Physiotherapist Jobs in Australia & Canada 2026

Do you want to pursue your career internationally in 2026 as a physiotherapist? It could be the sun-drenched Australian clinics or high-demand Canadian healthcare market, either way, both countries are extending the red carpet to the allied health professionals.

Yet, the most appropriate option will depend on your personal objectives: Do you want the quickest Permanent Residency (PR) route, or it is more important to you to earn a higher wage base upon your employment? In this 2026 guide, we have deconstructed the physiotherapist visa requirements, licensing updates and market trends and will advise you on your decision.

1. Global Demand: Why 2026 is Your Golden Year

The prospects of physiotherapy employment in 2026 are higher than at any previous time both in Australia and Canada are facing an aging population and post-pandemic increase in rehabilitation demand.

• Australia: Physiotherapy is included in the list of skilled occupation (ANZSCO 252511) and job opportunities are expected to increase in 2026 by 17.4 percent.

• Canada: Under the NOC 31202 code, physiotherapists are part of the “Category-Based Selection” in Express Entry, meaning the government specifically targets you for faster immigration.³

  2. The Licensing Race: APC (Australia) vs. CPTE (Canada)

Before you can apply for physiotherapist jobs in Australia 2026 or Canada, you must prove your clinical competence. 2026 brings a massive change to the Canadian process.⁴

Australia: The Standard Pathway

To practice in Australia, you must deal with the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) and AHPRA.⁵

• Process: 1. Eligibility Assessment $\rightarrow$ 2. Written Exam $\rightarrow$ 3. Clinical Assessment (now 80% remote via “Capability Assessment”).⁶
• 2026 Exam Dates: Major written exams are scheduled for March 5, June 11, September 3, and December 3.⁷
• Cost: Approximately AUD $7,500 – $8,500 for the full assessment suite.⁸

Canada: The 2026 “CPTE” Revolution

Starting January 2026, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) is launching the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE).⁹

• The Big Change: This single licensure exam replaces the old two-part PCE.¹⁰ It is a virtual, one-day exam offered 8 times a year.¹¹
• Benefit: This significantly streamlines the pathway for overseas physiotherapist jobs in Canada, making it faster to enter the workforce than in previous years.

Also Read: Caregiver Jobs in Luxembourg with Visa Sponsorship 2026

3. Visa Comparison: Pathways to Permanent Residency (PR)

Choosing the right physiotherapist visa for Australia or Canada is the most critical step in your relocation.

Australia PR Pathways (2026)

Australia’s points-based system favors healthcare workers.

1. Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): The “Gold Standard” PR. No sponsor needed.
2. Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): State-sponsored PR (+5 points).¹²
3. Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional): Perfect for those willing to work in regional areas (+15 points), leading to PR after 3 years.¹³
4. Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand): An employer-sponsored visa for immediate work.¹⁴

Canada PR Pathways (2026)

Canada’s “Healthcare Category Draws” have changed the game.¹⁵

1. Express Entry (Healthcare Category): Physiotherapists (NOC 31202) benefit from lower CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score requirements compared to IT or Business professionals.¹⁶
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Provinces like Ontario (OINP) and British Columbia (BC PNP) have dedicated streams for healthcare workers.¹⁷
3. Saskatchewan Health Talent Pathway: A specialized stream for those with a job offer in the province.

4. Salary & Cost of Living: Australia vs. Canada

When comparing physiotherapist salaries in Australia vs Canada, the numbers can be deceiving without looking at the local currency and taxes.

Metric	Australia (AUD)	Canada (CAD)
Entry-Level Salary	$65,000 – $75,000	$68,000 – $78,000
Experienced Salary	$100,000 – $130,000	$95,000 – $115,000
Average Salary	$85,000	$86,300
Demand Level	Critical Shortage	High (Targeted)

Pro Tip: While salaries are similar, Australia’s Superannuation (employer-paid 11.5% pension) and higher weekend penalty rates often give it the edge in total “take-home” value.

5. Lifestyle and Work-Life Balance

• Australia: Offers a “beach-and-brunch” culture, milder winters, and a high focus on private practice and sports physio.
• Canada: Offers world-class public healthcare systems, snowy winters (ideal for skiing enthusiasts), and a very welcoming multicultural environment.

FAQs: Physiotherapist Immigration 2026

Is there a demand of physiotherapy in Canada 2026?

Yes. Physiotherapists are also among the occupations that are enumerated as one of the High Demand occupations in the 2026 Immigration Levels Plan and are thus eligible to be targeted in express entry draws.

Am I eligible to apply PR prior to the issuance of my license?

In Canada, you may very well initiate your PR process (Express Entry) as your qualifications are being evaluated. A much more common requirement in Australia is that a person must have a Positive Skills Assessment by the APC before they can submit a PR visa application.18

What is the length of time of the entire process?

In Australia, it will take 12 to 18 months and in Canada, it will take 8 to 12 months depending on how ready your documents are.