Purpose of the Visa 482
- Addresses workforce shortages in Australia’s public and private healthcare sectors, especially in regional and rural areas.
- Provides skilled international physiotherapists with a way to gain clinical experience in Australia.
- Visa duration of up to 4 years, depending on contract and nomination terms.
- May lead to permanent residency, offering career and lifestyle security.
Eligibility Requirements for Physiotherapists
1. Be Nominated by an Approved Australian Employer
- You must secure a job offer and be nominated by an employer who is registered as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).
- The nominated role must be listed under Physiotherapist (ANZSCO Code: 252511) on the Core Skills Occupation List.
2. Hold Appropriate Qualifications and Experience
- You must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physiotherapy or equivalent.
- A minimum of 2 years of relevant clinical experience is typically required.
- Full registration or limited registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is essential before you can practice in Australia.
3. Meet English Language Proficiency Standards
You must provide evidence of passing one of the following English tests:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 7.0 in each band (as required by AHPRA).
- OET: At least B grade in each component.
- PTE Academic: Minimum of 65 in each communicative skill.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 94, with a minimum of 24 in listening, 24 in reading, 27 in writing, and 23 in speaking.
4. Fulfill Health and Character Checks
- Complete health examinations (standard medical check-up).
Submit police clearance certificates from each country you’ve lived in for 12+ months during the past 10 years.
Registration with AHPRA (Australian Physiotherapy Board)
Before you can begin work as a physiotherapist, registration with AHPRA is mandatory. You’ll need to:
- Undergo a qualification assessment.
- Provide proof of English proficiency.
- Submit documentation of your clinical experience and academic transcripts.
- In some cases, complete the Physiotherapy Competency Assessment (if qualifications are not deemed substantially equivalent).
Employer Responsibilities
Your sponsoring employer must:
- Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).
- Demonstrate they are unable to fill the role with an Australian citizen or permanent resident (Labour Market Testing).
- Offer a full-time employment contract and pay a salary of at least AUD $73,150 per year (excluding superannuation) to meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
Visa Conditions and Work Rights
- You must work only for the nominating employer and in the nominated physiotherapy position.
- Any change in employer or position must be re-nominated and approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
- You are expected to comply with all Australian laws, including professional codes of conduct under AHPRA.
Family Members
You may include immediate family members (partner and dependent children) in your application. They will be granted:
- Work and study rights in Australia (subject to visa conditions).
- Access to healthcare and schooling under Australian laws.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After a qualifying period, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through:
- Employer Nomination Scheme – Subclass 186 (Temporary Residence Transition stream).
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme – Subclass 187, if employed in a designated regional area.
Step-by-Step Checklist for International Physiotherapists
Pre-Application Preparation
Applicant Requirements
- Ensure your occupation is listed as Physiotherapist (252511) on the Core Skills Occupation List.
- Have at least 2 years’ post-qualification experience in physiotherapy.
- Obtain AHPRA registration (mandatory before you can work).
- Complete an accepted English language test.
- Gather medical and police clearances.
Documents to Prepare
- Valid passport
- Academic qualifications (degrees, diplomas, transcripts)
- Resume detailing clinical experience
- AHPRA registration certificate (or evidence of application)
- English language test results
- Skills assessment (if required)
- Health insurance
- Medical and police clearance reports
Employer-Side Requirements
Employer Must:
- Be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).
- Provide evidence of Labour Market Testing (LMT).
- Nominate the physiotherapist for the specific role with terms of employment.
- Salary Offer: From 1 July 2025, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) increases from AUD $73,150 to $76,515. Your employment offer must meet or exceed this amount.
Application Process for the Subclass 482 Visa
Step 1: Secure Employer Sponsorship
- Find an eligible employer willing to sponsor your visa.
- Ensure they complete LMT and submit the nomination.
Step 2: Submit Visa Application via ImmiAccount
- Create or log into your account on the ImmiAccount portal.
- Fill in your personal details and upload all required documents.
- Pay the application fee (approx. AUD 1,455 for the main applicant).
Step 3: Wait for Outcome
- Respond promptly to any requests for further documents or biometrics.
- Monitor your ImmiAccount for status updates.
Post-Approval Obligations
As a Visa Holder
- Work exclusively for the employer and role for which you were nominated.
- Notify Home Affairs if you plan to change employers or your role changes.
- Renew your AHPRA registration annually and maintain professional conduct.
As an Employer
- Inform Home Affairs if:
- Your employment ends
- The role changes significantly
- The business is sold or ceases operation
- Your employment ends
Advantages for International Physiotherapists
- Opportunity to gain clinical experience in a world-class healthcare system.
- Access to continued professional development (CPD) in Australia. It is necessary for physiotherapists to attain CPD certification from Physiotherapy CPD Courses.
- Bring your family with work and study rights.
- Pathway to permanent residency and long-term settlement.
- Competitive salary and strong demand for skilled physiotherapists across hospitals, private clinics, aged care, and rehabilitation sectors.
There are numerous physiotherapist jobs available across major cities and regional areas—with strong salary expectations and relocation support from employers.
Average Physiotherapist Earnings in Australia:
- Entry-level: AUD $65,000 – $80,000/year
- Mid-career: AUD $85,000 – $100,000/year
- Senior roles: AUD $110,000+ (Values may vary based on location and experience.)
Physical Therapy in Australia: What to Expect
The Australian healthcare system embraces a holistic approach to physical therapy, and physiotherapists are integral in managing post-operative care, chronic pain, sports injuries, and disability rehabilitation.
As a physiotherapist in Australia, you’ll work alongside GPs, orthopedic specialists, nurses, and occupational therapists to deliver patient-focused care using evidence-based treatment protocols.
Visa Options for Physiotherapists in Australia: The Bigger Picture
Besides the Skills in Demand Visa, here are other options for physiotherapists:
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): PR pathway after 2 years under SID
- Subclass 189 or 190 (Skilled Independent or State-Sponsored Visas): Points-tested PR
- Subclass 494 (Regional Employer Sponsored): For working in rural/regional areas
The Skills in Demand – Core Skills Stream offers the most immediate and employer-connected pathway right now.
How Physiomates Supports Physiotherapists
At Physiomates, we make your migration journey smooth and successful. Here’s what we do:
Career Consultation and Planning
We assess your background and help identify the best visa options for physiotherapists in your situation.
AHPRA & APC Guidance
We walk you through every step of skill assessment for physiotherapists in Australia—application documents, exam prep, mock tests, and timelines.
Employer Connection and Job Placement
We connect you with verified Australian employers actively seeking skilled physiotherapists.
End-to-End Visa Support
From documentation to lodging your application, we make sure nothing is missed.
Ready to Start Your Physiotherapy Career in Australia?
Australia’s healthcare system needs qualified physiotherapists, and with the new Skill in Demand Visa, your opportunity to live, work, and build a future in Australia has never been better.
Whether you’re looking for guidance on physiotherapist jobs, visa sponsorship, or professional registration, Physiomates is here to help.
Let’s build your future in physiotherapy in Australia—step by step.
