With occupational therapist jobs in Australia in high demand, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the country’s growing healthcare opportunities. From hospitals and rehabilitation centers to aged care and disability services, skilled occupational therapists are needed across multiple sectors, with many employers offering visa sponsorship to attract international talent
If you’re a qualified occupational therapist, Australia offers exciting career opportunities with a high demand for skilled professionals in rehabilitation, aged care, disability services, and community health. As the country faces workforce shortages, there is a growing need for healthcare workers like internationally trained occupational therapists, and many employers offer jobs in Australia for occupational therapists with visa sponsorship to attract talent from overseas.
Immigrating to Australia as an occupational therapist offers career growth as well as job and economic security, making it an attractive option for professionals looking to expand their expertise. With expert support from Hitchcock & Associates, navigating the visa and registration process can be simplified, ensuring a smooth transition into the Australian healthcare system.
It is a requirement for all internationally qualified practitioners, seeking registration to practise in Australia, to successfully complete a cultural responsiveness and awareness training programme through the OTC, before registering with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Registration ensures compliance with industry standards and is necessary before applying for jobs.
Moving to Australia as an occupational therapist involves a structured process that includes skills assessment, professional registration, and securing the right visa. With occupational therapist jobs in Australia in high demand, healthcare professionals have several visa pathways to immigrate, particularly through employer sponsorship or independent skilled immigration programs.
Before applying, confirm that your occupational therapy qualifications meet Australian standards. Occupational therapists trained outside of Australia must complete a skills assessment to ensure their education and experience align with national healthcare regulations.
The Occupational Therapy Council (OTC) is responsible for assessing internationally trained occupational therapists. The process typically includes:
- Qualification review: Ensuring your degree meets Australian standards.
- Competency Assessment (if required): Some applicants may need to complete additional assessments or supervised practice.
This step is critical, as passing the OTC assessment is required for professional registration and visa applications.
Most visa pathways require occupational therapists to demonstrate English proficiency through a recognised test such as Pearson PTE (Pearson Test of English). Minimum score requirements vary depending on the visa and registration body, so it’s important to check the latest guidelines.
There are multiple visa options available for occupational therapists migrating to Australia, including:
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – A temporary employer-sponsored visa for occupational therapists with a job offer from an Australian employer willing to sponsor them.
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – A points-tested permanent residency visa that allows skilled professionals to immigrate without employer sponsorship.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – A points-tested permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory.
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – A points-tested provision visa with a pathway to permanent residency for professionals willing to work in designated regional areas.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – A permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer. It is a direct PR pathway available to eligible healthcare professionals with a full-time job offer from an employer meeting the nomination requirements.
Employers actively recruit occupational therapists for jobs in Australia, and securing visa sponsorship can simplify the immigration process.
Once your visa is approved, you can start preparing for your move. Some (not all) healthcare providers offer relocation assistance, and some employers provide professional development programs to help internationally trained occupational therapists adapt to Australia’s healthcare system.
Migrating to Australia as an occupational therapist involves several costs, including visa application fees, skills assessment charges, professional registration fees, and relocation expenses. While the total cost varies based on individual circumstances, it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition
The Department of Home Affairs sets visa application fees, which depend on the visa subclass you apply for. Visa fees are updated periodically, so it’s recommended to check the latest costs on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Internationally trained occupational therapists must complete a skills assessment through the Occupational Therapy Council (OTC) before applying for a visa. This process may include application review fees and competency assessments.
The cost of these assessments varies depending on the applicant’s country of training and assessment requirements.
To meet visa and registration requirements, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test such as Pearson PTE (Pearson Test of English).
Testing fees depend on the provider and location of the test.
Before practising as an occupational therapist in Australia, you must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Registration costs may include:
- Application processing fees
- Annual registration fees
- Additional costs for document verification
Aside from visa and registration expenses, other practical costs include:
- Health and Character Checks – Medical examinations and police clearance certificates.
- Relocation Expenses – Flights, accommodation, and shipping personal belongings.
- Legal and Immigration Assistance – If using a migration agent, there may be service fees for visa support.
While immigrating to Australia involves financial planning, occupational therapists benefit from widespread job prospects, competitive salaries, and the potential for permanent residency.
Your ability to bring family members depends on the type of visa you apply for. If you are sponsored by an employer, visas such as the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) allow dependents to accompany you, with your spouse having work rights and children being able to enroll in school.
Alternatively, permanent visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) enable your family to immigrate with you immediately, granting them full residency rights. If you opt for a regional work visa (Subclass 491), your family can also join you, though you must commit to living in a designated regional area for a specified period.
Bringing your family to Australia can provide them with valuable opportunities. Your partner may be eligible to work, either in a full-time or part-time capacity, depending on your visa conditions. If you decide to immigrate alone first, there are options to sponsor your family later, such as applying for a family visa once you secure permanent residency. This allows flexibility, giving you time to establish yourself in Australia before arranging for your family to join you.
Moving to Australia as an occupational therapist is not a quick, straightforward process. It’s a commitment but a worthwhile one. With the time, energy and finances you’re investing into your future, it makes sense to partner with a migration agency like Hitchcock & Associates that can advise on the best possible visa pathways, immigration legislation and must-know relocation suggestions.
