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Occupational Therapist – ANZSCO 252411

Occupational Therapist (ANZSCO 252411) is a skill level 1 occupation assessed by OTC for Australian skilled migration. It is on the MLTSSL, CSOL lists and can be used for subclass 189, subclass 190, subclass 491, subclass 491F, subclass 485, subclass 482, subclass 186, subclass 494, subclass 407. 7 of 8 states and territories currently nominate it.

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Quick facts

  • ANZSCO code: 252411
  • Skill level: 1 – Bachelor degree or higher, or at least 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Assessing authority: OTC
  • Occupation lists: MLTSSL, CSOL
  • English test for skills assessment: Required
  • ANZSCO unit group: 2524 Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapist job description and duties

Assesses functional limitations of people resulting from illnesses and disabilities, and provides therapy to enable people to perform their daily activities and occupations. Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks include

  • Assessing clients' emotional, psychological, developmental and physical capabilities using clinical observations and standardised tests
  • Assessing clients' functional potential in their home, leisure, work and school environments, and recommending environmental adaptations to maximise their performance
  • Planning and directing programs through the use of vocational, recreational, remedial, social and educational activities on an individual and group basis
  • Providing advice to family members, carers, employers and teachers about adapting clients' home, leisure, work and school environments
  • Providing adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs and splints, to assist clients to overcome their functional limitations
  • Working with other Health Professionals in overall case management of clients
  • Working with other professionals in providing specialist advice to specific client groups such as those requiring driver rehabilitation, third-party compensation and medico-legal representation
  • Recording clients' progress and maintaining professional relationships in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and ethical guidelines

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 Occupational Therapist

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: Eligible (via CSOL)
  • Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry: 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 Occupational Therapist

7 of 8 states and territories currently list this occupation: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory. Onshore means already living in that state; offshore means living outside Australia.

  • New South Wales: 190 Yes, 491 Closed 26–27, onshore NSW residents, offshore Yes. NSW Skills List — unit group 2524.
  • Victoria: 190 Yes, 491 Not yet open, onshore VIC residents, offshore Yes. All 190-eligible occupations (no state list).
  • Queensland: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore QLD residents, offshore Yes. Onshore list: 190 & 491; Offshore QSOL: 190 & 491.
  • South Australia: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore SA residents, offshore Yes. SA Graduates: 190 & 491; Skilled Employment in SA: 190 & 491; Outer Regional Skilled Employment: 190 & 491; Offshore: 190 & 491.
  • Western Australia: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore WA & interstate, offshore Yes. General – WASMOL Schedule 1: 190 & 491; Graduate stream (WA study): 190 & 491; Priority WA industry sector.
  • Tasmania: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore TAS residents, offshore 190 with job offer. Living in Tasmania: Skilled Employment, Graduate or Established Resident pathways; Overseas: 190 only with a Tasmanian health or education job offer; Overseas 491 (OSOP) closed for 2026–27.
  • Australian Capital Territory: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore Canberra residents, offshore Yes. ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List.
  • Northern Territory: 190 Closed, 491 By exception, onshore NT grads/residents only, offshore No. 491 onshore only, by exception for NT Graduate or Resident applicants with urgent visa or age deadlines.

Based on each state's official 2026–27 lists and program pages. Being listed does not guarantee an invitation.

Skills assessment for Occupational Therapist

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

OTC 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 OTC 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.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Occupational Therapist?

The ANZSCO code for Occupational Therapist is 252411. It is a skill level 1 occupation.

Who assesses Occupational Therapist for Australian migration?

Occupational Therapist is assessed by OTC. You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Occupational Therapist apply for?

Occupational Therapist is on the MLTSSL, CSOL lists, 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; 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream; 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry; 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored; 407 Training visa. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Which states nominate Occupational Therapist?

7 of 8 states and territories currently list Occupational Therapist: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory. Each state has extra criteria such as residence, employment and points.

Do I need an English test for the Occupational Therapist 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, OTC and state and territory nomination pages. Checked November 2026. General information only, not migration advice. Search all ANZSCO occupations.

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