Overseas Allied
Health Professionals
Guidance for overseas-qualified allied health professionals seeking SLMC registration to practise in Sri Lanka — covering credential assessment, recognised overseas bodies, temporary registration, and the path to full AHP registration.
Credential
Assessment by SLMC AHP Board
15+
Regulated AHP professions
Temporary
Registration during assessment
30 pts
CPD points required per year
Registration Pathway
Step-by-step process from credential submission through to full SLMC AHP registration.
Read moreRecognised Overseas Bodies
Overseas regulatory bodies and institutions whose AHP qualifications the SLMC recognises.
Read moreTemporary Registration
Practise under supervision while your overseas credential is under assessment.
Read moreCPD & Obligations
Annual CPD requirements and renewal obligations for overseas AHPs on the full register.
Read moreRegistration Pathway
Overseas-qualified allied health professionals must have their credentials assessed by the SLMC AHP Assessment Board before registration is granted. The assessment considers the awarding institution, curriculum, clinical training, and whether the qualification is equivalent to the Sri Lankan standard for that profession.
Prepare Your Documents
Gather certified copies of: your AHP degree or diploma, academic transcripts, Certificate of Good Standing from your current overseas regulatory body, proof of post-graduation clinical practice, passport copy, and two passport-sized photographs.
Submit Online Application
Complete the overseas AHP registration application through the SLMC e-Services portal. Select your specific profession from the dropdown. Upload scanned certified copies of all documents and pay the overseas assessment fee.
Credential Assessment
The SLMC AHP Assessment Board — which includes profession-specific assessors — reviews your qualification. Qualifications from bodies listed on the SLMC Recognised Overseas Bodies schedule are fast-tracked. Others undergo a full equivalency assessment, which may take 30-60 working days.
Assessment Outcome
One of three outcomes: (a) qualification accepted — full registration granted; (b) provisional acceptance — supervised practice period required before full registration; (c) not accepted — applicant may appeal or re-apply with additional evidence. In cases (b) a temporary registration is issued.
Full AHP Registration Granted
Once the assessment is satisfactory, you are entered on the SLMC AHP register and a registration certificate is issued, valid until 31 December of the current year. Annual renewal and CPD obligations apply from the following year.
Full Overseas Registration Guide
Detailed documents, fees, and requirements for all overseas AHP registrations.
Documents Required
- AHP degree / diploma (certified copy)
- Academic transcripts (certified)
- Certificate of Good Standing from overseas regulatory body
- Proof of post-graduation clinical experience
- Passport or NIC (certified copy)
- 2 × passport-sized photographs
- Change-of-name deed (if applicable)
Processing Times
- Acknowledged Within 14 days
- Fast-track (recognised body) 15 - 20 working days
- Full equivalency assessment 30 - 60 working days
- Supervised period (if required) 3 - 6 months
Recognised Overseas Bodies
The SLMC recognises qualifications granted by regulatory bodies and institutions in the following countries. AHPs holding qualifications from these bodies benefit from a streamlined assessment. Qualifications from other countries undergo a full equivalency review.
United Kingdom
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
- Society and College of Radiographers
- Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
Australia & New Zealand
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Australian Physiotherapy Association
- Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia
- Speech Pathology Australia
India
- Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP)
- Pharmacy Council of India
- Association of Medical Laboratory Sciences
- All India Occupational Therapists Association
Other Recognised Countries
- Canada — relevant provincial colleges
- South Africa — Health Professions Council (HPCSA)
- Singapore — Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC)
- Malaysia — Allied Health Professions Act regulatory bodies
This list is indicative. The SLMC periodically reviews and updates its recognised bodies schedule. Qualifications from bodies not listed above may still be assessed — contact the Registration Division for guidance before applying. The full recognised institutions list is available on the Recognised Institutions page.
Regulated AHP Professions
- Physiotherapy
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Radiography
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Audiology
- Prosthetics & Orthotics
- Pharmacy (clinical)
- Medical Social Work
Not Sure if Your Body is Recognised?
Contact the SLMC Registration Division with details of your qualification and awarding body for a pre-application assessment.
Send InquiryTemporary Registration
Overseas AHPs whose applications are under assessment may apply for temporary registration. This permits supervised practice in an approved institution while the credential assessment is completed. Temporary registration may also be granted for a required supervised practice period prior to full registration.
What It Allows
- Supervised AHP practice in an approved institution
- Accumulating Sri Lankan clinical experience
- Completing a required supervised practice period
- Applying for full registration on satisfactory completion
Restrictions
- Supervision by a full-registered SLMC practitioner required
- Cannot practise independently or in private practice
- Maximum 12 months (extendable for supervised period)
- Does not grant specialist endorsement rights
Apply for Temporary Registration
Submit your temporary AHP registration application through the Registration page or e-Services portal.
Temporary Reg. Documents
- Temporary registration application form
- AHP degree / diploma (certified copy)
- Certificate of Good Standing from overseas body
- Letter of appointment from approved institution
- Supervision arrangement confirmation
- Passport copy (certified)
- 2 × passport-sized photographs
- Applicable fee payment
CPD & Ongoing Obligations
Overseas AHPs on the full register have the same annual CPD and renewal obligations as locally-qualified AHPs.
30 CPD Points/Year
30 points per year, including minimum 10 from formally accredited CME relevant to your AHP profession.
Annual Renewal
Renewal via e-Services by 28 February each year. CPD declaration and renewal fee payment required.
Certificate Download
Download your current AHP registration certificate at any time through the e-Services portal.
Good Standing Letter
Request a Certificate of Good Standing confirming your SLMC AHP registration is active and in good standing.
Scope of Practice
Overseas AHPs must practise within the defined scope for their profession. Exceeding scope is a disciplinary offence.
CPD Portfolio
Log all CPD activities in your e-Services portfolio and submit the annual return by 31 January each year.
Practise in Sri Lanka
Ready to Apply?
Start your overseas AHP registration application through the SLMC e-Services portal.