Chiropractor Migration to Australia: Complete CCEA & AHPRA Registration Guide 2026
Visa Guides

Chiropractor Migration to Australia: Complete CCEA & AHPRA Registration Guide 2026

F
First Migration Service
31 January 2026
10 min read
Back to News

Australia offers excellent opportunities for internationally qualified chiropractors, with strong demand across metropolitan and regional areas. If you're a chiropractor from the USA, UK, South Africa, or New Zealand, your skills are highly valued in Australia's growing healthcare sector. Chiropractor (ANZSCO 252111) remains on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), opening pathways to permanent residency through skilled migration and employer sponsorship. This guide covers everything you need to know about the CCEA skills assessment, AHPRA registration, and your visa options.

Watch our video explainer:

NOTE

Industry Snapshot: Australia's chiropractic industry is worth approximately $1.7 billion, with over 6,500 registered chiropractors across the country. The profession continues to grow as Australians increasingly seek drug-free pain management and preventive healthcare solutions.

Why Chiropractors Are in Demand in Australia

Australia faces ongoing demand for chiropractors, driven by an ageing population, increasing awareness of musculoskeletal health, and a preference for non-invasive treatment options. Regional Australia, in particular, experiences significant shortages.

Demand DriverImpact
Ageing PopulationIncreased demand for musculoskeletal care; chronic pain management services growing
Regional ShortagesMany regional towns lack chiropractic services entirely-high earning potential in underserved areas
Private Health InsuranceOver 55% of Australians hold private health cover; chiropractic is a commonly claimed benefit
Medicare AccessChiropractors can provide services under Medicare's Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans
Sports & Wellness FocusGrowing demand for sports chiropractic and corporate wellness programs
IMPORTANT

Chiropractor (ANZSCO 252111) is on Australia's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making you eligible for Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), and Skilled Work Regional (491) visas, plus employer sponsorship pathways.

Understanding the Dual Process: Skills Assessment vs Registration

Before practising as a chiropractor in Australia, you must complete two separate processes:

  1. CCEA Skills Assessment - Required for skilled migration visa applications
  2. AHPRA Registration - Required to legally practise as a chiropractor in Australia

These processes are independent. Success in one does not guarantee success in the other, though they share common requirements.

ProcessPurposeAuthority
CCEA Skills AssessmentVisa application eligibilityCouncil on Chiropractic Education Australasia
AHPRA RegistrationLegal authority to practiseChiropractic Board of Australia (via AHPRA)

CCEA Skills Assessment: Your First Step

The Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia (CCEA) is the designated assessing authority for chiropractors seeking skilled migration to Australia. Without a positive CCEA assessment, no skilled visa application can proceed.

Stage 1: Desktop Audit

The Desktop Audit is completed from your home country and assesses your qualifications and eligibility for further assessment.

Key Requirements:

  • Completed chiropractic qualification
  • Academic transcripts
  • Letter of good standing from your registration authority
  • Evidence of identity
  • Resume detailing your chiropractic experience

Processing Time: Up to 6 weeks from receipt of all documents

Which Form Do You Need?

Your SituationFormAssessment Pathway
Currently registered in Australia/NZ without conditionsForm AMay be exempt from Stage 2
Qualification from CCEA-recognised accredited program (USA, UK, etc.)Form BExempt from Part 1 of Stage 2
Qualification NOT recognised by CCEAForm CFull Stage 2 required
Previously assessed, need updated certificateForm DStreamlined reassessment
Directed by Chiropractic Board to complete assessmentForm EAs directed by Board
TIP

Recognised Programs: CCEA recognises qualifications from accredited programs through CCEI member agencies, including programs accredited by CCE-US (for graduates prior to 31 December 2017), CCEC (Canada), and ECCE (Europe). Verify your program's recognition status on the CCEA website before applying.

Stage 2: Competency Based Assessment

The Stage 2 assessment determines your ability to practise safely and competently against Australian and New Zealand entry-level chiropractic standards. This assessment takes place in-person in Australia or New Zealand over four consecutive days.

