Physical Therapist Jobs Abroad: What’s Next After Passing Your Local Boards?
A Complete Guide for Newly Licensed Physical Therapists Exploring Global Opportunities
This guide breaks down the best countries to migrate to as a Physical Therapist, the highest-paying destinations, countries with citizenship pathways, and countries that accept PTs even without clinical experience.
We will also answer frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your next step abroad.
Quick Summary
Passing your local Physical Therapy licensure exam is a huge milestone—congratulations! But for many Filipino and internationally educated Physical Therapists (IEPTs), this is only the beginning.
With global demand for rehabilitation professionals rising because of aging populations, chronic disease, and healthcare workforce shortages, international PT careers are more accessible than ever.
Table of Contents
Best Countries to Migrate to as a Physical Therapist
Every country has its own licensure process, immigration rules, job market, and salary range. Below are the top destinations IEPTs often target—based on demand, compensation, success rates, and long-term career potential.
1. United States
The USA consistently ranks as one of the best destinations for Physical Therapists because of its high salaries, strong job demand, and clear immigration pathways.
Ideal For:
PTs aiming for long-term migration, higher earnings, and diverse practice settings.
Why Choose the USA?
One of the highest PT salaries globally
Consistent shortage of PTs in inpatient, outpatient, geriatrics, and home health
Opportunities to work in hospitals, SNFs, schools, home care, and sports settings
Employers often sponsor H-1B, EB-3, or EB-2 visas
USA Requirements for PTs:
Education evaluation (FCCPT, CGFNS, or ICD)
English exam (IELTS/TOEFL)
NPTE exam
State licensure requirements
Cons of Migrating to USA
- Licensing can take time but clinicians with zero experience can still pursue USA
- NPTE costs are high
- Immigration paperwork can be lengthy
2. Canada
Canada is a top choice because of its high quality of life, excellent healthcare benefits, and pathways to permanent residency.
Ideal For:
PTs wanting citizenship pathways and is not in a hurry to migrate and can should upfront processing fees
Why Choose Canada?
Strong demand for PTs in all provinces
Competitive salaries and work-life balance
Clear PR pathways such as Express Entry
Safe and immigrant-friendly
Requirements:
Credentialing with CAPR
English proficiency (IELTS)
Physiotherapy Competency Exam (written + OSCE)
Provincial registration
Cons of Migrating to Canada
- Licensing process can be lengthy
- Credentialing is strict.
- You will need to pass the required English Exam to prove your english fluency and before you can start your assessment.
- Cold winters
- Competition for visa slots with other professions
- No agency or direct hire companies recruiting from other countries to Canada
- New exam format coming in 2026
3. Australia
Australia offers one of the smoothest migration pathways and a straightforward process for PT recognition.
Ideal For:
Highly skilled PTs that can qualify the point system for visa applications, or PTs who are willing to go on a student visa pathway.
Why Choose Australia?
High employability for skilled migrants
Good salaries and excellent living conditions
Many PTs successfully pass the APC assessment
Clear path to permanent residency
Requirements:
APC assessment (written + practical components)
English test (IELTS/OET/PTE)
AHPRA registration
Cons of migrating to Australia
- Difficult licensing
- Costly exams
- Competitive job market in major cities
- No direct employers or hospitals directly hiring for foreign-PTs, you will have to go to Australia and find an employer who can sponsor you before you can apply for a Visa
4. United Kingdom
The UK has a massive shortage of allied health professionals, including Physical Therapists (Physiotherapists). This makes it an attractive destination for newly licensed PTs.
Ideal For:
Highly Skilled PTs with years of experience who are looking for easier entry, no licensure exam, and a stable career path.
Why Choose the UK?
Direct hiring from overseas
NHS sponsorship programs
Straightforward HCPC registration
No major equivalency exams required
Requirements:
HCPC Registration
English exam (IELTS/OET)
Employer sponsorship (Skilled Worker Visa)
- At least 2-3 years experience preferred due to high competition in the job market
Cons of Migrating to UK
- Currently, there is a strong job competition for Physical Therapy jobs in UKeven for locals
- Starting salary is far lower compared to USA/Canada
- High cost of living in major cities
- Heavy NHS workload
- No citizenship pathway. After years as PR, you will be allowed to extend your PR status.
- Most employers requires two to three years work experience as a physiotherapist
5. Other Countries
Other countries who also offers physical therapist jobs abroad are:
- New Zealand
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
These countries are often used by PTs as their starting point to earn money and save-up for the requirements needed for USA or Canada.
Highest Paying Countries for Physical Therapists
| Country | Salary in USD | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
United States |
$80,000 to $110,000 |
Highest salary Citizenship Opportunities Strong immigration pathways High demand Professional autonomy Opportunity to specialize |
Licensing can take time NPTE costs are high Immigration paperwork can be lengthy |
Canada |
$32,000 to $65,121 |
Easy immigration options High quality of life Family-friendly environment Path for citizenship |
Licensing process can be lengthy Credentialing is strict. English Exam needed prior credentialing assessment Cold winters Visa slots competition No agency or direct hire companies New exam format coming in 2026 |
United Kingdom |
$32,624 to $52,432 |
No board exam Fast processing Strong Filipino community Clear pathway to PR |
Strong job competition Starting salary is far lower compared to USA/Canada High cost of living in major cities Heavy NHS workload No citizenship pathway Prefers highly skilled/experienced PTs |
Australia |
$43,155 to $59,753 |
Strong wages Great climate and lifestyle Many PR pathways High demand in private and public sectors |
Difficult licensing Costly exams Competitive job market in major cities No to very few direct employers or hospitals directly hiring for foreign-PTs for visa sponsorship |
New Zealand |
$31,827 to 46,295 |
Easier than Australia Work-life balance is exceptional Growing opportunities |
Lower salary than Australia/Canada Fewer urban centers Limited specialty practice options |
Middle East |
$1,331 to $3,842 |
Tax-free salary Fast hiring No board exam in some cases Good starting point for savings Also a good starting point if you want to gain experience for PT jobs abroad before migrating to better countries like United States. |
Limited path to citizenship Conservative culture Workload can be heavy |
If you’re looking for Physical Therapist jobs abroad and wondering where to go, here is a ranked list of countries offering the most competitive salaries for PTs, based on annual earnings and cost of living adjustments.
