JOB MARKET/REGISTRATION/VISAS - MID 2023 UPDATE
JOB MARKET - PHYSIOS
New Zealand
The job market is currently very good for physios in NZ - we are placing physios in MSK, mixed MSK/community, elderly community, neuro community and hospital roles in locations throughout New Zealand.
NZ has an Express registration pathway which is currently being processed in 1 day! It is a GREAT time for physios to be making the move to NZ!
Australia
We have seen a change in the job market in Australia recently and there are not as many roles available. This is likely due to the cuts to aged care which happened in October 2022 and there have been a lot of local physios moving jobs.
This is making it hard for offshore physios to gain visa sponsorship.
We are still placing physios in Community and MSK roles in the popular locations however, if you are between AUS and NZ, we would recommend NZ currently.
The job market for allied health workers varies a lot depending on the funding so the market can always change very quickly.
JOB MARKET - OT’s
New Zealand
The job market for OT’s is very good in NZ, in particular community/clinic ACC OT’s (mixed caseload rehab roles tailored to your interests), these are usually adult only or mixed adult/paeds - these roles are the most flexible with experience, but ideally it is best to have minimum 2 years experience.
We are also placing senior OT’s in Community Neuro roles and hospitals.
One thing we have really noticed in New Zealand for paediatric OT’s, often the roles are mixed adult/paeds and there are not as many paeds only roles - if you want to work in paeds we would recommend Australia.
Australia
Paediatric OT’s are in high demand and as there are always more jobs available at this time of year (Australian winter), we are also securing paeds OT roles without prior paeds experience (this gets a lot more competitive in the summer/local new grad months!). For those with experience and looking to make a long-term move, we are working with some world renowned paediatric centres.
Disability/NDIS, VOC/Return to Work are also in high demand for all experience levels (although we feel it is good to have at least 1 year experience before making the move so that you can gain confidence/save up etc).
SLT’s
Australia
The demand for SLT’s is in paeds and disability/NDIS.
If you want to have an adult/elderly caseload, we also have these roles available in the community.
We do not have acute/hospital roles in Australia.
New Zealand
We have some really good opportunities for neuro SLT’s to work with private neuro companies (senior neuro staff).
HEALTHCARE ABROAD INTERVIEW PROCESS:
Once you have your registration approved, please send through your CV and book a call on the website.
We can provide a CV template if helpful!
You will then have a chat with us, we will get to know what you are looking for in roles/locations, etc.
We will then speak to our partners to see what they have available for you, send through some suitable options that match what you are looking for and organise interviews.
We would love to help you secure your next role and support you with your move to AUS/NZ 😀
VISAS
New Zealand
PT/OT/SLT is currently on the “GREEN LIST” which means that you can apply for the Straight to Residency Visa and also bring your partner/children on the Accredited Employer Work Visa if eligible.
Working Holiday Visa changes for UK passport holders
The age limit has been increased to 35 and you can apply for up to 3 years. It is still best to wait to see which visa your employer would prefer you to apply for..
Australia
Skilled Visas e.g. State Nominated 190 - we have recently been hearing more success stories about allied health workers gaining these in Australia - this is not something that we can help with and if you would like further help with this, you will need to pay for a visa agent.
Sponsorship Visas - available for OT/SLT’s.
PT’s - there are not many sponsorship roles available for offshore physios currently due to the lower demand for physios.
Working Holiday Visa Changes for UK passport holders:
From 1st July 2023, the age limit has been increased to 35
From 1st July 2024, UK passport holders will be able to apply for 2nd + 3rd WHV without completing specified work.
Working Holiday Visa - 6 month limitation
The 6-month rule was relaxed in the pandemic.
Before the pandemic, you used to be able to work for the same employer as long as you change location/site at 6 months - this used to be published on the immigration website but now it only states about the relaxation of the rule. Immigration has recently confirmed it is still their current policy that you can stay with the same employer for 12 months as long as you change location at 6 months.
REGISTRATION - RECENT UPDATES
OT’S - NZ
For those preparing a draft self-appraisal while you wait for the university to provide the required documents, below are the competencies which you will be asked to complete through your OTBNZ online account:
Competency 1 ○ Performance Indicators 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, and 1.10
Competency 2 (you will need to complete the cultural course first) ○ Performance Indicators 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, and 2.11
Competency 3 ○ Performance Indicators 3.1, 3.2, and 3.4
Competency 4 ○ Performance Indicators 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.8, 4.9, and 4.12 Sophie Lynch
Competency 5 ○ Performance Indicators 5.2, and 5.4
SLT MRA APPLICATION - AUS
MRA applicants are no longer required to provide certified copies of documents. You now need to provide high quality colour images, at least 300 dpi. For official documents bearing a photograph SPA requires a photo of the document.
WRITTEN ON 07/07/2023