Three Parts:

PartComponentFormat
Part 1Written Basic CompetencyWritten examination
Part 2Written Clinical CompetencyWritten examination
Part 3Practical Clinical CompetencyOSCE-style practical assessment
IMPORTANT

New Requirement from June 2026: Mandatory Cultural Safety Training (CST) will be introduced from the Auckland Stage 2 assessment in June 2026. Candidates undertaking assessments before this date are not required to complete CST.

2026 Assessment Schedule:

DateLocationNotes
9-13 February 2026Sydney, NSW (Macquarie University)Standard assessment
June 2026Auckland, NZ (NZ College of Chiropractic)First session with mandatory CST
Late 2026 (TBC)Perth, WA (Murdoch University)Dates to be confirmed

Check the CCEA events page for confirmed dates and registration deadlines.

CCEA Assessment Fees

Fees are effective from 1 July 2025. CCEA will adjust fees from 1 July 2026 aligned with the Consumer Price Index.

Stage 1: Desktop Audit Fees

FormFee (AUD)Who It's For
Form A$884Australian/NZ qualified or registered
Form B$1,009CCEA-recognised overseas qualification
Form C$1,446Non-recognised qualification (includes individualised assessment)
Form D$499Updated assessment for previous certificate holders
Form E$2,226 - $3,557Board-directed assessment (practical only or full)

Stage 2: Competency Based Assessment Fees

ComponentFee (AUD)
Part 1: Written Basic Competency$447
Part 2: Written Clinical Competency$1,331
Part 3: Practical Clinical Competency$2,226
Cultural Safety Training (from June 2026)$370

Total Cost Examples:

  • Form B applicant (exempt from Part 1): $1,009 + $1,331 + $2,226 = $4,566
  • Form C applicant (full assessment): $1,446 + $447 + $1,331 + $2,226 = $5,450
  • Add CST from June 2026: +$370
WARNING

Budget Carefully: If you fail any component of Stage 2, you will need to pay additional fees to re-sit that component. Partial refunds apply for early withdrawal; otherwise fees may be forfeited. Factor contingency into your migration budget.

Exemptions from Stage 2

You may be exempt from all or part of Stage 2 if you:

  • Hold current registration without conditions in Australia or New Zealand
  • Hold a recent qualification from a CCEA-recognised accredited program (typically within 2 years)
  • Graduated from a CCEA-recognised overseas program (exempt from Part 1 only)

AHPRA Registration: Your Licence to Practise

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) manages registration for chiropractors through the Chiropractic Board of Australia. You cannot practise as a chiropractor in Australia without AHPRA registration.

Registration Pathways for International Chiropractors

PathwayWho It's ForKey Requirements
Standard RegistrationGraduates of approved Australian/NZ programsCompleted approved program
Competency AssessmentOverseas-qualified chiropractorsCCEA Stage 2 completion
Limited RegistrationPractitioners in supervised or specific settingsSponsoring employer/supervisor required

Registration Types

TypeDescriptionPractice Scope
General RegistrationFull, unrestricted registrationFull scope of chiropractic practice
Limited RegistrationTemporary or conditional registrationRestricted scope; may require supervision
Non-Practising RegistrationMaintain registration without practisingCannot practise

English Language Requirements

The Chiropractic Board of Australia requires evidence of English language proficiency:

TestRequired Score
IELTS AcademicOverall 7.0 with minimum 6.5 in each band
OETMinimum B in each component
PTE AcademicOverall 65 with minimum 58 in each communicative skill
TOEFL iBTTotal 94 with minimum: Listening 24, Reading 24, Writing 27, Speaking 23

Exemptions: You may be exempt from English testing if you completed your chiropractic qualification in English in a recognised country (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, USA).

Read our complete guide on IELTS vs OET vs PTE to choose the right test.

Recency of Practice Requirements

AHPRA requires practitioners to demonstrate recent clinical engagement:

RequirementThreshold
Option 1150 hours of practice in the previous 12 months
Option 2450 hours of practice in the previous 3 years
Maximum GapNo absences from practice exceeding 2 years

"Practice" is defined broadly to include clinical work, administration, teaching, and research-not strictly hands-on patient care.

