means the applicant is not expected to reach the Australian specialist standard within a maximum of 24 months of supervised practice.

A not-comparable applicant cannot continue through that specialist-recognition pathway.

The doctor may need to:

Obtain further recognised training
Gain additional consultant experience
Apply for reassessment after the required period
Explore Australian physician training
Consider another registration pathway

The RACP states that reassessment may be available after two years where the doctor has gained additional accredited training or consultant experience.

RACP Assessment Fees in 2026

Current published fees include:

Stage	Amount
Application submission	AUD $1,096
Assessment of comparability	AUD $6,184
First-year workplace-based assessment	AUD $4,802
Second-year workplace-based assessment	AUD $4,802
Possible practice visit	AUD $3,436
Area of Need application	AUD $2,056
Fellowship admission	AUD $1,575
Annual Fellowship membership	AUD $2,291

Estimated total assessment costs are:

Interim assessment only: AUD $7,280
Substantially comparable pathway: AUD $12,082
Partially comparable pathway: AUD $16,884

Possible practice-visit and Fellowship costs are additional.

Applicants should also budget for:

AMC portfolio
Primary-source verification
English testing
Ahpra application
Criminal-history checks
Medical indemnity
Visa fees
Health examinations
Flights
Accommodation
Relocation

RACP Comparability Decision Validity

A RACP comparability decision is normally valid for:

Two years

A substantially or partially comparable applicant must generally secure a suitable Australian position and begin the prescribed requirements within that period.

This means applicants should plan assessment timing carefully.

Completing assessment too early without a realistic employment strategy may result in the decision expiring before supervised practice begins.

Area of Need Cardiology Jobs

An Area of Need position is declared by a state or territory health authority because a suitable specialist cannot be recruited for a particular service or location.

To qualify, an international cardiologist generally needs:

A completed overseas specialist qualification
Eligibility to practise as a specialist in the country of training
A confirmed Area of Need position
Primary-source verification
RACP assessment
Medical Board limited registration

The Area of Need pathway does not itself lead to specialist registration or unrestricted ongoing practice. A doctor seeking long-term specialist recognition can complete a combined Area of Need and specialist-recognition assessment.

The RACP’s current Area of Need application fee is:

AUD $2,056

The applicant needs the formal state or territory Area of Need declaration and the hospital’s detailed position description.

Area of Need approval is usually:

Position-specific
Employer-specific
Location-specific
Time-limited
Subject to supervision

Changing employers or locations may require a new assessment or registration approval.

Short-Term Specialist Training

An overseas cardiologist or near-completion cardiology trainee may seek short-term training in Australia.

This pathway is intended for:

International specialists seeking training unavailable in their home country
Overseas trainees who are within approximately two years of completing specialist training
Doctors with a confirmed Australian training position

Short-term specialist training is normally limited to up to 24 months and does not directly lead to specialist registration or RACP Fellowship.

It is not the appropriate pathway for a doctor seeking immediate permanent consultant recognition.

Primary-Source Verification

International cardiologists generally need primary-source verification of:

Primary medical degree
Specialist cardiology qualification
CCT, CCST, CSCST or equivalent completion certificate
Fellowship or board certification
Other postgraduate credentials requested by the RACP

The RACP requires applicants to complete verification through the Australian Medical Council and the accepted international credential-verification system.

Documents must be consistent across:

Passport
Medical degree
Specialist qualification
Registration records
Employment references
Visa application

Any variation in name, date or qualification wording should be explained with formal evidence.

English-Language Requirements

First-time applicants for medical registration must satisfy the Medical Board’s English-language skills standard unless an accepted education or professional-use pathway applies.

The accepted tests include:

IELTS Academic
OET
PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT for Australia
Cambridge C1 Advanced
Cambridge C2 Proficiency

The Medical Board can also accept successful completion of PLAB or NZREX in qualifying circumstances.

