Can you move to Australia as a physiotherapist?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

As a physiotherapist with a degree, you have the opportunity to migrate to Australia under the occupation ANZSCO 252511: Physiotherapist. This occupation is listed on both the Medium Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which means that there is a demand for physiotherapists in Australia and it is considered a skill in high demand.

To be eligible for migration as a physiotherapist, you will need to meet certain requirements. The first requirement is to have a recognized qualification in physiotherapy. This means that your degree should be from a recognized educational institution and should meet the standards set by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC). The APC is the regulatory body for physiotherapy in Australia and they assess the qualifications of international physiotherapists to ensure that they meet the required standards.

In addition to having a recognized qualification, you will also need to meet the English language proficiency requirements. This typically involves taking an English language test such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and achieving the required scores. The specific English language requirements may vary depending on the visa subclass you are applying for, so it is important to check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information.

Once you have met the qualification and English language requirements, you can then apply for a skilled migration visa. There are several visa subclasses that you may be eligible for as a physiotherapist, including the subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), and subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa). Each visa subclass has its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria, so it is important to thoroughly research and understand the requirements before applying.

In your visa application, you will need to provide evidence of your qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, and other relevant documents. It is important to ensure that all your documents are accurate and up-to-date, as any discrepancies or false information can result in your visa application being rejected.

It is also worth noting that the migration process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is advisable to seek professional advice or assistance from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer. They can guide you through the process, help you with your visa application, and ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements.

Personal experience: As a physiotherapist myself, I have personally gone through the process of migrating to Australia. I completed my physiotherapy degree in my home country and then applied for a skilled migration visa under the subclass 189. I had to provide evidence of my qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency, and went through the assessment process by the Australian Physiotherapy Council. It was a lengthy process, but with the help of a migration agent, I was able to successfully migrate to Australia as a physiotherapist.