This is a 2026 step-by-step pathway guide for a Psychotherapist migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 272314. 272314 is on MLTSSL and CSOL — full skilled visa stack: Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491 → 191, Subclass 186, Subclass 494 → 191, Subclass 482 → 186 TRT.
For the cost / timeline view see the 272314 cost & timeline case study. For VETASSESS / PACFA details see the skills assessment guide.
Step 1 — Confirm 272314 is the right code
ANZSCO 272314 covers psychotherapy practice — modality-led depth therapy work including Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Jungian / Analytical, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Schema Therapy, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Existential, Person-Centred, Transactional Analysis, Family Systems / Bowenian, Dramatherapy, Music Therapy. Use ANZSCO search to verify against 272311 Clinical Psychologist (registered Psychology profession) and 272199 Counsellors NEC.
Important regulatory distinction: Psychotherapy is not an AHPRA-registered profession in Australia. Anyone can call themselves a Psychotherapist. PACFA Clinical Registration is the de facto practice standard.
Step 2 — VETASSESS skills assessment
VETASSESS for 272314:
- Qualification — at least AQF Bachelor degree, with substantial post-graduate psychotherapy training (Master / Diploma / 4-year intensive modality training program).
- Skilled employment — at least 1 year highly relevant in the 5 years before applying.
- Document evidence — qualifications, transcripts, employment references, payslips, modality-specific training records.
Standard turnaround 12-16 weeks.
Step 3 — Practice registration
VETASSESS is for visa. Practice:
- PACFA Clinical Registration (pacfa.org.au) — the de facto Australian psychotherapy practice standard. Recognises modality-specific training.
- ACA Level 4 (theaca.net.au) — alternative.
- Modality-specific bodies:
- Gestalt Australia and New Zealand (GANZ) for Gestalt therapy. - Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy (ANZAP) for psychoanalytic / psychodynamic. - EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) for EMDR. - IFS Institute for Internal Family Systems. - Society for Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for SP. - Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies for trauma.
Step 4 — English
EOI requires Competent English. Higher tiers: Proficient (10 pts) / Superior (20 pts).
Step 5 — Choose a visa pathway
Subclass 189 / 190 / 491
189 Independent for senior psychotherapists. 190 +5 points; 491 +15 points regional.
Subclass 186 / 494 / 482
Private practice clusters — Sydney CBD, Melbourne CBD, Brisbane CBD have substantial psychotherapy private practice markets. Mental health NGOs — Open Arms (Veterans), Beyond Blue, Black Dog Institute, headspace. EAP providers — Converge International, Assure Programs, Acacia Connection, Benestar — sponsor experienced psychotherapists. Specialist trauma services — STARTTS NSW, Foundation House Vic, QPASTT Qld. Gambling / addiction — specialist services. Specialist training institutes — Gestalt Therapy Australia, PSI (Psychoanalytic Society of Inquiry), NIET (National Institute of Educational Therapy).
Step 6 — Score / Step 7 — Submit
Use points calculator. Lodge via SkillSelect.
Tools
- Visa fee calculator
- Document checklist — VETASSESS evidence pack
- Eligibility wizard
- Invitation rounds tracker
Authoritative sources
Next step
Want to map your psychotherapy profile against 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.