benedict1843

Hi all, Its been a while, The better half is halfway though an access course to get on to an occupation therapy degree (got a interview in feb, hopefully start september) so just wondering to get any kind of visa do you always need two years experience. I now it would be very helpful, put from starting out to finishing the two courses it would be five yrs in waiting, never mind another two Just been looking at the New Zealand sol list just to be nosey, and it tells you what you need to know. two yrs experience. thanks for any help.

Bermudashorts

For skilled migrant visas experience is nearly always expected, well it isn't a visa requirement but it is usually a skills assessment requirement and you cannot get a skilled migrant visa without a skills assessment. The number of years and precise requirements varies by occupation, so you would need to look it up for yours.

The skilled migration system is designed for experienced workers, they don't want people to take a quick course and then qualify for a visa. Majority of migrants will have several years experience.

goldchoccycoin

One of my UK mates has just been through assessment (albeit with 10+ years experience) and said it was straightforward. Looking at http://otcouncil.com.au/ (under Assessment) it looks like you may not need experience (the Desktop Assessment Stage 1 is all that is needed for migration purposes and specifically has an area to identify yourself as a recent graduate). In fact, in the FAQs;

"What if I have not worked as an occupational therapist? -
In this situation, usually applicable to new graduates, you would need to obtain references from supervisors who would have been a part of your practicum."

However, once in Australia you would need to complete supervised work in order to be assessed as an OT in Australia and be licensed to work as such.

I'd contact OTC and ask them to clarify the work experience question and how long supervision takes.

Best of luck.

benedict1843

Thanks for your replies. I have made contact with the OTC and they are being very helpful. So thanks for your help

Perpetual Tourist

You do not need experience to have a positive skills assessment of your UK occupational therapy degree by the OT Council (I received mine immediately after graduating).

You also do not need any OT work experience when it comes to becoming registered to practice in Australia (which is done through the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia). However if you haven't got a minimum of 6 months work experience as an OT at the time you seek registration, you will need to fill out a supplementary information form. I am currently working as an OT, and waiting until April (when I will have worked for 6 months) before I apply for registration.

My process from graduating as an occupational therapist to receiving a 189 Visa has been a quick one - check my signature

benedict1843

Hi and thanks for letting us know. Where in oz are you heading? may I ask how old you are, only because the wife will be 40 when she graduates so losing loads of points. would love to pick your brains lol

Perpetual Tourist

I'm in two minds between Sydney and Melbourne, however may need to settle elsewhere initially as I want to specialise in a specific field within OT.

I'm 36, but gained 20 points through IELTS. I received my 189 with 60 points in total.

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.