Early Childhood Teacher Migration to Australia: Qualifications & PR Pathways (2025 Update)
Australia is experiencing a critical shortage of Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers, making this one of the most in-demand professions nationwide. In this comprehensive guide, we outline the qualification requirements, skills assessment process, and migration pathways for early childhood teachers in Australia. We also answer frequently asked questions about PR pathways with a Graduate Diploma, skills assessments on a 482 visa, state nominations, and English language criteria for teachers.
Why Early Childhood Teachers Are in Demand in Australia
The need for qualified early childhood educators has never been greater. A 2024 workforce report found a shortfall of around 21,000 early childhood teachers across Australia. The Government is investing in new preschools and wage subsidies to attract educators, and skilled migration is a key part of the solution. This high demand benefits migrants: Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teacher is on both the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), and the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which means it is eligible for a broad range of work visas and PR pathways.
In short, if you are a qualified early childhood teacher, Australia offers multiple visa options and an encouraging pathway to build your career and settle permanently.
Qualifications Required to Be an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia
To migrate as an Early Childhood Teacher, you must hold a suitable teaching qualification in early childhood education. Generally, your qualification should be one of the following:
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) – typically a 4-year undergraduate degree in early childhood or equivalent.
Graduate Diploma or Master’s in Early Childhood Education – a postgraduate qualification that prepares you for teaching children aged 0-5 (often undertaken if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field).
Tip: Ensure any course you undertake in Australia is CRICOS-approved (for international students) and recognised by ACECQA (the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority). Only approved qualifications will meet the skills assessment criteria for migration. You can check ACECQA’s list of approved early childhood educator qualifications before enrolling.
Practical Training Requirement: In addition to the academic qualification, Australian standards require significant supervised practical experience in an early childhood setting. For a positive skills assessment, ACECQA mandates that your teacher education program includes a supervised teaching practicum of at least:
80 days for undergraduate qualifications (e.g. Bachelor of Education), with at least 10 days working with children under age 3 and 30 days with ages 3-5.
60 days for postgraduate qualifications (e.g. Graduate Diploma or Master’s), with a similar distribution across age groups.
These placements ensure you have hands-on experience teaching infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers, which is crucial for both skills assessment and employment. If you studied in Australia, your university program will include these practicums. If you obtained your qualification overseas, you may need to provide evidence of your teaching practicum details when applying for skills assessment.
Skills Assessment through ACECQA (New in 2025)
A positive skills assessment is essential for most skilled visa applications (such as subclass 189, 190, 491) and some employer-sponsored pathways. As of 7 December 2024, ACECQA is the designated assessing authority for Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher migration skills assessments. (This role was previously held by AITSL, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership.)
What does the skills assessment involve? You will need to submit an application to ACECQA to verify that your qualifications meet Australian standards for an Early Childhood Teacher. Key requirements include:
Approved Qualification in Early Childhood: Evidence of your completed degree, diploma or master’s in early childhood education (transcripts and award certificate). If it’s an Australian degree, it should be on ACECQA’s approved list. Overseas qualifications will be evaluated for equivalence to an Australian early childhood teaching qualification.
English Language Proficiency: Proof that you meet the English requirements (details in the next section).
Identification and Supporting Documents: Passport, CV, and possibly teacher registration or work references if applicable.
With the transition to ACECQA, the process has become more streamlined for onshore graduates. Applications lodged with AITSL before Dec 7, 2024 are still valid and results remain valid for 2 years, but any new applications must go to ACECQA. If you had an assessment in progress with AITSL and wish to switch, AITSL offered refunds for those withdrawn around the transition date.
Lower English Threshold: A major benefit of the move to ACECQA is a more accessible English language criterion (see next section). This change particularly helps international students and graduate visa holders: many can now satisfy the skill assessment English requirement by completing at least one year of study in Australia, rather than needing a high-stakes language test. This makes it easier and faster to obtain your positive skills assessment after finishing your course.
Once you receive a positive skills assessment outcome from ACECQA, it is typically valid for 2-3 years. You will need this outcome letter when you lodge an Expression of Interest and visa application for skilled migration.
English Language Requirements for Early Childhood Teachers
Demonstrating strong English proficiency is important both for migration purposes and for working as a teacher in Australia. There are two aspects to consider: the skills assessment requirement and visa points/eligibility.
