This page describes the assessment pathways for internationally qualified occupational therapists in Australia, including a transition to new registration processes through AHPRA effective October 27, 2025, and ongoing skilled migration assessments conducted by the Occupational Therapy Council.
Important note
As of October 27, 2025, OTC is no longer accepting Stage 1 applications. New registration pathways are coordinated by AHPRA (phone: 1300 419 495). Applications submitted to OTC before October 27, 2025 will continue to be processed under previous processes with associated fees. OTC continues to assess applications for skilled migration purposes on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs. A glossary of acronyms and a 2025 Step-by-step process guide are available on the website.
Eligibility Criteria
5 criteria- Internationally qualified occupational therapists seeking registration in Australia must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA)
- Qualification must be assessed by AHPRA to determine if accepted for general registration
- Some internationally qualified occupational therapists may need to complete a Competence assessment during supervised practice under limited registration
- Applications submitted to OTC prior to October 27, 2025 will continue to be processed under previous Stage 1 and Stage 2 processes
- Skilled migration applicants must apply directly to OTC for migration assessment purposes
- Completed Assessment for migration application form
- Occupational therapy qualification documentation for AHPRA assessment