Beyond Borders: Your Guide to Securing a Skilled Visa as a Physiotherapist in Australia

Jul 16, 2024 3 min read
Visa as Physiotherapist in Australia

Key Takeaways:

  1. Global physiotherapists, including Indian-registered physiotherapists, can get a skilled migration visa in Australia. 
  2. The skilled migrant visa is offered to several healthcare professionals when they prove their expertise in their niche. 
  3. Understand the eligibility requirements to get registered with the AHPRA and get the visa.
  4. Comprehensive format of the process for easy guidance.

Do you know that the Australia Physiotherapy market size was at around $638 Million in 2022 and is projected to reach $1,126 Million in 2030 as analysed by Australia Physiotherapy Market Analysis? The increasing demand for physiotherapy services is due to an ageing population of over 4.5 Million and an increase in chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

At this very moment, you must be wondering if you could be one of those! Let’s check out the eligibility and steps to secure a skilled visa in Australia.

Today’s blog is your step-by-step guide to getting registered in Australia as a physiotherapist and starting your career in the Kangaroo country.

Let’s start and read out till the end for some exciting offers for you!

APC Exam
APC Written Assessment

Setting the stage - Why Australia?

Imagine yourself living in a country where top-notch medical treatment is combined with breathtaking scenery. Sounds fascinating? There you have your answer. Australia is not just a destination; it's a lifestyle. As a physiotherapist, you'll find yourself in a country that values healthcare excellence and offers a diverse range of settings to practise your profession.

Visa Options - Your Gateway to Australia

As a physiotherapist, obtaining a skilled visa for Australia is a journey full of potential and promise. By carefully following these instructions and making the best use of the resources available, you can start a fulfilling career in one of the most desirable places for medical professionals worldwide. Follow along to know more about the process and how to kick-start your career in Australia.

Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility

Before applying for any visa, it’s essential to assess your eligibility. The Department of Home Affairs website offers a comprehensive list of requirements for physiotherapists, as provided by the Australian Government. Usually, you'll require:

  • A recognised qualification in physiotherapy.
  • Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
  • Visa Eligibility
  • Proficiency in English language (usually evaluated through tests like IELTS)
  • Relevant work experience.

Step 2: Navigating Visa Options

Australia offers several pathways for skilled migration, each tailored to certain set of conditions:

  • Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): This is the best option for physiotherapists who don't need sponsorship and fulfil the points requirement.
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): Needs nomination by a state or territory administration as proof of your intention to work and establish a permanent residence in that area.
  • Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491): This visa is intended for people who are willing to pursue careers in remote Australia and are supported by a state or territory government.

Each visa pathway offers unique benefits, allowing you to tailor your migration journey to align with your career aspirations and lifestyle preferences.

Step 3: Skills Assessment Journey

You could need a Skills Assessment if you need to list "physiotherapist" as your occupation on your Australian work visa. Please visit the DHA website to find out more information if you need to take the assessment.

Step 4: Embracing Registration with AHPRA

To examine your capacity to deliver best treatment by validating your credentials, registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is mandatory. Check out more about the registration here.

Step 5: Painting Your Expression of Interest (EOI) and Invitation

Once you complete the APC Written Assessment, you may be required to indicate your interest in seeking physiotherapy registration in Australia. Sending an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the relevant immigration authorities is required for this. Based on EOI, the eligible candidates receive an invitation to apply for a visa such as the skilled migration visa, to live and work in Australia after expressing interest.

Step 6: Your Visa Application Journey

Now that you have an invitation, it's time to start the visa application process. In order to expedite the process of beginning your Australian experience, carefully prepare your papers and make sure all requirements are satisfied.

Here’s a quick summary of these steps:

Steps

Details

Eligibility assessmentEvaluate your qualification in compliance with Australian standards.

Choose the Right Visa Type

 

Choose among the three types of visas offered based on your eligibility.
Skills AssessmentTake assessment through APC
AHPRA RegistrationComplete registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Expression of Interest (EOI)Submit EOI, highlighting qualifications and commitment to work in Australia
Invitation to apply for visaAwait invitation based on EOI submission
Visa ApplicationPrepare the required documents and lodge an application with DHA.

Parting Thoughts

“There you have it all- your one-stop guide to start your career in one of the best healthcare-promising countries in the world!”

Planning to move abroad and want to access more information for migration to Australia? Book a free 1:1 consultation with Academically, today and avail your chance to earn a scholarship specially curated for you! 

Fill out the form and an expert from our team will contact you at your earliest convenience. 

We, at Academically, offer various courses for professionals like doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians and many more. Contact us today for more information and valuable insights for students and professionals in the healthcare field.

Dr. Priyanka Mittal
Dr. Priyanka Mittal
about the author

Dr. Priyanka Mittal is a distinguished medical writer and pharmacist from Canada. She blends her clinical expertise with a flair for clear, engaging communication. With a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, she has years of experience delivering insightful content that bridges the gap between medicine and the public, promoting health literacy and awareness.