IELTS Academic

For tests taken from April 23, 2026:

Overall: 7.0
Listening: 7.0
Reading: 7.0
Writing: 6.5
Speaking: 7.0

OET

For tests taken from April 23, 2026:

Listening: 350
Reading: 360
Writing: 350
Speaking: 360

PTE Academic

For tests taken from April 23, 2026:

Overall: 63
Listening: 58
Reading: 59
Writing: 60
Speaking: 76

TOEFL iBT for Australia

For tests taken from April 23, 2026:

Overall: 91
Listening: 22
Reading: 22
Writing: 23
Speaking: 24

The National Boards updated the required scores from April 23, 2026. Applicants must take approved test-centre versions.

Results from a maximum of two sittings may be combined when all requirements and minimum component floors are satisfied. Results from different test providers cannot be combined.

The Medical Board registration requirement and the immigration English requirement are separate. The applicant must satisfy both.

Medical Board Registration Fees

The published national fee schedule effective from August 1, 2025 includes:

Specialist-registration application fee: AUD $1,594
Limited-registration application fee: AUD $1,085
General or specialist registration fee: AUD $1,058
Limited-registration fee: AUD $1,058

Both the applicable application and registration fees are generally paid when the application is submitted. Applicants should check for any new fee schedule applying from August 2026 onward.

Hospital Credentialling

Medical registration does not automatically grant permission to perform every cardiology procedure at a hospital.

The employer may separately evaluate:

Training
Procedure numbers
Recent experience
Complication rates
References
Continuing professional development
Medical indemnity
Scope of practice

Credentialling may be required for:

Coronary angiography
Percutaneous coronary intervention
Structural-heart procedures
Pacemaker implantation
Defibrillator implantation
Electrophysiology
Ablation
Transoesophageal echocardiography
Cardiac CT
Cardiac MRI
Mechanical circulatory support

An applicant should not assume that overseas procedural privileges will automatically transfer to Australia.

Experience That Improves Sponsorship Chances

Employers may prioritise cardiologists with recent experience in:

Acute coronary syndrome
Heart failure
Coronary intervention
Cardiac imaging
Electrophysiology
Device implantation
Structural-heart disease
Valvular disease
Pulmonary hypertension
Cardiac rehabilitation
Critical cardiac care
Regional outreach
Clinical leadership
Research
Advanced trainee supervision

Regional employers may particularly value a cardiologist who can provide:

Inpatient consultation
Outpatient clinics
Coronary-care leadership
Echocardiography
Stress testing
Emergency advice
Telehealth
Outreach services
General cardiology on-call coverage

Highly specialised procedural work should be supported by formal fellowship training, signed procedure logs and recent practice evidence.

What Does a Cardiologist Do?

Cardiologists investigate, diagnose and treat diseases affecting the heart and cardiovascular system.

Typical responsibilities include:

Assessing patients after referral
Reviewing symptoms and medical history
Conducting cardiovascular examinations
Interpreting electrocardiograms
Reviewing echocardiography
Ordering diagnostic investigations
Diagnosing cardiovascular disease
Prescribing medication
Managing acute coronary syndromes
Treating heart failure
Managing arrhythmias
Performing or supervising cardiac procedures
Admitting patients
Coordinating multidisciplinary care
Communicating with general practitioners
Supervising trainees
Participating in research and clinical governance

The official occupation profile describes cardiologists as examining referred patients, conducting diagnostic procedures, analysing results, prescribing treatment and consulting other medical specialists.