ACECQA Skills Assessment English Criteria: Under the new ACECQA guidelines, applicants must show they have sufficient English ability to teach young children. This can be met in one of two ways:
Education in English: Completing at least one year of full-time tertiary study in English in a recognized English-speaking country (e.g. Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada, etc.) Most international graduates from Australian universities automatically meet this, as long as one year of your degree was in Australia.
English Language Test: If you have not studied in an English-speaking country for at least a year, you can take an approved test such as IELTS or PTE. ACECQA generally requires a score equivalent to about IELTS 7.0 in each band (reading, writing, speaking, listening) or higher for a positive assessment. For example, an IELTS Academic score of 7 in each component (or OET with at least B in each, or PTE Academic ~65 in each skill) would satisfy the requirement. (This is notably more attainable than the old AITSL standard, which demanded IELTS 8.0 in Speaking and Listening and 7.0 in Reading and Writing.)
Visa Application English Requirements: Separately from the skill assessment, the Department of Home Affairs requires Competent English as a minimum for skilled visas. Competent English is defined as IELTS 6.0 (or PTE 50) in each band, and is automatically met if you hold certain passports (UK, USA, Canada, etc.). For employer-sponsored visas like the 482, generally a slightly lower benchmark of overall IELTS 5 (with no band below 5) applies. However, to claim points for General Skilled Migration, higher English scores give you extra points:
Proficient English: IELTS 7.0 (or PTE 65) in each band — awards 10 points.
Superior English: IELTS 8.0 (or PTE 79) in each band — awards 20 points.
For aspiring PR applicants, it’s highly recommended to aim for Proficient or Superior English to boost your points and employability. If you completed your teaching degree in Australia, use that to satisfy the assessment criteria, then consider taking an IELTS/PTE exam to maximize your points for the visa. Additionally, keep in mind that to register as an early childhood teacher with state teacher regulatory bodies, you may need to meet their English standards (often similar to the above).
Visa Pathways for Early Childhood Teachers: Temporary and Permanent
Thanks to its inclusion on key skill lists, the Early Childhood Teacher occupation opens the door to numerous visa options. The pathway you choose will depend on your circumstances (qualifications, experience, points, job offers, etc.). Below is an overview of major migration pathways for early childhood educators:
1. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
For international students who complete an approved early childhood teaching qualification in Australia, the 485 Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Study Work stream) is often the first step. This visa allows you to stay and work in Australia for 2–3 years (depending on your qualification level) after graduation. Early childhood teaching graduates benefit from this by gaining local work experience and potentially improving their English and points profile. Many use the 485 period to prepare for a skills assessment and lodge an Expression of Interest for PR. If you’re on a 485 visa, make sure to get your skills assessment done as soon as you're eligible, and explore state nomination options while you accumulate work experience.
2. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa that does not require any state nomination or employer sponsorship. Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teacher is on the 189-eligible list (MLTSSL). To apply, you need to submit an EOI (Expression of Interest) and receive an invitation from the government based on your points score. The minimum points to lodge is 65; in practice, early childhood teachers have been invited at relatively moderate points thresholds (sometimes 65-70 points) due to the high demand for this occupation. Still, higher points improve your chances, so maximize your English, education, and experience points where possible.
Key requirements for 189:
Age under 45 at time of invitation.
Positive skills assessment as Early Childhood Teacher (from ACECQA).
Competent English or above.
Meet the points score cutoff for the invitation round.
189 visa gives you full permanent residence with no location restrictions – a great option if you can secure an invitation. However, invitations for 189 can be competitive and subject to change based on Australia’s needs.
3. State Nominated Visas (Subclass 190 & 491)
Nearly all Australian states and territories actively nominate Early Childhood Teachers for skilled visas, making this one of the most accessible pathways to PR. State nomination can be for:
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190): A permanent visa sponsored by a state or territory government.
Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491): A 5-year temporary visa (leading to PR via subclass 191) sponsored by a state/territory, requiring you to live and work in a regional area of that state.
Early Childhood Teacher appears on the skilled occupation lists of Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory as of 2025. Each state has its own criteria for nomination. For example:
Victoria: Actively encourages ECTs, and even conducts webinars to attract those on temporary visas. Simply lodging a Registration of Interest could lead to an invitation if you meet basic requirements (such as working in Victoria or having study completion in Victoria).
New South Wales: Lists Early Childhood Teacher on its skilled list; nomination usually requires a minimum point score and sometimes a job offer in NSW.