WARNING

Migration Trap: If you quit your job to move to Australia and face visa delays of 12-18 months, you may fall afoul of recency requirements. Maintain some form of casual or locum practice in your home country until your visa is granted and travel is imminent.

Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)

Mandatory before commencing practice. The Chiropractic Board requires "adequate and appropriate" cover:

Coverage TypeRecommended Level
Professional Indemnity$5-10 million per claim
Public Liability$5-10 million (often bundled)
Typical Annual Premium$1,440-2,640 ($120-220/month)

Providers: Guild Insurance (covers ~70% of Australian chiropractors), BizCover, and other AHPRA-approved insurers. Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) members may receive discounted rates.

AHPRA Registration Fees

Fee TypeAmount (AUD)
Application for Registration~$550-650
Annual Registration Renewal~$750-850

The registration year runs 1 December to 30 November. Verify current fees on the Chiropractic Board of Australia website.

Visa Pathways for Chiropractors

With a positive CCEA skills assessment, multiple visa pathways become available. Use our GSM Points Calculator to estimate your points.

Points-Tested Skilled Visas

VisaPoints RequiredState/Employer NeededPR Pathway
189 Skilled Independent85-95+ pointsNoDirect PR (highly competitive)
190 Skilled Nominated65+ points (60 + 5 state points)State nominationDirect PR
491 Skilled Work Regional65+ points (includes 15 regional points)State/regional nomination191 PR after 3 years

Not sure which visa suits you? Read our guide on 189 vs 190 vs 491: Which Skilled Visa is Right for You?.

Visa Application Fees (2025-26): $4,910 AUD for the primary applicant; $2,455 per additional adult; $1,230 per dependent child (current as of July 2025).

The Fastest Pathway: Employer Sponsorship

If you want to arrive in Australia quickly, employer sponsorship is typically the fastest route. The 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa (or its replacement, the Skills in Demand visa) processes significantly faster than points-tested pathways.

VisaProcessing TimeKey Advantage
482/Skills in Demand2-4 monthsFastest entry; employer often covers costs
189 (Skilled Independent)8-18 monthsNo sponsorship required; highly competitive
190 (State Nominated)6-18 months+5 points; commitment to state
491 (Regional Provisional)12-15 months+15 points; 3-year regional commitment

Read our complete Skills in Demand Visa 2026 guide for details on employer sponsorship.

TIP

Dual Strategy: You can pursue employer sponsorship simultaneously with points-based applications. Many regional chiropractic clinics actively sponsor overseas-trained practitioners due to local shortages.

State Nomination Strategies for Chiropractors

Each state sets its own criteria for 190 and 491 nominations. Understanding these nuances is critical for success.

Understanding "Regional" for Migration Purposes

TIP

As of 2026, "Regional" for migration purposes is defined as anywhere in Australia EXCEPT Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This means Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Hobart, and the Sunshine Coast are ALL classified as regional-making the 491 visa highly attractive.

Western Australia (WA): The "Perth Loophole"

FeatureDetails
Key InsightThe entire state of WA, including Perth, is designated as "Regional" for migration purposes
BenefitYou can obtain a 491 visa (+15 points) while living in a major capital city
Healthcare PriorityHealth professionals are prioritised under the Graduate and General Streams
Contract Requirement (190)Requires a full-time employment contract (minimum 6 months) in WA
Contract Requirement (491)Often waived or significantly looser under Schedule 1 (Health)
VerdictPremier target for offshore chiropractors without a job offer-best combination of lifestyle and visa accessibility

Victoria (VIC): Registration of Interest System

FeatureDetails
ProcessSubmit EOI (Home Affairs) → Submit ROI (Victoria) → Wait for Invitation
Health PriorityHealthcare occupations receive priority processing
Regional AdvantageIndicating willingness to work in regional Victoria significantly increases nomination chances

Check our Victoria 491 Regional Visa guide for regional strategies.

