How to Get Permanent Residency for Physiotherapist in Australia: Study, Skills Assessment & Visa Options

Physiotherapist migration to Australia is a growing pathway for internationally qualified professionals looking to live and work in a country facing a national shortage in allied health. Whether you’ve studied overseas or locally, this guide outlines the qualifications required, the assessment process, English language standards, and visa options available.

Qualifications Required for Physiotherapist Migration to Australia

To begin the migration process, you must first meet the qualification requirements set by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC).

You may be eligible if you:

• Hold a physiotherapy degree from an accredited course in Australia,

• Or hold an APC Final Certificate,

• Or hold a Certificate of Substantial Equivalence,

• Or have a New Zealand qualification, a current Annual Practising Certificate, and two years of unrestricted work experience in New Zealand.

All overseas-trained physiotherapists must complete a skills assessment before applying for a skilled visa.

Skills Assessment with the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC)

The most common route for overseas applicants is the Standard Assessment Pathway, which assesses whether your qualifications and clinical competencies meet Australian entry-level standards.

This pathway includes:

Eligibility Assessment - Verifies your qualification and your legal ability to practise physiotherapy in your country of training.

Cultural Safety Training - An online course to familiarise you with working in Australia’s diverse healthcare system.

Written Assessment - A theoretical exam that evaluates your knowledge in core areas of physiotherapy.

Clinical Assessment - A practical exam that tests your ability to apply physiotherapy techniques in simulated settings.

If you remain actively engaged, this process can be completed in under 12 months. 

English Language Requirements

To register and migrate, you must also meet the English Language Skills Registration Standard set by Ahpra. Accepted test formats include:

• IELTS (Academic): Minimum scores of 7.0 in Reading and Writing, and 8.0 in Speaking and Listening

• PTE Academic, OET, or other approved tests with equivalent results

Visa Options for Physiotherapist Migration to Australia

Once you have a positive skills assessment outcome, you may be eligible to apply for a skilled migration or employer-sponsored visa.

Skilled Migration Visas

• 189 Skilled Independent Visa – for applicants without state or employer sponsorship

• 190 Skilled Nominated Visa – for applicants nominated by a state or territory

• 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa – for applicants willing to live and work in regional areas

Employer-Sponsored and Training Visas

• 482 Skills in Demand Visa

• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme

• 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

• 407 Training Visa

The occupation Physiotherapist (ANZSCO 252511) is listed on both the MLTSSL and CSOL, ensuring wide eligibility across these visa subclasses. The current migration cut-off point is 75.

Ready to Get PR as a Physiotherapist in Australia?

If you're an internationally qualified physiotherapist or just applying for the course, now is the ideal time to migrate to Australia. With strong national demand, a clear assessment process, and access to multiple visa streams, the pathway is well-established.

Need help with your assessment or visa application? Book a consultation with RACC today and let our expert team support your physiotherapy migration journey from start to finish.