International locum tenens
It starts with a simple question. How does international locum tenens work? International locum tenens assignments are temporary physician opportunities in countries around the world. Places like Canada, New Zealand, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and other locations around the globe.
Yes, global locum tenens assignments for physicians exist, and yes, we know how to get you there.
Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience, a way to grow professionally, a sabbatical-style reset, or simply a way to get paid to travel the world, Global Medical Staffing exists to make the process possible.
We’re not here to sugarcoat this. Practicing internationally involves even more logistics than practicing within the United States. Foreign licensing bodies. Work permits. Visas. Credentialing timelines. Travel coordination. It would be almost impossible to navigate on your own.
But fortunately, you’re not alone. With decades of international staffing experience, we’re ready to walk you through every step and tackle the logistics for you. After all, we started the international locums industry in the early 90s and are the biggest international locums agency for a reason.
You focus on where. We’ll focus on how.
Let’s cover the basics for international locums
Destinations
So, what are the best countries for international locum tenens? That’s up to you. Currently, we are staffing in New Zealand, Australia, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and Canada. Each country (and assignment within that country) is unique, and your Global Medical Staffing rep will be able to help give you a clear picture of what to expect from each option.Facilities
Opportunities exist in hospitals, rural and underserved regions, regional medical centers, specialty facilities, and the list goes on. One thing each has in common is the need for a physician to support their community.Timelines
International assignments vary widely depending on the country and healthcare system. Assignments in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia typically range from six months to one year. Pacific Islands assignments usually last around three months. Caribbean island assignments are typically one week to a month long.Planning
Just like domestic locums, you’re in the driver’s seat, but planning ahead is key. International placements require additional lead time due to international locum tenens licensing and visa requirements.Career stage
Whether you are fresh out of residency, transitioning between permanent roles, supplementing income, transitioning to retirement, or simply seeking greater flexibility, there’s never a wrong time to practice locums. Physicians can work international locum tenens with Global Medical Staffing at any stage of their career.
How does international locum tenens works?
International locums largely works the same way any locums assignment in the states would work, but as you can imagine, there are international locum tenens licensing and visa processes that vary widely from country to country. The good news? This is what we’re here for. We take out any guesswork and handle these logistics for you. Rest assured, we’ve done this countless times.
Here’s how things typically go.
Get connected with a recruiter
It all starts with your recruiter. Your go-to person who will be there from the beginning to the end, who will walk you through the whole process, A–Z. They will be your primary point of contact, find you jobs, help you land the job, guide you through the licensing, and that’s just the beginning.Explore and apply
Once your recruiter knows what you’re interested in, they’ll start searching for and sending you jobs that match your goals. You can also search for jobs on your own on our website. Once we find something you like, it’s off to the races. They’ll help you get started with the application, fill you in on job specifics, and coach you on everything you need to land the job.Get licensed and credentialed
Every international assignment has unique licensing requirements. Some locations may accept U.S. credentials directly, while others may require additional documentation and verification. We take care of the complex credentialing process and guide physicians through what’s required.Prepare for immigration/visa planning
Different countries have different visa or work permit requirements. Global Medical Staffing helps you understand these requirements and assists with the paperwork and planning necessary to legally work abroad.Coordinate travel and housing
Once your assignment is confirmed, we’ll help coordinate your travel and housing arrangements so you can arrive worry-free. Most international assignments offer free travel and housing as part of the overall compensation package.Start your adventure with ongoing support
We’ll be there from the moment you arrive to the moment you’re back, supporting you throughout your assignment, helping you adjust to the new healthcare setting and cultural environment.
Why do physicians choose international locums?
International clinical experience
Global locum tenens assignments for physicians give them the opportunity to practice in different healthcare systems and to see new patients and explore new medical approaches.Get paid to travel
Live and work in another country, all while continuing your medical career. It’s a very lucrative way to tackle your bucket list.Serve communities in need
Every locums placement has one thing in common. Patients need a physician. International placements address these shortages with top talent U.S. physicians.Personal reset
Physicians find international locums as the perfect way to step outside routine and reconnect to medicine, all while still practicing at a high level.Experience a true adventure
We hear countless stories of what physicians choose to do outside of work while on assignment. They hike and mountain bike in the beautiful mountains of New Zealand. They dive and paddleboard in the crystal blue oceans of the Caribbean. They road trip through the pines of Canada and explore new cultures around the globe.
So what does Global Medical Staffing do for me internationally?
International locums has more complexity, which means more coordination. Fortunately, that’s our specialty.
Dedicated Global Medical Staffing recruiter
Your recruiter is your guide from the first conversation through assignment completion. Physicians can access Global Medical Staffing support 24/7, no matter what time zone you’re in.International credentialing coordination
We assist with gathering documentation, verifying credentials, and submitting documents as part of the international locum tenens licensing and visas process.Visa and work permit support
We help navigate country-specific visa requirements and employment authorization processes.Travel and housing coordination
We provide the full travel and housing support international locum tenens assignments require, coordinating flights and accommodations so you can arrive worry-free.Malpractice coverage
We provide malpractice insurance for international locums, giving you peace of mind and protection while practicing abroad.
To get start exploring locum tenens opportunities with Global Medical Staffing, create an account on the MyGlobal web portal.
How do international assignments pay?
Competitive compensation
While pay is less than what it would be in the U.S., international assignments offer competitive pay aligned with local market demand and specialty needs. No other country pays physicians as much as the U.S. does. However, lower costs of living and free housing could help offset the difference.Country-specific pay models
Some countries pay hourly. Others offer daily or salary-style contracts. Your recruiter outlines pay details clearly before you commit.Free travel and housing
Many international assignments include flights and furnished housing arrangements, offering a more comprehensive compensation.Malpractice coverage included
Country-specific malpractice insurance for international locums is always provided.
Independent contractor structure
Like domestic locums, physicians may work under independent contractor arrangements, depending on the country and contract.
Your rep will go over every assignment in detail before acceptance so compensation expectations are clear.
Ready to get started? Create an account on MyGlobal web portal, your personal base camp in working with Global Medical Staffing.
Ready to make the world your practice?
If you're exploring the best countries for international locum tenens or simply wondering how international locum tenens works for your specialty, we suggest you start with a conversation with a Global Medical Staffing rep.
Whether you’re ready to commit or simply exploring the idea, a recruiter can discuss if international locum tenens is right for you. If it is, let’s dust off the passport and get you out there.
Domestic vs. international locum tenens
DOMESTIC LOCUMS
Licensing requirements:
State medical board licensing
Credentialing Timeline:
Weeks to months, typically faster than international
Travel logistics:
Travel and housing support for domestic locum tenens
Experience:
Practice in different U.S. communities and facilities
Locations:
All 50 states
INTERNATIONAL LOCUMS
Licensing requirements:
International locum tenens licensing and visas processes
Credentialing Timeline:
Longer lead times due to foreign requirements
Travel logistics:
Travel and housing support international locum tenens
Experience:
Practice in all-new healthcare systems and cultures
Locations:
New Zealand, Australia, the Carribean, Canada, the Pacific Islands & more
Both domestic and international opportunities offer flexibility. International simply requires more preparation but offers a more unique experience.
Want to learn more about domestic assignments?
Good news, we offer both international and domestic assignments. And, we have a whole page packed with information about working locums here in the States.
Want to dig deeper?
Let's get you connected to one of our guides