AMC says Iran-resident doctors cannot sit the MCQ exam after US sanctions change; refunds offered

The Australian Medical Council said in a notice dated 14 September 2026 that its test delivery provider, Pearson, cannot currently schedule or deliver the AMC MCQ Examination for candidates who are residents of Iran unless they can document primary residency outside Iran. The AMC linked the change to the US Treasury's suspension of OFAC General License G, effective 24 August 2026. The Medical Republic reported on 27 October that 286 Iranian doctors booked for a mid-September sitting in Istanbul were affected; earlier in October the outlet reported that one candidate's 19 September sitting was cancelled with about two weeks' notice.

Candidates who can prove residency outside Iran with a passport, permanent residence card or visa, student or work visa or similar document should update the address in their AMC account, email the MCQ team to rebook, and bring the proof on exam day. Those who cannot have been told to contact the MCQ team for a refund of the exam fee, and the Medical Republic reports that affected doctors received full refunds; no compensation for travel or leave costs has been reported. The AMC says it is reviewing alternatives that meet its assessment and security standards but has announced none. The MCQ is part of the AMC standard pathway for international graduates seeking Australian registration, so graduates living in Iran should factor this into their plans.

Check the AMC news page for the current position before booking.