For internationally qualified allied health professionals, Australia offers some of the most accessible and rewarding permanent residency (PR) pathways, especially in high-demand roles such as physiotherapists, psychologists, radiographers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and social workers.
These professions are consistently listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), allowing qualified candidates to access employer sponsorship, state nomination, and independent skilled visas.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- The best PR pathways for these in-demand professions
- Visa subclasses that support PR
- How regional work and employer sponsorship can fast-track your migration
- How MedMigration can support your journey
Why Are Allied Health Professionals in Demand?
Australia’s healthcare system faces growing pressure from:
✅ An ageing population
✅ Increased chronic disease rates
✅ Mental health service demand
✅ National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) expansion
✅ Regional workforce shortages
As a result, allied health professionals are critical to healthcare delivery, and many roles are flagged for skilled migration with a clear path to PR.
Top PR Pathways for High-Demand Allied Health Professions
✅ Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa (Points-Based PR)
🔹 No job offer required
🔹 Must have an occupation on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
🔹 Requires a positive skills assessment and sufficient points (65+ minimum)
Best for:
✔ Physiotherapists
✔ Psychologists
✔ Occupational Therapists
✔ Medical Laboratory Scientists
✔ Radiographers
✔ Speech Pathologists
✅ Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa (State-Sponsored PR)
🔹 Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory
🔹 Slightly easier points requirement (as you get 5 points for nomination)
🔹 Must commit to working in the nominating state for 2 years
Best for:
✔ Social Workers
✔ Audiologists
✔ Sonographers
✔ Dietitians
✔ Podiatrists
📌 Tip: State nomination criteria vary — some require prior work experience in the state, while others accept offshore applicants.
✅ Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
🔹 A 5-year provisional visa for working in regional areas (MMM 2–7)
🔹 Offers a pathway to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years
🔹 Receives an extra 15 points toward the points test
Best for:
✔ Allied health professionals willing to work in regional/rural areas
✔ Applicants seeking employer or family nomination in regional zones
📌 Find regional areas using the Health Workforce Locator
✅ Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (Direct Entry PR)
🔹 For professionals with at least 3 years of relevant work experience
🔹 Requires employer sponsorship from an approved Australian business
🔹 Offers direct PR without needing to meet the points test
Best for:
✔ Experienced physiotherapists, radiographers, or psychologists
✔ Professionals currently on Subclass 482 (TSS) visa looking to transition to PR
✅ Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa → PR Pathway
🔹 A temporary visa, but often used as a stepping stone to PR
🔹 Allows sponsored work for up to 4 years
🔹 After 2-3 years, eligible for Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) PR
Best for:
✔ Allied health workers needing sponsorship to enter Australia
✔ Graduates of Australian universities or professionals with overseas experience
Visa Eligibility Checklist for Allied Health Professionals
Before applying, ensure you meet the following:
✅ Your occupation is on the MLTSSL or STSOL
✅ You have a positive skills assessment from the relevant body (e.g. AHPRA, SPA, AASW)
✅ You meet English language requirements (usually IELTS 7.0 or OET B)
✅ You have relevant qualifications and experience
✅ You meet health and character requirements
How MedMigration Can Help You
At MedMigration, we provide expert support for: ✔ Assessing your eligibility for PR and skilled migration
✔ Guiding you through skills assessment (AHPRA, SPA, AASW, etc.)
✔ Connecting you with employers who offer visa sponsorship
✔ Helping you explore regional opportunities for Subclass 491 and 186
✔ Supporting your application for PR once eligible
Final Thoughts: Secure Your PR the Smart Way
For physiotherapists, psychologists, radiographers, speech pathologists, and other allied health professionals, PR in Australia is not only possible — it’s encouraged. With the right guidance and support, your qualifications can unlock a long-term, stable career down under.
🚀 Ready to start your PR journey?
✅ Learn more at MedMigration
✅ Check current visa eligibility at Home Affairs – Skilled Visas
📌 Don’t wait — demand for allied health workers is only growing. Let MedMigration help you make Australia home.
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