Physiotherapist — Subclass 186 Pathway
Employer Nomination Scheme visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,770 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~6-15 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Physiotherapist for migration purposes is handled by: APC.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Physiotherapist × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Physiotherapist (ANZSCO 252511) is eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, a permanent employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to work and live in Australia when nominated by an approved employer. Inclusion on the relevant skilled occupation list enables this profession to access employer-sponsored permanent migration to Australia. The 186 ENS pathway requires an approved employer nomination and does not involve a points test. The employer must demonstrate the position cannot be filled by an available Australian worker and must comply with all sponsorship obligations. The sponsoring business must hold approved employer status, and the nominated position must match the applicant's assessed skills and be offered at market salary rates. Labour market testing must be completed prior to nomination. A positive skills assessment from the Physiotherapy Board of Australia via AHPRA is required before applying. Applicants must demonstrate qualifications and relevant experience meeting Australian standards for the Physiotherapist occupation. English language proficiency, health, and character requirements must all be satisfied. Registration with AHPRA is mandatory before commencing practice in Australia. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 186. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at application (with limited exemptions)
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Nominated by an approved Australian employer
- Positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation (Direct Entry stream)
- At least three years of relevant work experience (Direct Entry stream)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Physiotherapist
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Physiotherapist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.