Migration Agent for Teachers in Australia

Teaching Visa Pathways in Australia

Secondary school teachers (ANZSCO 241411) and early childhood teachers (241111) are on both the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and the Core Skills Occupation List. That reaches the subclass 189, 190 and 491 and the subclass 482 and 186. Primary school teachers (241213) are on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List and the Core Skills Occupation List, so they reach the 190, 491, 482 and 186 but not the 189. (Lists as at 12 August 2026.) Subclass 190 needs state nomination. The subclass 491 adds 15 points and needs state or family nomination to a regional area. The 482 Skills in Demand visa (Core Skills stream) and the 494 are the employer-sponsored routes. The old short-term and medium-term 482 streams were abolished on 7 December 2024.

AITSL Skills Assessment for Teachers

Primary and secondary teachers (and Middle School 241311) are assessed by AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership). Early childhood teachers (241111) are assessed by ACECQA instead. AITSL assesses qualifications, not work experience. As at September 2026 the AITSL fee is $1,198 (from 7 September 2026, no GST) and an appeal is $938. AITSL says most complete applications are assessed within 4 to 6 weeks. There is one assessment, with no provisional pathway. AITSL accepts Academic IELTS only: 7.0 in Reading and Writing and 8.0 in Speaking and Listening. PTE, OET and TOEFL are not accepted. Outcomes are valid for 2 years.

Teacher Registration: State-by-State Requirements

An AITSL or ACECQA skills assessment is not teacher registration. To teach in a school you also need registration with the regulator in the state or territory where you will work, such as VIT in Victoria, NESA in New South Wales and the QCT in Queensland. Each regulator sets its own requirements, including English, criminal history and child-protection checks. Check the regulator's own site for the current rules, because they differ by state and the visa assessment doesn't replace them.

State Nomination for Teachers

State and territory governments run their own nomination programs for the 190 and 491, and each publishes its own occupation lists, criteria and opening dates. Some require a job offer or residence in the state, and some prioritise regional or particular subject areas. Whether teaching is open for nomination changes by state and by year, so the nominating state's own migration page is the source. The 491 adds 15 points and has a regional requirement.

English Requirements for Teacher Migration

Several English tests apply at different stages. AITSL accepts Academic IELTS only, at 7.0 in Reading and Writing and 8.0 in Speaking and Listening. For points, Proficient English scores 10 and Superior English scores 20. Superior is IELTS 8 in each band. Teacher registration bodies set their own English requirements, which can differ from both. The tests accepted at each stage differ, so check each requirement before booking a test.

Find a Teacher Migration Specialist Through Migratio

Migratio is Australia's marketplace for finding and comparing MARA-registered migration agents. Migratio matches teachers with MARA-registered agents experienced with education sector migration. When you submit your case brief, describe your teaching level (early childhood, primary, secondary), subject specialisation, AITSL status, teacher registration status, and whether you are open to regional placements. You describe your situation once and compare consultation fees from agents who can map the fastest realistic pathway to your teaching role in Australia. Comparing is free; consults are typically $150–$300 and you pay only if you book. Migratio's own consult data, as at September 2026: the median consultation quote is $220 and the middle half run from $150 to $275, from 686 quotes by 57 agents.

Do I need an AITSL assessment before applying for a visa?

For points-tested visas (189, 190, 491), a suitable skills assessment is needed before the Expression of Interest is invited. Primary and secondary teachers use AITSL, and early childhood teachers use ACECQA. For employer-sponsored visas, the skills assessment requirement depends on the visa and stream.

Can I teach in Australia while my visa is being processed?

Work rights depend on the visa you hold and its conditions, and you also need teacher registration for the state where you teach. Check your visa conditions in VEVO and your registration status before starting work.

Are early childhood teachers eligible for the 189 visa?

Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers (ANZSCO 241111) are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, which reaches the 189, and on the Core Skills Occupation List for the 482. Their skills assessment is by ACECQA. Meeting the occupation list is one requirement among many, and nobody can guarantee a visa.

How long does AITSL assessment take?

AITSL says most complete applications are assessed within 4 to 6 weeks. Ensure all required documents (transcripts, practicum evidence, English results) are included in your initial submission to avoid requests for additional information that extend the timeline.

Do I need to be qualified to teach my specific subject?

Registration regulators and the assessing authority each look at whether your qualifications match the level and subjects you intend to teach. Their requirements differ by state, so check each regulator's own page.

Can my school sponsor me directly?

A school or education authority can sponsor a worker if it is an approved sponsor and nominates the position. The rules for a sponsor and a nomination are on the Home Affairs site, and a registered migration agent can explain how they apply.