Podiatry sits on Australia's MLTSSL — meaning long-term national demand and access to some of the strongest permanent residency pathways available. Here's every step to get there.
Jobs and Skills Australia has repeatedly flagged podiatry as an occupation in shortage across multiple states and territories — particularly in regional and outer-metropolitan areas.
South African podiatry qualifications from accredited universities are generally well regarded by ANZPAC, the migration skills assessing body.
As a South African trained in English-medium tertiary education, you're well positioned to meet — and often exceed — Competent or Proficient English requirements.
Registered podiatrists in Australia typically earn AUD 95,000–115,000 per year once established, with private practice and regional roles often paying higher.
Several pathways allow you to include a spouse/partner and dependent children, with skilled visas generally providing full work rights for partners.
The shift in earning power alone is a primary driver — but weigh it alongside registration, relocation costs, and the time investment of the process.
Podiatry is a regulated health profession — you'll be registered through AHPRA, ensuring professional standards and public safety.
Important: None of this means the pathway is quick or automatic. Before any visa is lodged you must clear a skills assessment and, in most cases, secure registration with the Podiatry Board of Australia. Understanding that sequence early saves months of wasted effort.
Podiatrist (ANZSCO 252611) currently sits on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) — the most valuable list to be on.
Click items to check them off as you complete them
Unlike many skilled occupations, podiatry is a regulated health profession in Australia. You cannot practise — and in most cases cannot use your migration skills assessment — without going through the correct professional body.
Considers qualification equivalence, clinical training relevance/recency, post-qualification experience, and CPD evidence. Valid for 3 years.
Separate from the skills assessment — this is what legally allows you to practise. Administered through the Podiatry Board of Australia.
There is no single "podiatrist visa" — several visa subclasses can apply depending on whether you have a job offer, family connections, or strong points-test eligibility.
Practical note: Many South African podiatrists find the 491 regional pathway more achievable in the short term — regional areas have the most acute shortages and actively court health professionals. It's provisional, but the route to subclass 191 PR after three years is well defined.
Subclasses 189, 190, and 491 are all assessed against the points test. The published pass mark is 65 points, but meeting it only makes you eligible — in recent rounds, many occupations were invited at scores well above this.
Once you have a positive skills assessment and know your points score, you submit an EOI through SkillSelect, the Department's online system.
Regardless of which visa you pursue, expect to compile the following:
Each pathway has different requirements, timelines, and outcomes. Here's a side-by-side breakdown to help you decide.
| Visa | Type | Sponsorship Needed? | Points Test? | Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | Independent PR | No | Yes (65+) | 6–12 months | Highest points scorers with no state ties |
| 190 | State-Nominated PR | State gov | Yes (65+) | 6–12 months | Those willing to commit to a specific state |
| 491 | Regional Provisional | State or family | Yes (65+) | 4–8 months | Regional applicants; pathway to 191 PR |
| 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage | Employer | No | 1–4 months | Those with a job offer; fast entry |
| 186 | Employer-Nominated PR | Employer | No (TRS stream) | 6–12 months | Those already on 482 or with direct employer offer |
Tip: Many SA podiatrists start with a 482 (if they have an employer) or 491 (if they're open to regional areas), then transition to PR. There's no single "correct" path — it depends on your points, employer access, and regional flexibility.
Select your profile below for an indicative points estimate. This is not a formal assessment — use it to understand where you stand.
Our goal is to make the process simple, ease your concerns, and give you the confidence to take the next step.
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