How to Find Genuine Sponsorship Jobs

Potential employers include:

State and territory health departments
Public hospital networks
Regional health services
University hospitals
Private hospitals
Specialist cardiology groups
Cardiac catheterisation services
Aboriginal health organisations
Medical recruitment agencies
Telehealth services

Useful search phrases include:

Cardiologist jobs Australia visa sponsorship
Consultant Cardiologist jobs Australia AUD $500,000
Interventional Cardiologist visa sponsorship
Subclass 482 Cardiologist jobs
RACP assessed Cardiologist jobs
Overseas Cardiologist jobs Australia
Area of Need Cardiology jobs
Regional Cardiologist jobs with accommodation
Electrophysiologist jobs Australia sponsorship
Cardiac Imaging Specialist jobs Australia
Staff Specialist Cardiology international applicants
Cardiologist jobs Australia 2026/2027

Look for advertisements mentioning:

Visa sponsorship
International applicants welcome
RACP-assessed applicants considered
Substantially comparable candidates
Area of Need
Supervision available
Relocation assistance
Attraction and retention incentives
Specialist registration required
Permanent appointment

Queensland Health’s international senior medical talent pool includes Cardiologist ANZSCO 253312 among the specialties being recruited.

How to Verify a Cardiologist Employer

Before accepting an offer:

Confirm the legal employer’s name.
Find the vacancy on the official hospital or government portal.
Verify the recruiter’s institutional email address.
Request the complete position description.
Confirm whether the appointment is registrar, staff specialist or senior staff specialist.
Ask whether the job supports RACP peer review or top-up training.
Verify the proposed supervisor.
Confirm the hospital’s cardiac service capabilities.
Ask which visa subclass will be used.
Request a complete remuneration breakdown.
Confirm the procedure credentialling process.
Review relocation and repayment clauses.

A legitimate hospital should be able to explain:

Registration pathway
RACP requirements
Supervision
Credentialling
Salary
Roster
Visa nomination
Start-date conditions

How to Review a Cardiologist Employment Contract

Position Classification

Confirm whether the role is:

Registrar
Clinical Fellow
Staff Specialist
Senior Staff Specialist
Visiting Medical Officer
Contractor
Private-practice associate

The title can significantly affect salary, leave, superannuation and visa arrangements.

Clinical Scope

Confirm whether the position involves:

General cardiology
Interventional cardiology
Coronary care
Echocardiography
Electrophysiology
Device implantation
Structural-heart work
Advanced imaging
Heart failure
Outreach clinics

Remuneration

Request a breakdown of:

Base salary
Superannuation
On-call allowance
Overtime
Recall payments
Vehicle allowance
Professional-development allowance
Private-practice income
Attraction allowance
Retention bonus
Accommodation support

Roster

Confirm:

Ordinary working hours
On-call frequency
Weekend roster
Recall expectations
Outreach travel
Cross-campus duties
Coronary-care responsibilities
Leave coverage

Professional Recognition

Confirm:

RACP outcome required
Registration type
Supervision level
Supervisor
Peer-review support
Top-up training support
Protected assessment time
Fellowship application support

Immigration

Confirm:

Visa subclass
Sponsoring legal entity
Guaranteed salary
Nomination timing
Visa-fee responsibilities
Permanent-residence discussions
Repayment obligations

Documents to Prepare

A complete international cardiology application folder may include:

Valid passport
Birth certificate
Name-change evidence
Primary medical degree
Academic transcript
Internship certificate
General physician qualification
Cardiology specialist qualification
CCT, CCST or CSCST
Fellowship or board certification
Primary-source verification
Current medical registration
Certificate of good standing
Detailed Australian medical CV
Consultant-employment references
Training rotation records
Procedure logbooks
Catheterisation logs
Device implantation logs
Imaging credentials
Continuing professional development
Research and publication evidence
English-language result
Criminal-history checks
Medical-indemnity evidence
RACP assessment outcome
Supervision plan
Position description
Ahpra registration
Employment contract
Visa nomination documents
Marriage certificate
Children’s birth certificates

Procedure Logbook Preparation

A cardiology procedural logbook should clearly identify:

Procedure
Date or period
Hospital
Applicant’s role
Independent or supervised performance
Emergency or elective status
Case complexity
Outcomes
Supervisor verification

Possible categories include:

Diagnostic coronary angiography
Percutaneous coronary intervention
Primary PCI
Complex coronary procedures
Intravascular ultrasound
Optical coherence tomography
Fractional flow reserve
Pacemaker implantation
Defibrillator implantation
Cardiac resynchronisation devices
Electrophysiology studies
Ablation
Transoesophageal echocardiography
Stress echocardiography
Cardiac CT
Cardiac MRI

Patient-identifying information must be removed.

