How to migrate to Australia as an early childhood teacher

Key considerations

• ACECQA is the assessing authority for new Early Childhood Teacher migration assessments, ANZSCO 241111.
• Early Childhood Teacher, Child Care Worker and Child Care Centre Manager have different assessment standards.
• Qualification approval, a job offer and a positive skills assessment do not guarantee permanent residence.

Check the occupation: Early Childhood Teacher, ANZSCO 241111

ANZSCO 241111 covers early childhood teaching, including the alternative title Kindergarten Teacher and the specialisation Preschool Director. It is a Skill Level 1 occupation. The role concerns planned learning and children’s development rather than a job title alone.

Typical responsibilities include designing indoor and outdoor learning experiences, supporting language and early literacy, observing children’s progress, discussing development with parents and collaborating with other educators. Explain your own teaching responsibilities and the age group you work with; do not copy a task list as an employment reference.

A director title does not settle whether the role is an Early Childhood Teacher or a Child Care Centre Manager. Compare the principal duties and the relevant assessment standard. The ANZSCO skill-level description is also separate from ACECQA qualification approval, migration assessment and local registration requirements.

Use the current ACECQA assessment pathway

The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority, ACECQA, took over new Early Childhood Teacher migration skills assessments from AITSL on 7 December 2024. Older guides directing new applicants to AITSL are out of date.

First check whether your proposed visa requires a skills assessment and whether your qualification is approved for early childhood teaching. An NQF qualification assessment determines recognition for education and care work; it is not itself a migration skills assessment. Where both are needed, ACECQA can assess them together through a migration skills assessment application.

Check the qualification and placement details

The ECT migration standard requires an ACECQA nationally approved early childhood teaching qualification or an equivalent qualification. Check the exact award and any conditions on the approved list rather than relying on its course title or a provider’s general description.

If equivalence assessment is needed, ACECQA examines qualification level, curriculum, age focus and supervised professional experience. Its ECT guidelines cover children from birth to five, including transition to school. The placement requirement is 45 days, including at least 10 with children under three and a substantial preschool component, typically at least 25–30 days with children aged three until school entry.

Specific alternative evidence can be considered for the under-three component. Do not assume ordinary employment replaces every placement requirement. Obtain records showing the children’s ages, setting, duration and supervision so the actual evidence can be assessed.

Use the ECT English standard, not another occupation’s rule

ACECQA’s published options include one year of full-time tertiary or higher study in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States. It also considers part-time equivalent study.

Test options include Academic IELTS with at least 7 in reading and writing and 8 in speaking and listening, or a teacher-focused ISLPR assessment at level 4 in all four skills at an approved testing site. These tests must have been taken within the preceding three years. Certain employer references may be considered individually; ask ACECQA before relying on that option.

Migration assessment English, visa English and teacher-registration English are separate checks. Meeting one does not automatically establish the others.

Understand PR points and the main visa choices

Points-tested options to assess include subclass 189 Skilled Independent, subclass 190 Skilled Nominated and subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional. The 189 does not need a state or employer sponsor. The 190 needs state or territory nomination. The 491 requires nomination or eligible family sponsorship and carries regional conditions; it is provisional rather than permanent residence at grant.

The minimum points threshold is 65, but meeting it does not guarantee an invitation. Review age, English, qualifications, employment, partner factors and any nomination or sponsorship points against supporting documents. State selection criteria and available places also matter. A SkillSelect Expression of Interest does not provide a bridging visa.

Employer-sponsored options include Skills in Demand subclass 482, Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 and regional subclass 494, subject to the current occupation and stream requirements. Assess the employer, actual teaching duties, salary and your eligibility together. A temporary visa or an employer’s intention to sponsor later is not a promise of permanent residence.

Check registration where you intend to work

ACECQA does not replace the state or territory teacher-registration authority. Most jurisdictions require ECT registration or accreditation, but the rules depend on location and setting. For example, requirements can differ between a preschool attached to a school and another early childhood service.

Check the relevant authority and the employer’s appointment requirements before agreeing to a start date. An approved qualification and visa work rights are not the complete employment checklist.

Prepare evidence and allow for assessment time

Gather your passport, name-change records, award certificates, complete transcripts, English evidence and any existing approval or registration. Follow the correct document-certification and translation requirements, particularly if an NQF assessment is needed.

ACECQA currently warns that heavy application volumes are extending its usual assessment timeframe. Check its latest notice and your current visa expiry independently; an assessment application does not extend your visa.

How we can help

Ausdirect can help connect the assessment, visa and employment requirements into a practical plan, identify missing evidence and compare options around your preferred location and timing.

Questions to consider

Your next step

Bring your qualifications, placement history, English evidence and current visa position to a consultation. General information checked on 17 October 2026.