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Osteopath – ANZSCO 252112

Osteopath (ANZSCO 252112) is a skill level 1 occupation assessed by AOAC for Australian skilled migration. It is on the MLTSSL list and can be used for subclass 189, subclass 190, subclass 491, subclass 491F, subclass 485, subclass 494, subclass 407. No state or territory currently nominates it.

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Quick facts

  • ANZSCO code: 252112
  • Skill level: 1 – Bachelor degree or higher, or at least 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Assessing authority: AOAC
  • Occupation lists: MLTSSL
  • English test for skills assessment: Required
  • ANZSCO unit group: 2521 Chiropractors and Osteopaths

Osteopath job description and duties

Diagnoses and treats tissue strains, stresses and dysfunctions which impede normal neural, vascular and biochemical mechanisms, and provides advice on preventing these disorders. Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks include

  • Administering a variety of neurological, musculoskeletal and functional tests to identify and assess physical problems and ailments of patients
  • Planning and discussing effective management of patients' dysfunction
  • Designing, reviewing, monitoring, assessing and evaluating treatment programs
  • Assisting and improving the function of all body systems such as musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine and genitourinary systems
  • Recording detailed patient medical histories, treatments delivered and the patients' responses and progress to treatments
  • Referring patients to specialists and liaising with other Health Professionals in relation to patients' problems, needs and progress
  • Educating patients, their partners, family and friends in therapeutic procedures, such as home exercises and lifestyle changes, to enhance patients' health and wellbeing

Education and skill level

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). Registration or licensing is required.

Visa options for Osteopath

Eligible means the occupation is on a list the visa accepts. You still need to meet every other requirement.

  • Subclass 189 Skilled Independent: Eligible (via MLTSSL)
  • Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL)
  • Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
  • Subclass 491F Skilled Work Regional – Family sponsored: Eligible (via MLTSSL)
  • Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate – Post-Vocational Education Work: Eligible (via MLTSSL)
  • Subclass 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream: Not eligible (via CSOL)
  • Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry: Not eligible (via CSOL)
  • Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
  • Subclass 407 Training visa: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)

State and territory nomination for Osteopath

This occupation is not on the federal lists for the 190 or 491 visas, so no state or territory can nominate it. Employer-sponsored visas may still apply.

Skills assessment for Osteopath

This authority assesses whether your qualifications (and, for some occupations, registration or work experience) meet the Australian standard for this occupation. Requirements are set by the authority and approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

The process

  1. Confirm the authority: Check that this body assesses your occupation for your visa.
  2. Check criteria: Read the qualification, registration, experience and English requirements.
  3. Prepare documents: Qualifications, transcripts, ID and any registration or employment evidence.
  4. Apply and pay: Lodge with the authority, usually online.
  5. Outcome: Use your outcome letter for your EOI and visa.

What you need for this occupation

AOAC sets the criteria for this occupation. Requirements usually cover qualification level and field, any registration or licence, and in some cases work experience and English.

Documents checklist

  • Passport
  • Qualification certificates and full transcripts
  • Registration or licence evidence (if applicable)
  • Employment references (if applicable)
  • English test results (if required)

English language requirement

For the AOAC skills assessment

English test required. You must meet the Ahpra/National Board English language skills registration standard (or be exempt, e.g. by studying in a recognised English-speaking country). Scores below apply to tests taken on or after 23 April 2026, from one sitting or two sittings within 12 months; results are generally valid for 2 years.

  • IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall; Listening 7.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 6.5, Speaking 7.0
  • PTE Academic: 63 overall; Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 60, Speaking 76
  • OET: Listening 350, Reading 360, Writing 350, Speaking 360
  • TOEFL iBT: 91 overall; Listening 22, Reading 22, Writing 23, Speaking 24
  • Online or at-home test versions are not accepted.
  • Nurses and midwives: check the NMBA version of the standard, which has its own pathways.

For the visa (189, 190 and 491)

Separately, the visa needs at least Competent English. Minimum scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:

  • IELTS (Academic or General): Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0
  • PTE Academic: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
  • TOEFL iBT: Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
  • OET: Listening 290, Reading 310, Writing 290, Speaking 330

Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior English adds 20 points in the points test.

Related occupations in unit group 2521

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Osteopath?

The ANZSCO code for Osteopath is 252112. It is a skill level 1 occupation.

Who assesses Osteopath for Australian migration?

Osteopath is assessed by AOAC. You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Osteopath apply for?

Osteopath is on the MLTSSL list, so it can be used for: 189 Skilled Independent; 190 Skilled Nominated; 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated; 491F Skilled Work Regional – Family sponsored; 485 Temporary Graduate – Post-Vocational Education Work; 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored; 407 Training visa. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Which states nominate Osteopath?

No state or territory currently lists Osteopath for 190 or 491 nomination.

Do I need an English test for the Osteopath skills assessment?

Yes. You must meet the Ahpra/National Board English language skills registration standard (or be exempt, e.g. by studying in a recognised English-speaking country). Scores below apply to tests taken on or after 23 April 2026, from one sitting or two sittings within 12 months; results are generally valid for 2 years.

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO 2022 (CC BY 4.0), Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation lists, AOAC and state and territory nomination pages. Checked November 2026. General information only, not migration advice. Search all ANZSCO occupations.

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