How to Write a Strong Australian Cardiologist CV

Professional Summary Example

Consultant Cardiologist with 11 years of post-specialist experience across tertiary and regional cardiac services. CCT in Cardiology completed in the United Kingdom, with extensive experience in acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, coronary-care medicine and advanced echocardiography. RACP Accelerated Specialist Assessment preparation underway and available for approved peer-review employment and subclass 482 sponsorship.

For an interventional cardiologist:

Interventional Cardiologist with eight years of independent consultant experience and more than 1,500 coronary interventions as primary operator. Experienced in complex PCI, intravascular imaging, physiological assessment and 24-hour STEMI services. Seeking an Australian staff specialist position supporting RACP assessment, medical registration and visa sponsorship.

Strong Experience Statements

Weak:

Treated patients with heart disease.

Stronger:

Managed acute and chronic cardiovascular disease across a tertiary inpatient service, coronary-care unit and outpatient clinic, including acute coronary syndromes, advanced heart failure, arrhythmias and valvular disease.

Weak:

Performed angiography and stents.

Stronger:

Performed more than 350 diagnostic coronary angiograms and 180 percutaneous coronary interventions annually as primary operator, including emergency STEMI and complex multivessel procedures.

Leadership example:

Led weekly multidisciplinary heart-team meetings, supervised cardiology trainees and contributed to catheterisation-laboratory quality and morbidity review.

Imaging example:

Reported transthoracic, stress and transoesophageal echocardiograms and provided periprocedural imaging support for structural-heart interventions.

Cardiologist Interview Questions

Prepare for questions such as:

What is your RACP assessment status?
Are you eligible for the RACP Accelerated Specialist Pathway?
What is your current registration status?
Describe your recent consultant workload.
How do you manage acute coronary syndrome?
How do you approach cardiogenic shock?
Describe your heart-failure experience.
How do you manage complex arrhythmias?
Which cardiac procedures do you perform independently?
What is your annual intervention volume?
How do you manage procedural complications?
Describe your echocardiography credentials.
What is your experience with cardiac CT or MRI?
How do you participate in clinical governance?
Describe a serious adverse event and what you learned.
How do you supervise cardiology trainees?
How do you practise culturally safe medicine?
Are you willing to work in a regional service?
Why do you want to practise in Australia?
Why should the health service sponsor you?

Strong answers demonstrate:

Patient safety
Evidence-based decision-making
Procedural competence
Appropriate escalation
Communication
Team leadership
Cultural safety
Professional accountability
Reflection

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Confirm the Correct Occupation

Ensure that the position and experience genuinely match Cardiologist ANZSCO 253312.

Step 2: Review the Medical Board Pathways

Confirm that cardiology is not currently available through the Medical Board’s direct expedited qualification list.

Step 3: Determine the RACP Route

Select:

Accelerated Specialist Pathway
Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway
Area of Need
Short-Term Specialist Training

Step 4: Complete Primary-Source Verification

Verify the primary and specialist medical qualifications.

Step 5: Prepare the RACP Application

Collect:

Specialist qualification
Training records
References
Procedure logs
Recent-practice evidence
Continuing professional development
English evidence

Step 6: Receive the Comparability Decision

Possible outcomes are:

Substantially comparable
Partially comparable
Not comparable

Step 7: Find a Suitable Australian Position

The job must support the specific RACP supervision, top-up training or peer-review requirements.