Queensland: May require that you have completed your early childhood education degree in Queensland or have a job in regional QLD (check the latest QLD criteria).
South Australia and Tasmania: Often favor applicants already working or living in the state in the occupation.
ACT: Uses a points matrix for those living in Canberra; ECT is typically on the ACT Critical Skills List.
Western Australia & NT: These regions have high demand and may nominate eligible teachers especially if you reside there or have a job offer.
Securing a 190 nomination means immediate PR upon grant, while a 491 nomination gives you a provisional visa with a pathway to PR after 3 years (provided you meet income and residency conditions). State nomination can also add 5 points (491) or 15 points (190 in some cases under old system, though currently 190 doesn’t give extra points but is PR outright).
Tips for State Nomination:
Research each state’s requirements on their official migration website. Ensure you meet any additional criteria (such as minimum work experience, job offers, or residing in that state).
Some states prioritize onshore applicants, especially 485 holders who studied locally. Being onshore is a big advantage, so use it.
Regional advantage: Willingness to live in regional areas can boost your chances. For instance, many regional towns and cities urgently need early childhood educators, and state programs often fast-track those willing to go regional.
4. Employer Sponsorship (Temporary and Permanent)
Another major route for early childhood teachers is through employer-sponsored visas. If you have an Australian employer (such as a childcare center, preschool, or school) willing to sponsor you, this can lead to both temporary and permanent visas:
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) – This is the typical work visa for skilled workers with a job offer. Early Childhood Teacher is on the medium-term list, meaning a 482 visa can be granted for up to 4 years, renewable, and it has a pathway to permanent residency. In late 2024, Australia introduced the new “Skills in Demand” stream under subclass 482, using the Core Skills Occupation List. Early Childhood Teachers are included, reflecting their high demand. Practically, this means sponsors can hire overseas or onshore qualified teachers relatively quickly.
Requirements: You need at least two years of relevant work experience (which can include experience gained during internships or practicums, in some cases), and your employer must be an approved sponsor. Notably, a formal skills assessment is not required upfront for a 482 visa in this occupation – your qualifications and experience are usually sufficient for nomination. The English requirement for the 482 is lower than for PR (about IELTS 5 overall or equivalent, unless overridden by licensing requirements). Many early childhood 482 holders simultaneously work towards PR via points or state nomination while on this visa.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – This is a direct permanent residency visa sponsored by an employer. There are two main streams:
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: If you have worked with the same employer on a 482 (or new equivalent) for at least 3 years, your employer can nominate you for PR through the ENS 186 visa. No additional skills assessment is required for the TRT stream, since you’ve already proven yourself by working in Australia.
Direct Entry Stream: If you secure an employer willing to sponsor you for PR directly (without the 3-year 482 period), you can apply via Direct Entry. In this case, you will need a positive skills assessment and at least 3 years of work experience in the field. This route is less common for teachers unless you have substantial experience, but it’s an option if, say, you have many years of teaching overseas and a job offer in Australia.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) – If your job offer is in a designated regional area, the employer can sponsor you on a 5-year regional visa. This requires a skills assessment and 3 years experience. The 494 visa can lead to PR via the subclass 191 (after 3 years in the regional area at a specified income level).
Why consider employer sponsorship? Employer-sponsored routes can be faster and more assured if you have a willing employer. Many childcare providers in Australia are experiencing staffing shortages and are open to sponsoring qualified teachers. If you’re already working on a 485 visa and your employer values you, discuss the possibility of 482 sponsorship. This can secure your status and later transition to ENS 186 PR without worrying about points. Just remember, for any employer pathway you still need to meet age (usually <45) and English requirements at the PR stage, but by then you may have improved both.
FAQ: Early Childhood Teacher PR Pathway in Australia
Q: Can I get PR with a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education?
A: Yes – a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (or a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood) can be a valid pathway to PR, as long as you already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. In Australia, many aspiring teachers who have a bachelor’s in another discipline choose a one-year graduate diploma or two-year master’s program to become a qualified Early Childhood Teacher. The great news is that under the new ACECQA skills assessment rules, a one-year Graduate Diploma (when combined with a prior degree) meets the qualification requirement for Early Childhood Teacher. You must ensure the grad diploma includes at least 60 days of supervised teaching practice with children 0-5 and that you complete the program in Australia or another English-speaking country to satisfy the English requirement. Once you finish your Grad Dip and obtain a positive skills assessment, you can use that to apply for PR visas (189/190/491) or be sponsored by an employer. Many graduate diploma holders have successfully obtained PR as early childhood educators – it’s a shorter study pathway than a full bachelor’s and now very much recognized for migration. Just make sure your course is ACECQA-approved and CRICOS-registered.
