Visas Options For Physiotherapists After APC Exam In Australia

Physiotherapists in Australia 

According to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), physiotherapists come under the code ANZSCO 252511. 

Physiotherapists play a vital role in evaluating, treating, and preventing movement disorders caused by injuries or diseases. They use various techniques to help patients regain and maintain optimal physical function and mobility.

Specialisations:

• Aquatic Physiotherapist
• Cardiothoracic Physiotherapist
• Continence and Women's Health Physiotherapist
• Gerontological Physiotherapist
• Māori Physiotherapist (NZ)
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
• Neurological Physiotherapist
• Occupational Health Physiotherapist
• Paediatric Physiotherapist
• Sports Physiotherapist

Skills Assessment Requirement

• Current and unconditional General Registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
• English language requirements:
  • IETLS – minimum 7.0
  • OET – minimum score of B in each component
  • PTE Academic – minimum 65 in each communicative skills

Visa Pathways for Physiotherapists

Permanent Residency Visas

Subclass 189 Visa – Skilled Independent Visa

The Subclass 189 visa lets you live, work, and study permanently in Australia. This visa operates on a points-based system, with a minimum requirement of 65 points. 

Given the competitive nature of this visa, achieving a higher score may improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 189 Visa:

• Immigration Points: You must accumulate at least 65 points. Due to high demand, a higher score is often necessary to secure an invitation.
• English Proficiency: You must demonstrate at least Competent English, typically equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0.
• Age: Applicants must be under 45 years old. 
• Invitation: You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply.
• Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment is required. This assessment must be conducted by the relevant authority for your occupation.
• Health and Character: You must meet health and character requirements.

Also Read: Skilled Visas For Physiotherapists in Australia

Subclass 190 Visa – Skilled Nominated Visa

The Subclass 190 visa allows you to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Immigration Points: You need to score at least 65 points. However, due to competition, a higher score may be required based on state or territory needs.
• English Proficiency: You must demonstrate at least Competent English and an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher if required by the state or territory.
• Age: Applicants must be under 45 years old.
• Invitation: You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation from the relevant state or territory to apply.
• Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from the appropriate authority for your occupation is required.
• Health and Character: You must meet the health and character requirements.

Subclass 491 Visa – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 visa allows you to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. The eligibility criteria include:

• Immigration Points: You must achieve a minimum of 65 points or more if specified by the state or territory.
• English Proficiency: You need at least Competent English, equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 or a higher level if required.
• Age: Applicants must be under 45 years old.
• Location Requirement: You must live and work in a regional area of Australia.
• Nomination or Sponsorship: You must be nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a regional area.
• Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation is required.
• Health and Character: You must meet health and character requirements.

Subclass 186 Visa – Employer Nomination Scheme

The Subclass 186 visa allows for permanent residency in Australia if you have an employer willing to sponsor you. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Experience: At least three years of full-time work experience in your nominated occupation.
• English Proficiency: Competent English is required, equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0.
• Age: Applicants must be under 45, though exceptions may apply.
• Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an Australian employer.
• Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment is required, although exceptions may apply if you hold a Subclass 457 or TSS visa and are applying under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
• Health and Character: You must meet the health and character requirements.

Subclass 494 Visa – Skilled Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 494 visa is available if you have a regional employer who is willing to sponsor you. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. To qualify, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Experience: At least three years of full-time work experience in your nominated occupation.
• English Proficiency: You need Competent English, equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0.
• Age: Applicants must be under 45 years old, with some exceptions.
• Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an Australian regional employer.
• Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment is required.
• Location Requirement: You must live and work in regional areas of Australia.

Subclass 491 Family Sponsored Visa – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 Family Sponsored Visa is for individuals with a family member living in a regional area of Australia who are willing to sponsor them. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Immigration Points: You must score at least 65 points, although higher points may be necessary due to the competitive nature of the visa.
• English Proficiency: A minimum of Competent English is required, which equates to an IELTS score of 6.0 or similar.
• Age: Applicants must be under 45 years old.
• Invitation: You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to apply.
• Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation is required.
• Health and Character: You must meet the health and character requirements.

Temporary Work Visas

Subclass 485 Visa – Graduate Temporary Visa (Graduate Work Stream)

The Subclass 485 visa is designed for international students who have recently completed at least two years of study in Australia. This 18-month visa allows full work and study rights, and you can travel freely to and from Australia during its validity. To qualify for this visa, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Visa History: You must hold a student visa at the time of application or have held one within the last six months.
• English Proficiency: You need an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall, with no band lower than 5.0 or an equivalent English proficiency level.
• Age: Applicants must be under 50 years old.
• Education: Completing a CRICOS-registered course(s) that lasted at least two years.
• Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment for the 485 visa is required.
• Occupation: Your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Subclass 482 Visa – Temporary Skill Shortage (Medium Term) Visa

The Subclass 482 visa allows you to live and work in Australia for up to four years if sponsored by an Australian employer. This visa can be renewed multiple times. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Experience: At least two years of work experience in your nominated occupation.
• English Proficiency: An IELTS score of at least 5.0 overall, with no band lower than 5.0.
• Age: There is no age requirement for this visa.
• Sponsorship: You need to be sponsored by an Australian employer.
• Skills Assessment: Generally not required unless specified for your occupation.
• Health and Character: You must meet health and character requirements.

Study or Training Visa

Subclass 407 Visa – Training Visa

The Subclass 407 visa is a short-term visa for individuals participating in occupational training or professional development in Australia. This visa typically lasts up to two years. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): You must demonstrate a genuine intention to train in Australia and return home upon completion.
• English Proficiency: Functional English is required, with an IELTS score of 4.5 overall, with no band lower than 4.0.
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Sponsorship: You need to be sponsored by an approved temporary activities sponsor, such as an employer or Commonwealth agency.
• Health Insurance: Valid private health insurance is required.
• Health and Character: You must meet the health and character requirements.

Also Read: Visa Points Calculation for Australia 

Final Words

The pathway to practising as a physiotherapist in Australia involves several key steps, including obtaining a positive skills assessment, meeting English language requirements, and choosing the right visa option based on your circumstances and career goals.

For personalised advice on which visa to select, fill out this form, and we will get back to you.

If this smooth process towards becoming a physiotherapist in Australia interests you, join the APC Written Assessment Preparation Course and start your journey to Australia.