Step 8: Arrange Supervision

The RACP and Medical Board may need to approve:

Position
Supervisor
Peer reviewers
Supervision plan
Scope of practice

Step 9: Apply for Registration

Submit the appropriate limited or provisional registration application through Ahpra.

Step 10: Complete Hospital Credentialling

Provide procedural, qualification, indemnity and experience evidence.

Step 11: Review the Employment Contract

Confirm remuneration, roster, supervision, relocation and visa terms.

Step 12: Employer Lodges the Nomination

The employer submits the subclass 482, 186 or 494 nomination.

Step 13: Submit the Visa Application

Provide:

Passport
Qualifications
RACP outcome
Registration evidence
Employment contract
English result
Police certificates
Health examination
Family documents

Step 14: Begin Approved Practice

Do not start working until the required:

Medical registration
Hospital credentialling
Supervision approval
Visa
Employment clearance

are active.

Step 15: Complete RACP Requirements

Complete:

Peer review
Top-up training
Workplace reports
Orientation
Cultural-safety education
Professional development
Practice visit where required

Step 16: Obtain Specialist Recognition

After receiving the satisfactory final RACP report, apply for specialist registration and RACP Fellowship.

Can Cardiologists Bring Their Families?

Eligible subclass 482, 186 and 494 applicants can generally include:

Spouse
De facto partner
Dependent children

Subclass 482 dependants can normally receive work and study rights subject to their visa conditions.

Subclass 186 grants permanent residence to eligible family members included in the successful application.

Applicants should budget for:

Additional visa fees
Medical examinations
Police certificates
Flights
Accommodation
Schooling
Transport
Registration costs
RACP assessment
Professional insurance

Can Sponsorship Lead to Permanent Residence?

Potentially.

Cardiologists may have access to:

Subclass 186 Direct Entry
Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition
Subclass 189
Subclass 190
Subclass 494 followed by a regional permanent route
Subclass 491 followed by a regional permanent route

Eligibility can depend on:

Age
Specialist assessment
Medical registration
Work experience
English
Employer nomination
State nomination
Points
Regional residence
Salary
Health
Character

A subclass 482 visa does not automatically convert into permanent residence.

The doctor must qualify for and submit a separate permanent application.

Common Cardiologist Sponsorship Scams

Warning signs include:

Guaranteed RACP comparability
Guaranteed specialist registration
A consultant job without a clinical interview
Visa sponsorship offered for sale
A fake hospital website
A fake Area of Need declaration
Communication only through messaging applications
No discussion of registration
No supervision plan
No credentialling process
Unrealistic guaranteed income
Requests for cryptocurrency
Requests to falsify procedure logs
A fake RACP outcome
A fake Ahpra registration letter
Requests to return part of the salary
Guaranteed permanent residence
Pressure to pay immediately

Verify:

Employer identity
Official vacancy reference
Hospital location
RACP pathway
Supervisor
Credentialling
Salary package
Visa sponsor
Relocation terms
Repayment obligations

Relocation Packages

Some employers may offer:

Visa assistance
Migration-agent support
Flights
Temporary accommodation
Airport collection
Vehicle support
Ahpra fee reimbursement
RACP assessment contribution
Professional-development funding
Medical-indemnity assistance
Family relocation support
Attraction and retention payments

Ask for written confirmation covering:

Maximum reimbursement
Covered expenses
Required receipts
Payment timing
Minimum service period
Repayment amount
Whether repayment reduces over time
Treatment of visa refusal
Treatment of registration refusal
Accommodation deductions
Family expenses

A relocation package is an employment benefit, not an automatic entitlement attached to visa sponsorship.

Important 2027 Sponsorship Outlook

The confirmed visa income thresholds applying through June 30, 2027 are:

Core Skills Income Threshold: AUD $79,423
Specialist Skills Income Threshold: AUD $146,576
Subclass 494 TSMIT: AUD $79,423

The thresholds are indexed on July 1 each year. The figures applying from July 1, 2027 had not been announced as of August 2026.

