Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher — Subclass 189 Pathway
Skilled Independent visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- No sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-15 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher for migration purposes is handled by: ACECQA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — the one listed for the nominated ANZSCO code on this site.
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teacher (ANZSCO 241111) qualifies for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa through its listing on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Subclass 189 is a permanent, points-tested pathway that requires no employer, state, or family sponsorship, making it the most independent skilled migration route available. Applicants must lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and await an invitation based on competitive points rounds. A positive skills assessment from Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) is mandatory, evaluating qualifications and teaching or care experience with children from birth to school entry age against Australian benchmarks. Key requirements include a minimum 65 points under the points test (competitive invitation rounds typically require scores well above this threshold), being under 45 years of age at the time of invitation, demonstrating competent English (IELTS 6 overall or equivalent), and satisfying health and character requirements. On grant, holders receive permanent Australian residency with no geographic restriction. Application fees start from approximately AUD 4,640 and processing typically takes between eight and fifteen months. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 189. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated MLTSSL occupation
- Submit Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and meet pass mark (currently 65, effective competitive minimum 90+)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.