Australian PR Points for Medical Diagnostic Radiographers
Medical Diagnostic Radiographers (ANZSCO 251211) have traditionally been well-regarded within Australia's skilled migration programme due to consistent demand in the healthcare sector. Because it is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), candidates can explore subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas. This guide outlines the skills assessment requirements with ASMIRT, points test considerations, and conditional state nomination options to help you understand your potential PR pathways.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
MLTSSL status
As an MLTSSL occupation, Radiographers are eligible to lodge an Expression of Interest for the independent 189 visa. Healthcare professionals have historically been invited at lower points thresholds compared to other sectors.
→ Subclass 189 guideSubclass 190: State Nominated
Provides +5 points
A state or territory nomination under the 190 visa adds 5 points to your total. Most jurisdictions feature healthcare on their priority lists, subject to local allocations and conditions.
→ Subclass 190 guideSubclass 491: Regional
Provides +15 points
For those willing to live and work in designated regional areas, the 491 visa provides a valuable 15-point boost, aiding those who may struggle to meet higher points thresholds.
→ Subclass 491 guideGeneral Points and Visa Context
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| Historical cutoffs (approx.) | 65-70 pts | 65 pts | 65 pts |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL |
| Primary assessing body | ASMIRT | ASMIRT | ASMIRT |
Data Limitations Note: The Department of Home Affairs does not consistently publish occupation-specific cutoffs for every invitation round. Historical scores (e.g., 65-70 points for healthcare roles) reflect past trends, not current guarantees. Invitation requirements can shift rapidly between rounds.
Always ensure you check the most recent SkillSelect outcomes, as your individual prospects depend heavily on broader migration planning levels.
→ Review our invitation round trackerSkills Assessment for Medical Diagnostic Radiographers
A positive skills assessment is mandatory before you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer (ANZSCO 251211) is assessed by ASMIRT.
| Assessing body | Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) |
| Official portal | asmirt.org |
| Processing time | Up to 16 weeks (depending on documentation) |
| Approximate fee | AUD $1,074 |
| Employment requirement | Typically two years of post-qualification clinical experience within the last five years |
| English requirement | Strict (e.g., IELTS Academic 7.0 all bands, PTE 65, or OET B) |
Important distinction: Obtaining a positive ASMIRT assessment for migration is separate from securing your clinical registration. To work as a radiographer in Australia, you will also need to apply for registration with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (Ahpra). While holding Ahpra registration is highly beneficial for finding employment (and state nomination), you must satisfy ASMIRT’s specific rules for your visa skills assessment.
State Nomination (190 and 491) Options
State nomination can be a viable pathway, providing extra points and opening avenues when federal 189 invitations are sparse.
| State/Territory | Availability | Context |
|---|
| NSW | Conditional | Historically includes healthcare on priority lists, subject to state quotas. |
| VIC | Conditional | Requires a Registration of Interest (ROI); health sectors are regularly favoured. |
| QLD | Conditional | Available based on state employment and residency requirements. |
| WA | Conditional | Featured on WASMOL; generally requires an employment contract. |
| SA | Conditional | Pathways exist, often tied strongly to SA graduates or current residents. |
| TAS | Conditional | Healthcare workers are viewed favourably under the Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program. |
| ACT | Conditional | Invitations rely on the Canberra Matrix scoring system. |
| NT | Conditional | Accessible, provided you meet the NT's strict residency and employment criteria. |
Note: State occupation lists and nomination criteria are updated frequently. Always check the official state or territory migration portal before preparing an application.
→ Which state should I consider for state nomination?How to Improve Your Points
While healthcare roles can see invitations at lower thresholds, higher points always strengthen your position.
1. Elevate English
You already need high English for ASMIRT. If you can push your scores to the Superior level (e.g., IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79 across all bands), you secure a maximum 20 points for English.
→ English points guide2. State Nomination
Adding the subclass 190 (5 points) or the regional subclass 491 (15 points) to your EOI expands your options beyond the highly competitive 189 federal pool.
→ 190 visa guide3. Claim Partner Points
Being single, or having a partner with competent English and a positive skills assessment in a relevant occupation, can add up to 10 points to your total score.
→ Partner points guideThe 2026 Points Test Reform
Current Law Applies: The current Schedule 6D points system remains in full effect. Revisions to the points test are proposed but not yet legally enacted.
The Australian government has been consulting on extensive reforms to the points test, aimed at better targeting long-term critical skills. While proposed adjustments may alter pass marks or the weighting of certain attributes (such as age or English proficiency), healthcare professionals like Medical Diagnostic Radiographers have historically remained highly valued in migration planning. We advise applicants to monitor official government announcements rather than relying on speculative thresholds.
→ Learn more about the proposed points test reform