Allied Health - Occupational Therapists in Australia

Skill level

The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skills Occupation Information

Amount of points Awarded for General Skilled Migration: 60.
Occupational Therapists are on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL);
Sydney and Selected Areas Skill Shortage List (SSASSL);
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENSOL);
Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL);

Skills assessment authority

Before you can migrate to Australia as a skilled migrant you must have your skills assessed by the relevant national assessment authority. The assessment authority for your occupation is:

Council of Occupational therapists Registration Board (COTRB)

The Council of Occupational Therapists Registration Board (COTRB) undertakes assessments of overseas qualified occupational therapists for skilled migration to Australia.
To be eligible for recognition by COTRB you must have an appropriate degree which is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) and is equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree, be officially recognised and of good standing as an occupational therapist in the country in which you were educated or practiced and, meet English Language requirements as determined by COTRB. If you are found suitable for practice/ migration in Australia following successful completion of the Stage I - Desk Top Audit you will generally need to undergo a practice audit of six months duration (Stage II).

Licensing or registration requirements

In many occupations you must be registered with or obtain a license from a local authority in the state or territory where you wish to practise your occupation.

There are no legal requirements for licensing or registration in the following states:

  • New South Wales
  • Victoria
  • Tasmania
  • Australian Capital Territory

Queensland
Registration is compulsory.

South Australia
Registration is compulsory.

Western Australia
Registration is compulsory.

Northern Territory
Registration is compulsory.

Additional training

You may require additional training in Australia before you can get your skills recognised, licensed or registered. For more information contact the relevant state or territory licensing or registration body listed above. You can also check with the Overseas Qualifications Unit in your state or territory.

Industry association memberships

You may benefit from becoming a member of a relevant industry association for your occupation. This could help you with your employment prospects, networking, contact with industry and professional development and may provide you with important information and support.

New South Wales
OT Australia NSW
Unit 20, 8 Avenue of Americas
Newington NSW 2127
Telephone: 612 9648 3225
Fax: 612 9737 0023

Victoria
OT Australia (Victorian Branch)
Suite 4, 430 Rae Street
North Fitzroy VIC 3068
Telephone: 61 3 9481 6866
Fax: 61 3 9481 6844
Email: info@otausvic.com.au
Website: http://www.otausvic.com.au

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship website