Health · ANZSCO 252411
Occupational Therapist immigration to Australia & Canada
Occupational therapists help people participate in daily activities. In demand across Australia and Canada; registration applies.
Australia pathway
Skilled migration (189 / 190 / 491)
The Occupational Therapy Council assesses Occupational Therapist (ANZSCO 252411), with AHPRA registration through the Occupational Therapy Board. A positive skills assessment is required before an Expression of Interest. Points cover age, English, education, and experience; state nomination (190) or regional (491) can add points.
Canada pathway
Express Entry & 2026 category draws
2026 category: Healthcare and social services occupations
Within the renewed healthcare and social services category for 2026 draws. You will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and qualifying language scores. We help optimise your CRS and prepare a document-ready profile.
Why Occupational Therapist applications most often stall
Qualifications that combine occupational therapy with physiotherapy or general rehabilitation are frequently assessed as not equivalent. Confirm how your specific degree is treated before building a case around this occupation.
Based on files ImmiPace has reviewed. Last reviewed 2026-08-29.
Occupational Therapist migration — common questions
Is Occupational Therapist eligible for Australian skilled migration?
Occupational Therapist is assessed by Occupational Therapy Council for Australian skilled visas (subclass 189 Skilled Independent, 190 State Nominated, and 491 Regional). The Occupational Therapy Council assesses Occupational Therapist (ANZSCO 252411), with AHPRA registration through the Occupational Therapy Board. Occupation lists and state nomination criteria change, so always confirm current eligibility with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant assessing authority.
Which Canada Express Entry category does a Occupational Therapist fall under in 2026?
Occupational Therapist generally falls under Healthcare and social services occupations. Within the renewed healthcare and social services category for 2026 draws. For renewed categories IRCC requires at least one year of experience in an eligible occupation. Category eligibility can matter more than raising your CRS score, because category rounds frequently invite below the general cut-off.
Do I need registration or a licence to work as a Occupational Therapist in Australia?
AHPRA registration is required. Assessment focuses on whether your qualification meets Australian competency standards for occupational therapy practice. Registration and the migration skills assessment are separate processes with separate requirements, and passing one does not satisfy the other.
Why do Occupational Therapist skilled migration applications get refused or delayed?
Qualifications that combine occupational therapy with physiotherapy or general rehabilitation are frequently assessed as not equivalent. Confirm how your specific degree is treated before building a case around this occupation.
What documents does a Occupational Therapist need for a skills assessment?
Typically: degree certificates and transcripts, detailed employment reference letters matching the duties of the nominated occupation, CV, English test results, and identity documents. ImmiPace reviews your documents and prepares a submission-ready file.