Q: Do I need a positive skills assessment if I’m already on a 482 visa?
A: It depends on your goals. To be granted a TSS 482 work visa, a formal skills assessment is generally not required for Early Childhood Teachers – the visa was likely granted based on your qualifications and job offer. However, if you plan to pursue permanent residency or a points-tested visa, you will need a positive skills assessment. For example, for a subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa, a skills assessment from ACECQA is mandatory. Similarly, if you switch to the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme via the Direct Entry stream, you must provide a skills assessment. On the other hand, if you stay with your employer and go through the 186 Temporary Residence Transition after 3 years on your 482, you do not need a new skills assessment for that PR application. In summary: while on a 482 you didn’t need it, any independent skilled migration PR route will require an assessment, so it’s wise to obtain it as soon as you’re eligible. This also future-proofs you in case you want to explore other visa options.
Q: Which states nominate Early Childhood Teachers for visas?
A: Almost all Australian states and territories include Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher on their skilled occupation lists, reflecting the nationwide demand. As of 2025, you can seek nomination in states such as Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory. Each state has its own process and criteria:
Victoria: Highly supportive of early childhood teachers – you can submit a Registration of Interest for subclass 190 or 491. Victoria has been actively inviting onshore ECT graduates, especially those working in Victoria.
NSW: Uses a points-based selection; Early Childhood Teacher is on their list (for both 190 and regional 491). Higher points and/or job offers in NSW improve your chances.
Queensland: ECT is on the QLD list, but they may require you to be a QLD graduate or be currently working in the occupation in QLD (often in regional areas).
South Australia: Open to early childhood teachers, with pathways for both SA graduates and offshore/onshore applicants who have skills in this area, typically needing an job or residence in SA.
Western Australia: Lists early childhood teachers on the State Nomination Occupation List; they often invite applicants already in WA or those willing to move to WA for work.
ACT: The ACT Government’s Critical Skills List features Early Childhood Teacher; you need to be living in Canberra and meet the Matrix points criteria to be nominated.
Tasmania & NT: Both have small populations but acute needs in education – they regularly nominate eligible early childhood teachers, especially those living there or with job offers.
Because criteria can change, it’s best to check the latest guidelines on the state migration websites or consult a migration agent. But broadly, early childhood educators have opportunities in every region of Australia for state-nominated visas.
Q: What are the English language requirements for teachers in Australia?
A: English proficiency is crucial for teachers, both for visa purposes and for professional registration. For migration:
Skills Assessment (ACECQA): As discussed earlier, the requirement can be met by one year of study in English or an IELTS test with about 7.0 each band. This is the standard to show you can function effectively as a teacher.
Visa Requirements: For skilled visas (189/190/491), you need at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent) to lodge. Higher scores give you more points – e.g. Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each) gives +10 points, Superior (IELTS 8.0 each) gives +20 points. While Competent is the minimum, aiming for higher is advisable in this competitive field.
Teaching Registration: Separately, to actually work as an early childhood teacher, you may need to register with the state education or childcare regulator. Many state teacher registration boards require a high level of English for non-native speakers, often an IELTS Academic 7.0 in all bands (or even 8.0 in speaking/listening for some). If you completed your education in Australia, this is usually deemed satisfied. If not, you might need to take a test for registration purposes even if you already have your visa.
In practice, if you studied in Australia or another English-speaking country, you likely meet most requirements. If not, focus on passing an English test at the required level early. Strong English not only checks the visa box but also makes you a more confident educator and boosts your employability in Australia’s education sector.
Need personalized advice on your Early Childhood Teacher migration journey? Our team at One Planet Migration Law can help. Whether you’re an international graduate exploring PR options or a 482 visa holder planning your next step, we offer expert guidance. Feel free to book a consultation with our migration lawyers – we’ll help you map out the best pathway to achieve your Australian permanent residency as an early childhood educator. Here’s to a fulfilling teaching career and a successful migration journey in Australia!
Note: The information provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalised advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for up-to-date insights tailored to your individual circumstances. We strongly advise seeking professional guidance to navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law effectively and to achieve the most favorable outcomes for your immigration journey.