You can check the table below for salary comparison in USD dollar conversion.
1. Physical Therapist Salary in United States
Average Salary: $85,000 – $110,000/year
2. Physical Therapist Salary in Switzerland
Average Salary: $90,000 – $120,000/year
3. Physical Therapist Salary in Canada
Average Salary: CAD $70,000 – $95,000/year
4. Physical Therapist Salary in Australia
Average Salary: AUD $70,000 – $100,000/year
5. Physical Therapist Salary in New Zealand
Average Salary: NZD $60,000 – $85,000/year
6. Physical Therapist Salary in United Kingdom
Average Salary: £33,000 – £55,000/year
(Specialists can earn more)
7. Physical Therapist Salary in Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia)
Average Salary: $40,000 – $70,000/year (tax-free)
Physical Therapist Jobs Abroad: What Countries offer Citizenship Pathways?
If your long-term goal is permanent residency and citizenship, these are the best countries to consider as a newly licensed PT.
1. Canada – PR and Provincial Nominations
PT is considered a high-demand occupation, making it easier to qualify under:
Express Entry
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Atlantic Immigration Program
Most PTs in Canada obtain PR within 6–24 months of working. But it’s important to note that this timeline is different from the credentialing and exam processing. Some PTs can take up to 48 months in completing all the steps due to difficulty in passing the licensure exam and having to complete the CAPR English Exam requirements first before they can start the assesment.
2. Australia – Work Visa to PR Pathway for Skilled PTs
Australia offers multiple PR pathways:
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated Visa (190)
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa leading to PR
PTs often get PR within 1–2 years of working. Most of the visa pathways requires 12 months to 36 months of clinical practice.
3. New Zealand – Straightforward Residency Route
Physical Therapists are part of New Zealand’s Green List, allowing:
Straight-to-residence visas
Employer-assisted residency
4. United States – Work Visa to Green Card Card and Citizenship Pathways available
PTs are under Schedule A, meaning faster green card processing under:
EB-3 Skilled Worker Visa
EB-2 Advanced Degree Visa (for DPT holders)
5. United Kingdom – Long-Term Residency Pathway
Skilled Worker Visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
Countries Accepting PT Applicants Even Without Clinical Experience
Many newly licensed PTs looking for physical therapist jobs abroad worry about lack of experience.
The good news? Several countries allow fresh graduates or inexperienced PTs to start their career abroad.
1. United States (Guaranteed)
Top on the list is USA. Experience is not required to sit for the NPTE or apply for credentialing. Many staffing agencies recruiting for PTs even train fresh graduates for clinical readiness.
2. United Kingdom (So-so)
Experience is NOT required for HCPC registration. Many Filipino PTs get approved as fresh graduates. However, employers mostly require PTs to have at least 2 years work experience, especially given the job market competition in UK.
3. Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia)
Some employers accept applicants with:
Zero clinical experience
Internship experience only
Volunteer hours
4. Australia (case by case or by chance)
Some PTs pass the APC written assessment right after graduation, especially if their curriculum aligns well with Australian standards. You can apply for the APC credentialing even as a fresh graduate however, the Skilled Migration Assessment and Visa Options mostly require skilled Physical Therapists with at least 3 years of experience.
Another option to increase your chance in getting points and nomination is getting a Proficient score in the English Exam requirements, check out the visa point system below for physical therapists.
Frequently asked questions by Physical Therapists looking for jobs abroad
Middle East countries like UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are most often the easiest countries to migrate to for Physical Therapists looking for jobs abroad, and who just recently passed their licensure. They offer quick hiring and also a good starting point if you want to gain experience before migrating to better countries like United States.
The USA and Switzerland are currently the highest-paying countries for PTs.
If you want to save money faster, the Middle East is strong because salaries are tax-free.
Yes. Countries like USA accepts Physical Therapists who don't have work experience.
If you are a fresh graduate with no work experience:
- Middle East: 1-2 years
- USA: 2-3 years
- Canada: 2-4 years
If you are a highly skilled PT with years of experience and looking for physical therapist jobs abroad:
- Middle East: 1-2 years
- USA: 2-3 years
- UK: 1-2 years
- Australia: 1-3 years
Consider:
Your long-term goals (PR? Salary? Experience?)
Exam difficulty
Cost of processing
Demand for PTs
Lifestyle and culture
Final Thoughts: Physical Therapist Jobs Abroad
Passing your local boards is just the beginning of your global PT career. Whether you want a high-paying job in the USA, a citizenship pathway in Canada, tax-free income in the Middle East, or an easy entry into the UK, there are multiple destinations waiting for skilled Physical Therapists like you.
The key is understanding the requirements, timelines, and opportunities for each country—so you can make the best decision for your future.
