The independent skilled migration category in the Australian immigration system is the best pathway for medical professionals to immigrate to Australia, characterized by a short application time, low application costs, and no need for a financial guarantee. The first step in skilled migration is to have your qualifications and work experience obtained outside Australia assessed by the relevant skills assessment authority. Once approved, you will receive a profession listed on the Australian Skilled Occupation List.
It is important to note that before applying for a skills assessment, you must have a good understanding of the profession you have chosen. For example, your professional background must meet the requirements of this occupation, and the occupation you select must be on the current occupation list (the occupation assessment list is updated every six months).
Since 1992, the skills assessment authority AIR has been established as an independent body responsible to the Australian government under the Australian Education and Employment Law (DEEWR) system, specifically AEI-NOOSR (the assessment and consideration of overseas qualifications).
Introduction to AIR - Australian Institute of Radiography
The Australian Institute of Radiography is the designated assessing authority for overseas qualifications in radiography professions by the immigration department. All overseas qualifications will be assessed by AIR's Overseas Qualification Assessment Panel (OQAP). Upon successful assessment, applicants can apply for immigration and also register with the state government. This involves dual assessment of qualifications and experience.
Occupations assessed by AIR - Australian Institute of Radiography
251211 Medical Diagnostic Radiographer
251212 Medical Radiation Therapist
251214 Sonographer
Requirements for overseas qualifications by AIR - Australian Institute of Radiography
1. 251211 Medical Diagnostic Radiographer, equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Diagnostic Radiography in Australia;
2. 251212 Medical Radiation Therapist requires qualifications equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree level or higher in Radiation Therapy in Australia;
3. 251214 Sonographer requires a postgraduate degree in ultrasound, with an undergraduate degree related to radiographic imaging, biomedical sciences, or nursing;
The requirements for the above two occupations by the assessment authority:
1. English language requirements:
1) IELTS Academic with no less than 7 in each component and an overall score of 7 or above;
2) OET with no less than B in each component and an overall score of B or above; this examination must be taken in Australia;
3) If you hold a passport from any Commonwealth country, you are automatically exempt from the English language requirement.
2. Professional assessment requirements for various medical professionals:
1) Diagnostic Radiologists, Radiographers, Imaging Technologists: All clinical work experience after undergraduate studies, postgraduate studies, and professional training courses must be included in your skills assessment application; 2 years of relevant work experience within the last 5 years;
2) Sonographers: Must have a relevant postgraduate degree (usually can study a one-year relevant postgraduate course at a recognized university in Australia, and this student visa is exempt from IELTS and financial guarantees). A four-year undergraduate degree in imaging, biomedical sciences, nursing, etc., is required. Most importantly, the undergraduate studies must include human anatomy or related courses.
AIR - Australian Institute of Radiography assessment document checklist
1. Curriculum vitae;
2. Copies of all higher education degrees/diplomas;
3. Copies of registration certificates (if any);
4. Employer reference letter;
5. One passport photo;
6. IELTS test results;
7. Name change certificate (if any). Note: All documents can be provided as certified copies.
3. Types of assessment results
1) Assessment passed, recognized as equivalent to Australian qualifications, directly entering the points system to apply for immigration;
2) Conditional refusal, such as insufficient work experience; the assessment authority will provide 3 years for the applicant to meet all conditions;
3) Refusal, postgraduate degree not meeting requirements; the assessment authority will provide 3 years for the applicant to undertake relevant courses in Australia.
AIR - Australian Institute of Radiography assessment processing time
Assessment processing time: approximately 16 weeks
AIR - Australian Institute of Radiography assessment fees
Application fee: AUD 700 Payment methods: bank cheque (AUD), MasterCard, Visa, or American Express
AIR - Australian Institute of Radiography assessment appeals
If you are not satisfied with the result, you can apply for an appeal within 3 months of receiving the result, with a fee of AUD 200.