Australia is experiencing a high demand for physiotherapists, with growing job opportunities across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, aged care facilities, and private clinics. If you’re a qualified physiotherapist looking to move to Australia, now is the perfect time to explore your immigration options.
With various visa pathways, employer sponsorship opportunities, and competitive salaries, Australia provides an excellent environment for physiotherapists seeking career growth and long-term stability. If you’re ready to take the next step, Hitchcock & Associates can provide expert guidance to ensure a smooth and successful immigration process.
Yes, qualified physiotherapists can move to Australia, as physiotherapy remains an in-demand healthcare profession in the country. With a growing aging population, increasing rehabilitation needs, and workforce shortages in both urban and regional areas, there are many physiotherapist jobs in Australia, and employers are actively seeking skilled professionals from overseas.
Moving to Australia as a qualified physiotherapist involves several important steps. Given the high demand for physiotherapist jobs in Australia, the country provides multiple pathways for skilled professionals to immigrate, particularly through employer sponsorship or independent skilled immigration programs.
Before applying, ensure your physiotherapy qualifications meet Australian standards. Australia requires all internationally trained physiotherapists to undergo a skills assessment to verify that their education and experience align with national healthcare regulations.
The Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) is responsible for assessing internationally trained physiotherapists. The skills assessment process typically involves:
- Credentialing stage: Reviewing your qualifications and verifying that they meet Australian requirements.
- Written Exam (if required): Some applicants must complete a written assessment to demonstrate their knowledge.
- Clinical Assessment (if required): Depending on your country of training, you may need to complete a practical assessment.
Passing the APC assessment is a key requirement for applying for physiotherapist jobs in Australia and obtaining professional registration.
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through a recognised test such as Pearson PTE (Pearson Test of English).
Each visa subclass and regulatory body has different minimum score requirements, so it is essential to check the latest guidelines before taking the test.
There are several visa options available for physiotherapists looking to immigrate to Australia:
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – An employer-sponsored visa thats temporary for physiotherapists who have a confirmed job offer.
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – For physiotherapists who meet the points requirements and do not need employer sponsorship wanting permanent residency.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – Requires nomination by a specific Australian state or territory. Points-tested and leads to permanent residency.
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – For physiotherapists willing to work in designated regional areas. It is 5-years provisional and is points-tested.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Grants permanent residency to skilled workers who have been nominated by an approved Australian employer. It provides an opportunity for eligible healthcare professionals with a full-time job offer from a sponsoring employer to secure permanent residency in Australia.
If you secure a job in Australia as a physiotherapist, your employer may offer visa sponsorship, making the immigration process easier.
To work as a physiotherapist in Australia, you must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (BPA) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Registration ensures that you meet Australia’s healthcare standards and are legally eligible to practice. Once registered, you can apply for physiotherapy jobs in Australia and begin working in clinical settings
Once your visa is granted, you can relocate to Australia and start your career as a physiotherapist. Many healthcare providers offer onboarding support, professional development opportunities, and some relocation assistance for internationally trained physiotherapists.
The cost of immigrating to Australia as a physiotherapist depends on several factors, including visa application fees, skills assessment costs, registration fees, and relocation expenses. While the exact amount varies based on individual circumstances, it is important to plan ahead to ensure a smooth immigration process.
The Department of Home Affairs charges visa application fees, which vary depending on the visa subclass you apply for. Visa fees change periodically, so it is recommended to check the latest costs on the Department of Home Affairs website.
To work in Australia, international physiotherapists must have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC). The skills assessment process typically involves:
- Application and document verification fees
- Written examination fees (if required)
- Clinical assessment fees (if required)
Most visa applications require English language proficiency, which means taking an approved test such as Pearson PTE (Pearson Test of English). Testing fees vary depending on the test provider and country of application.
Before practicing as a physiotherapist in Australia, you must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Registration fees may include:
- Application processing fees
- Annual registration fees
- Additional costs for documentation verification
Aside from visa and registration expenses, other practical costs include:
- Health and Character Checks – Medical examinations and police clearance certificates.
- Relocation Costs – Flights, temporary accommodation, and shipping personal belongings.
- Legal and Immigration Assistance – If you work with a migration agent, there may be service fees for visa application support.
While immigrating to Australia involves financial investment, physiotherapists benefit from Australia’s strong economy, competitive salaries, and opportunities for permanent residency.
Immigrating for a physiotherapist job in Australia is a significant step, and many professionals want to know whether their spouse, partner, or children can join them. The answer depends on the type of visa you apply for, but in most cases, Australia provides pathways for family members to move with you.
If you’re applying for a visa that allows family sponsorship, your loved ones may be able to live, work, and study in Australia while you begin your new career. Some visas automatically allow family inclusion, while others may require additional applications or sponsorship at a later stage.
If you immigrate to Australia first, there are still options to sponsor your family members later. Depending on your visa, you may be able to apply for a family reunion visa or add them to your permanent residency application.
Immigrating can be a complex process if you go it alone. Hitchcock & Associates is here to help make the experience as seamless and straightforward as possible, providing you with tailored advice according to your credentials and visa opportunities. Consult with us and discover how we can help make your move to Australia a reality.
