Allied Health Professionals: Australian Visas and Skills Assessment
Information current as at October 2026. Rules, fees and lists change often, so check your own circumstances with us before you act.
Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, radiographers, sonographers, speech pathologists, dietitians and many other allied health professionals are in demand across Australia, especially in regional areas, aged care, disability services and mental health. Most allied health occupations are on the Core Skills Occupation List for employer sponsored visas, and many appear on state nomination lists.
Your route has three parts: professional recognition (registration or professional association membership), a migration skills assessment if you need one for your visa, and the visa itself. This page explains each part and how they connect.
Is your profession registered or self-regulated?
This decides whether you need Ahpra registration before you can work.
These professions are regulated by a National Board through Ahpra, and you must be registered before you practise:
- Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology and pharmacy
- Medical radiation practice (diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine)
- Optometry, podiatry, chiropractic and osteopathy
- Dental practice (dentists, dental hygienists, therapists and prosthetists)
- Paramedicine, Chinese medicine, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practice
Each Board has its own pathway for overseas-qualified practitioners. Several use an accreditation council to assess you first, which can involve written exams, clinical assessments or supervised practice.
Common skills assessing authorities
For points-tested visas and the 186 Direct Entry and 494 visas, you need a positive skills assessment from the authority for your occupation. Check your exact occupation code before you apply, as requirements and fees change.
| Occupation | Assessing authority |
|---|---|
| Physiotherapist | Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) |
| Occupational Therapist | Occupational Therapy Council of Australia (OTC) |
| Pharmacist (hospital, retail, industrial) | Australian Pharmacy Council (APharmC) |
| Psychologists | Australian Psychological Society (APS) |
| Dentist and dental specialists | Australian Dental Council (ADC) |
| Diagnostic radiographer | Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) |
| Sonographer | ASMIRT |
| Optometrist | Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) |
| Speech Pathologist | Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) |
| Dietitian | Dietitians Australia |
| Audiologist | VETASSESS |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) |
The occupation links go to our main site occupation pages, which show the current visa lists for each code.
Visa options for allied health professionals
| Visa | When it suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand (482) | You have a job offer from an approved sponsor | Most allied health occupations are on the CSOL. Salary at least $79,423 from 1 July 2026. |
| Employer Nomination (186) | Permanent residence through an employer | TRT after two years on a 482, or Direct Entry with a skills assessment and three years of experience. |
| State nominated (190 / 491) | You want residence without being tied to one employer | Points tested; each state sets its own allied health lists and conditions. |
| Skilled Independent (189) | High points and an occupation on the long-term list | Many allied health occupations are on the long-term list; check your code. |
| Regional (494 and DAMA) | A regional employer or a DAMA region | DAMAs can help with disability and aged care roles not on the standard lists. |
Healthcare roles are in the highest processing priority group under Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 (from 19 September 2026).
Typical steps
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Ahpra registration before my 482 is granted?
If your profession is regulated by Ahpra, you need registration (or evidence that you will be registered) for the job, and visa conditions require you to hold it. Plan the start date around the registration timeline.
Is a skills assessment the same as registration?
No. A skills assessment is for migration. Registration lets you practise. Some authorities use registration as part of the assessment, but you usually need both for skilled visas.
Can a disability or aged care provider sponsor me?
Yes, if it is an approved sponsor and your occupation is eligible. Support worker roles are often not on the standard lists, but a DAMA or labour agreement may help.
Does a regional job help me get permanent residence?
Often, yes. Regional roles can lead to the 494 and 191, and some states give extra priority to people living and working regionally.
How long does a skills assessment take?
It varies by authority and whether your file is complete. Some take a few weeks, others several months, especially where exams or clinical assessments are involved.
Common mistakes to avoid
Choosing the wrong occupation code
Your code must match your actual duties and qualifications. A mismatch between the skills assessment, the nomination and the job description is a common reason for delays and refusals.
Letting the skills assessment or English test expire
Skills assessments and English tests have validity periods. Check they will still be valid on the date you are invited or lodge your visa.
Assuming registration in another country transfers automatically
Apart from Trans-Tasman mutual recognition for some New Zealand practitioners, overseas registration does not transfer. You need to apply to the relevant Board.
Accepting a contractor arrangement
Many visas need a genuine employee position. Independent contractor or sessional arrangements in private practice may not support a nomination, so check before you sign.
Related pages
Keep reading on our health professionals site: