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Speech Pathologist – ANZSCO 252712

Speech Pathologist (ANZSCO 252712) is a skill level 1 occupation assessed by SPA 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: 252712
  • Skill level: 1 – Bachelor degree or higher, or at least 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Assessing authority: SPA
  • Occupation lists: MLTSSL, CSOL
  • English test for skills assessment: Check with the authority
  • ANZSCO unit group: 2527 Audiologists and Speech Pathologists / Therapists

Speech Pathologist job description and duties

Provides diagnostic assessment and management of disorders of communication and swallowing through direct intervention, education, consultancy, advocacy, or a combination of these approaches.

Also known as: Speech Therapist

Tasks include

  • Assessing and diagnosing the extent of client hearing loss using a wide range of techniques, including audiometric tests
  • Reporting results of assessments and tests in writing and making referrals to medical practitioners
  • Recommending solutions to those with hearing impairment including amplification, implantable devices, medical interventions and assistive listening devices and providing aural rehabilitation programs
  • Providing counselling, advice and information to clients and families as a part of overall treatment
  • Assisting with the development and management of noise control and hearing conservation strategies
  • Administering standardised and informal tests and observing clients to determine the nature and extent of their communication disorders or swallowing difficulties
  • Providing treatment and management of speech, language, learning and communication disorders that may be developmental, part of a disability, or acquired as a result of injury or disease
  • Advising on the positioning of the body and on the textures of food and fluids which assists an individual to eat and swallow safely without choking
  • Providing information and education to health professionals, early childhood educators and teachers, and support and counselling to individuals affected by communication and swallowing difficulties, and to their families and carers.

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).

Visa options for Speech Pathologist

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 Speech Pathologist

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 2527.
  • 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 Speech Pathologist

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

SPA 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 SPA skills assessment

SPA sets its own English rule for this occupation. Many professional and registration bodies ask for IELTS Academic 7 or equivalent, so check before you book a test.

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 2527

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Speech Pathologist?

The ANZSCO code for Speech Pathologist is 252712. It is a skill level 1 occupation.

Who assesses Speech Pathologist for Australian migration?

Speech Pathologist is assessed by SPA. You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Speech Pathologist apply for?

Speech Pathologist 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 Speech Pathologist?

7 of 8 states and territories currently list Speech Pathologist: 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 Speech Pathologist skills assessment?

SPA sets its own English rule; check its website. The visa itself needs at least Competent English (for example IELTS 6 in each band).

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

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