South Australia (SA): The Regional Fortress

FeatureDetails
Key InsightThe entire state of SA is classified as regional
Selection MethodSA selects from SkillSelect based on occupation need and applicant merit
Nomination ProcessingTypically 2-8 weeks-among the fastest in Australia
Healthcare FocusHigh demand in areas like Mount Gambier and Port Lincoln
Offshore StreamHighly selective; often requires 3-5+ years experience and superior English
491 FocusSA often uses 491 as the primary tool for offshore health applicants

Queensland (QLD): The Onshore Preference

FeatureDetails
190 ProgramGenerally restricted to applicants already working in Queensland
Offshore Stream (491)Opens periodically but has very high requirements (e.g., 5 years experience)
Regional DemandInland Queensland and regional areas face chronic shortages
StrategyDifficult to rely on QLD for offshore migration; better as secondary target

Other States

For detailed guidance on state nominations, see our comprehensive guides:

Earning Potential: What Chiropractors Make in Australia

Chiropractic earnings in Australia vary significantly based on experience, location, and practice type.

RoleAnnual Salary (AUD)Notes
Associate Chiropractor (Entry)$70,000 - $90,000Employed by established practice
Associate Chiropractor (Experienced)$90,000 - $120,0003-5 years experience
Senior/Lead Chiropractor$110,000 - $140,000May include profit share
Practice Owner (Solo)$120,000 - $180,000Net after expenses
Practice Owner (Multi-practitioner)$180,000 - $300,000+Leveraging associate chiropractors
Locum/Regional$150 - $250/hourHigh hourly rates; accommodation often included

Practice Types & Income Models

Practice TypeTypical ArrangementIncome Potential
Employee (Salary)Fixed salary + potential bonusStable but capped
Employee (Commission)Base + percentage of billings (40-60%)Higher ceiling, variable
ContractorRent room/facility; keep all billingsHighest potential; highest risk
Practice OwnerOwn the business; employ associatesBest long-term wealth building
TIP

Regional Premium: Regional and rural areas often offer significantly higher remuneration-sometimes 20-40% above metropolitan rates-plus additional benefits like accommodation, vehicle allowances, and relocation assistance.

Cost of Living Comparison

LocationAvg Chiropractor SalaryRent (2BR Unit/Week)Verdict
Sydney (NSW)$100,000$850High salary, high costs
Melbourne (VIC)$95,000$600Good balance
Perth (WA)$100,000$550Excellent value; "Regional" for migration
Brisbane (QLD)$92,000$620Growing market
Regional Australia$100,000-130,000+$350-450Best income-to-cost ratio

For detailed cost breakdowns, see our Cost of Living in Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane 2026 guide.

Country-Specific Guidance

For USA Chiropractors (CCE-US Graduates)

CAUTION

Critical for US Graduates: CCEA ceased automatic recognition of CCE-US accredited programs from 1 January 2018. If you graduated after 31 December 2017, you are classified as a Form C applicant and must complete the full Stage 2 assessment (all three parts). This applies regardless of your NBCE scores or state licensure.

Pre-2018 Graduates (Form B Pathway):

  • Programs completed on or before 31 December 2017 from CCE-US accredited institutions (Palmer, Life, Logan, Parker, etc.) are recognised
  • Exempt from Part 1 (Written Basic Competency)
  • Must complete Parts 2 and 3

Post-2018 Graduates (Form C Pathway):

  • Must submit detailed course syllabi, clinical internship logs, and curriculum mapping to CCEA competency standards
  • Must complete all three parts of Stage 2 assessment
  • NBCE transcripts are required as supporting evidence but do not grant exemptions
  • Budget 3-4 months for basic science revision-Part 1 tests foundational knowledge that may have atrophied

Additional Considerations:

  • Scope Differences: Australian scope of practice is similar to most US states; diagnostic imaging privileges vary by state
  • Terminology: Use "Chiropractor" (not "Doctor of Chiropractic" as a professional title in clinical settings)
  • Entry Option: US citizens under 31 (sometimes extended to 35) may access the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) to enter Australia, work as a locum, and sit exams onshore

