Medical imaging is a high-demand, well-compensated field in Australia's healthcare system, covering diagnostic radiography, ultrasound, and radiation therapy. This guide outlines the immigration advantages, assessment requirements, accredited courses, and a real-case timeline to help applicants plan their pathway from graduation to permanent residency.

1. Career Advantages

Listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

Eligible for 189/190/491 skilled visas and 482/186/494 employer-sponsored visas

High employment rate with an average annual salary of AUD 85,000–117,000

Stable roles in public hospitals, private clinics, and imaging centers

2. Assessing Authority & Eligible Occupations

Assessing Body: ASMIRT (Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy)

Recognized Occupations:

251211 Medical Diagnostic Radiographer

251212 Radiation Therapist

251214 Sonographer

3. Skills Assessment Requirements

Education: Overseas qualifications must be equivalent to an Australian bachelor’s degree (including clinical placements). Australian courses must be ASMIRT-accredited.

English Proficiency (valid within 2 years):

IELTS Academic: Minimum 7.0 in all bands

OET: Minimum Grade B in all sections

Fee: AUD 328 (for Australian accredited qualifications)

4. Recommended ASMIRT-Accredited Courses

Bachelor’s Degrees (4 Years):

Curtin University, Deakin University, Monash University, QUT, RMIT, University of Canberra, University of Newcastle, University of South Australia, Western Sydney University, Central Queensland University

Master’s Degrees (2 Years):

University of Sydney: Master of Diagnostic Radiography (accepts cross-disciplinary backgrounds)

University of Canberra: Master of Medical Imaging (requires anatomy/physiology prerequisites)

5. Success Case & Timeline

Student LIU’s 8-Month Pathway to PR:

1 Nov 2024: Graduated with a Bachelor of Medical Imaging from Deakin University

2 Dec 2024: Lodged ASMIRT skills assessment for 251211 Medical Diagnostic Radiographer

13 Dec 2024: Applied for 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

16 Dec 2024: Received positive skills assessment (14-day processing)

6 Jan 2025: 485 Visa granted (24-day processing)

20 Dec 2024: Submitted 189 EOI

21 Aug 2025: Received 189 invitation with 80 points

Key Takeaways

Medical imaging offers a clear and accelerated pathway to Australian PR.

Early preparation for English tests and selection of accredited courses are critical.

Strategic timing of skills assessments and visa applications can optimize success.

For personalized guidance, consult a registered migration agent to navigate your medical imaging migration journey.