The confirmed 2026 professional position is:

Cardiology remains assessed by the RACP.
Eligible applicants from selected countries can use the RACP Accelerated Specialist Pathway.
Cardiology is not currently included in the Medical Board’s direct Expedited Specialist pathway.
RACP comparability decisions remain valid for two years.
Substantially comparable applicants complete at least six months of peer review.
Partially comparable applicants may require up to 24 months of supervised requirements.

Applicants planning to move during 2027 should verify:

Visa income thresholds
Cardiologist occupation-list eligibility
RACP accelerated-pathway countries
Accepted qualifications
RACP fees
Ahpra fees
English-language scores
Medical Board registration standards
State nomination rules
Subclass 189 invitation scores
Regional visa settings

It is possible that international specialist pathways will continue to expand, but no future cardiology shortcut should be treated as confirmed until the Medical Board publishes the exact accepted qualification.

Check the rules:

Before paying assessment fees.
Before accepting a position.
Before applying for registration.
When the employer lodges the nomination.
Before submitting the visa application.
Before relocating.
Before applying for permanent residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can overseas cardiologists get visa sponsorship in Australia?

Yes. Cardiologist ANZSCO 253312 is currently eligible for subclasses 482, 186, 189, 190, 491 and 494.

Can cardiologists earn more than AUD $550,000?

Yes. A 2026 Queensland Health Interventional Cardiologist vacancy offered a total remuneration package of up to AUD $550,085.

Does every cardiologist earn AUD $550,000?

No. The figure was a maximum total package including salary, superannuation, leave loading, allowances and potential additional payments.

What is the national cardiologist salary?

A separate reliable six-digit cardiologist median is not published. The broader Specialist Physicians group has median full-time earnings of AUD $3,620 per week, approximately AUD $188,240 annually.

What is the cardiologist occupation code?

The code is ANZSCO 253312.

What is the minimum subclass 482 salary?

The Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD $79,423 for nominations lodged between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. The employer must also pay the Australian market rate.

Can cardiologists use the Specialist Skills stream?

Potentially. An eligible cardiologist position with guaranteed earnings of at least AUD $146,576 may qualify when all other requirements are met.

Is Medical Board registration mandatory?

Yes. A cardiologist needs appropriate registration before independently practising as a specialist.

Is cardiology on the Medical Board Expedited Specialist pathway?

No. Cardiology is not currently one of the listed expedited specialties.

Does the General Medicine expedited pathway cover cardiologists?

Not automatically. General medicine and cardiology are separate fields of specialist practice.

What pathway do overseas cardiologists normally use?

Most use the RACP Accelerated or Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway, depending on their training country and qualifications.

Which countries are included in the RACP Accelerated Specialist Pathway?

The current accelerated route includes eligible specialists from the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Hong Kong, India and Sri Lanka.

Is MRCP alone sufficient?

No. The RACP states that MRCP is a membership and is not accepted as the UK specialist qualification for the accelerated route. The applicant normally needs CCT or CCST.

How long does accelerated assessment take?

The average reported timeframe is approximately six weeks from completion of the application to the comparability decision.

How long does standard RACP assessment take?

The RACP reports that the standard pathway can take up to approximately six months after receiving a complete application.

How long is substantially comparable peer review?

Substantially comparable physicians complete at least six months and may be required to complete up to 12 months.

How long is the partially comparable pathway?

A partially comparable candidate may need up to 24 months of supervised practice, top-up training and peer review.

How much does RACP assessment cost?

Estimated published totals range from approximately AUD $7,280 for an interim decision to AUD $16,884 for a partially comparable pathway, before possible practice visits, Fellowship and external expenses.

What is an Area of Need cardiology job?

It is a specialist position officially declared by a state or territory because the service has difficulty recruiting a suitable specialist.

Does Area of Need automatically lead to specialist registration?

No. It provides a position-specific route to limited registration. Long-term recognition requires the specialist-recognition pathway.