For UK Chiropractors (GCC Registered)

Recognised UK Programs (Form B Pathway):

  • AECC University College (formerly Anglo-European College of Chiropractic), now Health Sciences University
  • Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIOC), University of South Wales
  • McTimoney College of Chiropractic

Key Advantages:

  • UK training is very similar to Australian training-transition is typically smoother
  • Current GCC registration demonstrates professional standing
  • Exempt from Part 1; focus preparation on Parts 2 and 3
  • NHS or multidisciplinary experience is valued in Australian healthcare settings

Visa Option: UK citizens under 35 can access the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417), which from 2024/25 has relaxed rules. This is an excellent "try before you buy" mechanism.

Documentation: UK chiropractors with IRMER certification (radiation safety) should document this; X-ray privileges in Australia vary by state.

For South African Chiropractors

Recognised SA Programs (Form B Pathway):

  • Durban University of Technology (DUT)
  • University of Johannesburg (UJ)

Key Considerations:

  • DUT and UJ degrees are recognised by CCEA-you qualify for Form B (exempt from Part 1)
  • Obtain comprehensive documentation from your university and the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA)
  • Request a Certificate of Good Standing sent directly to CCEA

English Language Nuance: South Africa is listed as a recognised English-speaking country for AHPRA registration purposes. However, if your high school education was conducted in Afrikaans-medium, AHPRA may require IELTS/OET evidence. Ensure you have documentation confirming English-medium secondary education if claiming the exemption.

Visa Pathway: South Africans generally do not have access to working holiday visas. The skilled migration (189/190/491) pathway is the primary route.

Community: Large South African expat communities in Perth (WA) and Brisbane (QLD) can assist with networking and job placement.

For New Zealand Chiropractors

Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act (TTMRA):

  • Current NZ registration without conditions typically exempts you from CCEA Stage 2
  • TTMRA allows registered NZ chiropractors to apply for AHPRA registration without repeating competency assessments
  • Complete Form A for skills assessment; process is typically straightforward

Important Distinction: TTMRA solves registration, not migration. NZ citizens don't need a visa to live in Australia, but non-NZ citizens registered in NZ still need a CCEA skills assessment for visa points purposes. The TTMRA pathway is most useful for:

  • NZ citizens (who don't need a visa)
  • Applicants obtaining employer sponsorship (where registration is the key hurdle)
  • Those who obtained NZ PR/citizenship first, then move to Australia

University Bridging Programs

If your qualification is not recognised or you fail CCEA assessments, Australian universities offer pathways:

UniversityProgramDurationNotes
Macquarie UniversityMaster of Chiropractic2-3 yearsFull qualification program
Murdoch UniversityBachelor of Chiropractic Science + Master5 yearsUndergraduate entry
RMIT UniversityBachelor of Health Science/Applied Science (Chiropractic) + Master5 yearsMelbourne-based
CQUniversityBachelor of Chiropractic5 yearsRegional Queensland
NOTE

Graduate Visa Pathway: Completing an Australian chiropractic qualification may make you eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) Post-Study Work stream, providing additional time to gain Australian experience before applying for permanent residency.

Realistic Timeline: From Application to Practice

StageTimeframe
English test preparation and booking1-2 months
CCEA Stage 1 (Desktop Audit)6-8 weeks
Wait for Stage 2 assessment date1-4 months (depending on schedule)
CCEA Stage 2 (Competency Assessment)4 days (in-person)
CCEA Results4-6 weeks after assessment
EOI Submission & State Nomination1-6 months
Visa Lodgement & Processing3-12 months
AHPRA Registration Application4-8 weeks
Total to PR + Practice (190)12-24 months
Total to PR + Practice (491→191)4-5 years

