Special Needs Teacher — Subclass 186 Pathway
Employer Nomination Scheme visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,770 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~6-15 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Special Needs Teacher for migration purposes is handled by: AITSL.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Special Needs Teacher × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Special Needs Teacher (ANZSCO 241511) is eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, a permanent employer-sponsored pathway. The occupation's presence on the relevant skilled occupation list allows approved Australian employers to sponsor a qualified Special Needs Teacher when a suitable local candidate is not available. This visa is not points-tested. Employer nomination approval is mandatory, with the sponsoring business required to conduct genuine labour market testing demonstrating that no adequately skilled Australian worker could fill the vacancy. The employer must hold approved sponsor status and comply with all scheme obligations. A skills assessment from Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is required to verify the applicant's qualifications and teaching and support experience with students who have physical, intellectual, or learning disabilities against Australian standards. Applicants must also meet English language requirements and pass standard health and character checks. Application fees and processing times vary by stream and individual circumstances. Visa grant confers permanent Australian residency. 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 186. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at application (with limited exemptions)
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Nominated by an approved Australian employer
- Positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation (Direct Entry stream)
- At least three years of relevant work experience (Direct Entry stream)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Special Needs Teacher
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 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 Special Needs Teacher
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.