Do specialist cardiologists need a PESCI?

No. Specialist international medical graduates on the Specialist or Expedited Specialist pathways do not normally need a PESCI because the relevant specialist assessment is used instead.

What IELTS score is required?

For tests taken from April 23, 2026, the usual standard is 7.0 overall, with 7.0 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing.

Can cardiologists apply for subclass 189?

Yes. Cardiologist is currently listed for subclass 189.

What was the 2026 subclass 189 invitation score?

Cardiologists were invited at a minimum reported score of 80 in the June 4, 2026 invitation round. Future rounds can change.

Can cardiologists apply for subclass 190?

Yes, subject to the individual state or territory nomination requirements.

Can cardiologists apply for subclass 491?

Yes, subject to regional nomination or eligible family sponsorship and the other points-tested requirements.

Can cardiologists bring spouses and children?

Eligible partners and dependent children can generally be included in employer-sponsored visa applications.

Can a spouse work in Australia?

A qualifying subclass 482 secondary applicant can generally work subject to the conditions attached to the granted visa.

Can sponsorship lead to permanent residence?

Potentially. Employer-sponsored, points-tested and regional permanent pathways are available, subject to the applicant satisfying their requirements.

Does a regional hospital have to provide accommodation?

No. Accommodation and relocation support are contractual benefits rather than automatic immigration entitlements.

Can an employer guarantee RACP recognition?

No. The RACP independently assesses the applicant’s training, qualifications and experience.

Can an employer guarantee specialist registration?

No. The Medical Board independently decides registration applications.

Can an employer guarantee permanent residence?

No. Home Affairs independently decides visa applications.

Professional Australian Cardiologist Application Support

Professional support for international cardiologists may include:

Australian medical CV writing
Visa-sponsorship cover letters
Registration-pathway review
Primary-source verification planning
RACP application organisation
Procedure-log preparation
Employment-reference formatting
Specialist interview coaching
Area of Need job research
Regional employer research
Remuneration-package analysis
Employment-contract review
Relocation planning
Application tracking

No legitimate service can guarantee:

RACP accelerated eligibility
RACP comparability
Specialist registration
Hospital credentialling
An Area of Need position
A cardiologist job
AUD $550,000 in remuneration
Employer sponsorship
Visa approval
State nomination
Permanent residence

Professional assistance should help applicants organise genuine evidence, target appropriate positions and avoid preventable application mistakes.

Final Thoughts

Cardiologist jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship can offer outstanding financial and professional opportunities for experienced international specialists.

A recent Queensland Health Interventional Cardiologist vacancy offered a total remuneration package of up to:

AUD $550,085 per year

The guaranteed base salary was lower, with the maximum package also incorporating superannuation, leave benefits, professional-development support, vehicle allowance and possible additional payments.

The strongest applicants generally have:

A recognised primary medical degree
Completed specialist cardiology training
Recent independent consultant experience
A suitable RACP assessment pathway
Primary-source-verified qualifications
Acceptable English-language evidence
Detailed procedural logbooks
Verifiable specialist references
Current continuing professional development
Strong patient-safety and governance experience
Cultural-safety awareness
A professional Australian medical CV
A suitable supervised position
A clear registration and visa plan

Cardiology is not currently on the Medical Board’s direct Expedited Specialist pathway. Most international cardiologists must use the RACP Accelerated or Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway.

Eligible specialists from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, India and Sri Lanka may benefit from the RACP Accelerated Specialist Pathway, which reports an average assessment timeframe of approximately six weeks for complete applications.

For work beginning after July 1, 2027, verify the newly indexed visa thresholds and current specialist-assessment requirements before accepting the final contract.

Never pay for guaranteed RACP comparability, specialist registration, a fabricated Area of Need position or permanent residence. Verify the employer, job classification, supervision, credentialling, salary package and immigration arrangements before sending money or original documents.