Points-tested skilled visas
If you meet the relevant requirements, you may be able to apply for skilled migration without employer sponsorship.
EMC Australia / Occupations / ANZSCO 251412
Orthoptist
Orthoptist (251412): Perform eye examinations, diagnose eye disorders and prescribe lenses and therapy.
Are you a qualified orthoptist considering working or settling in Australia? Orthoptist is an occupation recognised under Australia’s skilled migration program. Depending on your qualifications, experience and personal circumstances, you may be eligible for permanent residency through skilled migration or an employer-sponsored visa. Whether you studied overseas, recently graduated in Australia or already have professional experience, EMC Australia can help you understand which visa pathways may be suitable for you.
ANZSCO
251412
Assessing authority
Skills assessments for Orthoptist (251412) are handled by VETASSESS, which assesses whether your qualification is comparable to the required Australian qualification level and is in a field highly relevant to the occupation, and whether your paid employment is at the required skill level and closely related.
Occupation lists
STSOL · CSOL
Industry
Health & nursing
Can I migrate to Australia as a orthoptist?
Yes. Orthoptist is an eligible occupation for several Australian skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas. However, being a orthoptist does not automatically make you eligible for a visa. Your options will depend on factors such as your qualifications, English language ability, age, work experience and skills assessment. Some visas also require an invitation from the Australian Government, state or territory nomination, or sponsorship from an eligible employer. The first step is to identify which pathway best suits your circumstances.
What visa options are available for orthoptists?
Australian orthoptists may have several visa options, depending on their personal and professional circumstances.
Employer-sponsored visas
If you have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you, other visa options may be available.
Other pathways
If you have recently completed studies in Australia or are undertaking structured workplace training, other temporary visas may be worth exploring, depending on your eligibility.
Which Australian states nominate orthoptists?
State or territory nomination may provide another opportunity to pursue skilled migration through subclass 190 or 491. Each Australian state and territory has its own nomination requirements. These can depend on your occupation, current location, employment, qualifications and other circumstances. Some states prioritise applicants who are already living or working locally, while others may consider eligible applicants from overseas. As nomination requirements and available places can change throughout the year, it is important to check the current program before deciding where to apply.
EOI and state nominationHow do I get my orthoptist skills assessed?
For points-tested skilled migration, you generally need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. Orthoptist skills assessments can be undertaken by one of the recognised assessing authorities: Skills assessments for Orthoptist (251412) are handled by VETASSESS, which assesses whether your qualification is comparable to the required Australian qualification level and is in a field highly relevant to the occupation, and whether your paid employment is at the required skill level and closely related.. The assessing authority will review your educational qualifications, the relevant subjects you completed and whether you meet its English language requirements. If you completed your qualifications overseas, you may still qualify, provided they meet the applicable assessment standards. If your studies do not cover all the required areas, you may need additional study before obtaining a positive assessment. Work experience may be assessed separately where relevant, including when you intend to claim points for skilled employment. Understanding these requirements early can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and delays.
How skills assessments workWhat affects my eligibility for skilled migration?
For points-tested skilled visas, several factors influence your eligibility and points score. The minimum points threshold is 65, although achieving this score does not guarantee an invitation.
Age
Your age affects your migration points. Points-tested skilled visa applicants generally need to be under 45 when invited to apply.
English
You must meet the applicable English language requirements. Higher English test results may also help you claim additional migration points. The English requirements for your skills assessment may be different from those for your visa.
Skilled employment
Relevant Australian or overseas experience in this occupation may help you claim additional points. Your employment history and supporting evidence must satisfy the applicable requirements.
Qualifications
Recognised educational qualifications can contribute to your points score. Your qualifications and the subjects you studied are also important for your skills assessment.
Australian study and partner
Eligible Australian study, partner qualifications and other recognised factors may increase your points score.
Nomination
State or territory nomination can provide additional points for subclasses 190 and 491. Each nomination program has its own eligibility requirements.
Does my experience match ANZSCO 251412?
Not everyone working in a related position will necessarily qualify under Orthoptist. For migration purposes, your actual job responsibilities matter more than your position title. Choosing the correct occupation is important before applying for a skills assessment or visa.
- Provide clinical care in the nominated field, not only administration
- Work to the professional standards of the relevant board or college
- Document assessments, treatment and handover
- Hold, or be able to hold, the registration that sits beside the skills assessment
Frequently asked questions about orthoptist migration
VETASSESS is the assessing authority for Orthoptist under code 251412. It assesses whether your qualification is comparable to the required Australian qualification level and is in a field highly relevant to the occupation, and whether your paid employment is at the required skill level and closely related.
Our current data places 251412 on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This links to visa subclasses 190, 491, 482, 186, 494 and 407. Lists change, so EMC Australia confirms the position at the time you apply.
Prepare an orthoptics degree and clinical employment in eye-care settings. Reference letters should describe duties such as: assess eye alignment, movement and binocular function.
Yes, if your actual duties match. Assessors look at what you did — for Orthoptist, that means work centred on assessing and treating disorders of eye movement and binocular vision — rather than your employer's title. If your duties fit a neighbouring code in unit group 2514 better, nominate that instead.
Orthoptists are commonly employed by public hospital eye clinics, ophthalmology practices and children's hospitals. Regional employers may also open 491 or 494 options for 251412.
Other occupations you may want to consider
Depending on your qualifications and the type of work you perform, another occupation may be more suitable.
Not sure which Australian visa is right for you?
Your qualifications and experience may provide opportunities for skilled migration or employer sponsorship, but choosing the right pathway requires careful consideration. At EMC Australia, we can help you understand your available options, identify potential eligibility issues and plan your next steps. Tell us a little about your background through our free visa assessment, or book a consultation to discuss your circumstances with our migration team.