Total Investment Summary

Cost ComponentAmount (AUD)
CCEA Stage 1 (Form B/C)$1,009 - $1,446
CCEA Stage 2 (if full assessment)$447 + $1,331 + $2,226 = $4,004
Cultural Safety Training (from June 2026)$370
English Test$300-500
Visa Application (single applicant)$4,910
State Nomination Fee$200-1,000
AHPRA Registration$550-650
Health Checks$300-500
Police Clearances (International)$50-150 per country
Professional Indemnity Insurance (first year)$1,440-2,640
Migration Agent FeesVariable
Travel to Australia/NZ for Stage 2$1,500-3,000
Estimated Total (Form B, single applicant)$12,000-16,000
Estimated Total (Form C, single applicant)$14,000-20,000

Your 6-Step Roadmap

  1. Verify Program Recognition: Check if your chiropractic qualification is recognised by CCEA on their recognised programs page. This determines your assessment pathway.

  2. English Test: If required, book IELTS Academic, OET, or PTE Academic. Aim for scores that maximise both CCEA and AHPRA requirements.

  3. CCEA Stage 1: Submit your Desktop Audit application with all supporting documents. Allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

  4. CCEA Stage 2: Register for the next available Competency Based Assessment in Australia or New Zealand. Prepare thoroughly-it's a challenging 4-day examination.

  5. Visa Application: With a positive CCEA assessment, lodge your EOI for 190/491 visas and/or pursue employer sponsorship opportunities.

  6. AHPRA Registration: Upon receiving your visa, apply for AHPRA registration to legally practise. Obtain professional indemnity insurance before commencing practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a chiropractor in Australia on a tourist visa?

No. You cannot practise as a chiropractor without AHPRA registration, and you cannot apply for registration without an appropriate work visa. Tourist visas (subclass 600) do not permit employment.

How long is the CCEA skills assessment valid?

CCEA certificates are typically valid for 3 years. If your visa application is delayed beyond this period, you may need to apply for an updated assessment using Form D.

Do I need to complete CCEA assessment before AHPRA registration?

For visa purposes, yes-CCEA assessment is required for skilled migration visas. For AHPRA registration, the Chiropractic Board may direct you to complete CCEA Stage 2 as part of its competency assessment requirements. The processes are linked but separate.

Can I practise under supervision while waiting for full registration?

Potentially. Limited registration may be available for practitioners working under supervision in specific settings. Discuss options with a potential employer and AHPRA.

What insurance do I need to practise?

Professional indemnity insurance is mandatory for all registered chiropractors in Australia. Typical coverage is $10-20 million. Providers include Guild Insurance, MIPS, and Avant.

Are chiropractors eligible for Medicare billing?

Yes, but access is limited. Chiropractors cannot bill Medicare for standard consultations. Eligibility is through the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program only:

  • Trigger: GP referral under a Team Care Arrangement (TCA) and GP Management Plan (GPMP) for patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions (6+ months duration)
  • Item Number: 10964
  • Rebate: Approximately $61.80 per appointment (as of January 2026)
  • Cap: Maximum 5 allied health visits per calendar year per patient (shared with other allied health professionals)
  • Billing Options: Bulk bill (accept rebate as full payment) or charge a gap (patient pays the difference)

CDM typically represents 10-20% of a clinic's revenue. The majority of income comes from private billing and health fund rebates (via HICAPS). There is no 10-year moratorium for overseas-trained chiropractors (unlike doctors under Section 19AB)-you are eligible for a Medicare Provider Number immediately upon AHPRA registration.

Explore our other healthcare professional migration guides:

How First Migration Can Help

Navigating the dual requirements of CCEA skills assessment and AHPRA registration-while simultaneously pursuing the optimal visa pathway-requires careful planning. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents have helped numerous healthcare professionals, including chiropractors, secure their Australian visas.

We can assist with:

  • Determining your optimal CCEA assessment pathway based on your qualifications
  • Maximising your points through strategic planning
  • Identifying the best state nomination opportunities
  • Coordinating with potential employers for sponsorship
  • Preparing a compelling skilled visa or employer-sponsored visa application

Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.

Free Assessment

Unsure about your visa options?

Get a free professional assessment from our MARA registered agents.

chiropractorCCEA assessmentAHPRA registrationskilled migration189 visa190 visa491 visachiropracticaustraliahealthcare migration