Points-tested skilled visas
If you meet the relevant requirements, you may be able to apply for skilled migration without employer sponsorship.
EMC Australia / Occupations / ANZSCO 241111
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher (241111): Teach the basics of numeracy, literacy, social skills and other knowledge to early childhood students.
Are you a qualified early childhood (pre-primary school) teacher considering working or settling in Australia? Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher is an occupation recognised under Australia’s skilled migration program. Depending on your qualifications, experience and personal circumstances, you may be eligible for permanent residency through skilled migration or an employer-sponsored visa. Whether you studied overseas, recently graduated in Australia or already have professional experience, EMC Australia can help you understand which visa pathways may be suitable for you.
ANZSCO
241111
Assessing authority
Skills assessments for Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher (241111) are handled by ACECQA (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority), which assesses whether your early childhood teaching qualification is equivalent to an approved Australian early childhood teaching qualification.
Occupation lists
MLTSSL · CSOL
Industry
Education & teaching
Can I migrate to Australia as a early childhood (pre-primary school) teacher?
Yes. Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher is an eligible occupation for several Australian skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas. However, being a early childhood (pre-primary school) teacher does not automatically make you eligible for a visa. Your options will depend on factors such as your qualifications, English language ability, age, work experience and skills assessment. Some visas also require an invitation from the Australian Government, state or territory nomination, or sponsorship from an eligible employer. The first step is to identify which pathway best suits your circumstances.
What visa options are available for early childhood (pre-primary school) teachers?
Australian early childhood (pre-primary school) teachers may have several visa options, depending on their personal and professional circumstances.
Employer-sponsored visas
If you have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you, other visa options may be available.
Other pathways
If you have recently completed studies in Australia or are undertaking structured workplace training, other temporary visas may be worth exploring, depending on your eligibility.
Which Australian states nominate early childhood (pre-primary school) teachers?
State or territory nomination may provide another opportunity to pursue skilled migration through subclass 190 or 491. Each Australian state and territory has its own nomination requirements. These can depend on your occupation, current location, employment, qualifications and other circumstances. Some states prioritise applicants who are already living or working locally, while others may consider eligible applicants from overseas. As nomination requirements and available places can change throughout the year, it is important to check the current program before deciding where to apply.
EOI and state nominationHow do I get my early childhood (pre-primary school) teacher skills assessed?
For points-tested skilled migration, you generally need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher skills assessments can be undertaken by one of the recognised assessing authorities: Skills assessments for Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher (241111) are handled by ACECQA (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority), which assesses whether your early childhood teaching qualification is equivalent to an approved Australian early childhood teaching qualification.. The assessing authority will review your educational qualifications, the relevant subjects you completed and whether you meet its English language requirements. If you completed your qualifications overseas, you may still qualify, provided they meet the applicable assessment standards. If your studies do not cover all the required areas, you may need additional study before obtaining a positive assessment. Work experience may be assessed separately where relevant, including when you intend to claim points for skilled employment. Understanding these requirements early can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and delays.
- Skills assessments for Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher (241111) are handled by ACECQA (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority), which assesses whether your early childhood teaching qualification is equivalent to an approved Australian early childhood teaching qualification.
What affects my eligibility for skilled migration?
For points-tested skilled visas, several factors influence your eligibility and points score. The minimum points threshold is 65, although achieving this score does not guarantee an invitation.
Age
Your age affects your migration points. Points-tested skilled visa applicants generally need to be under 45 when invited to apply.
English
You must meet the applicable English language requirements. Higher English test results may also help you claim additional migration points. The English requirements for your skills assessment may be different from those for your visa.
Skilled employment
Relevant Australian or overseas experience in this occupation may help you claim additional points. Your employment history and supporting evidence must satisfy the applicable requirements.
Qualifications
Recognised educational qualifications can contribute to your points score. Your qualifications and the subjects you studied are also important for your skills assessment.
Australian study and partner
Eligible Australian study, partner qualifications and other recognised factors may increase your points score.
Nomination
State or territory nomination can provide additional points for subclasses 190 and 491. Each nomination program has its own eligibility requirements.
Does my experience match ANZSCO 241111?
Not everyone working in a related position will necessarily qualify under Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher. For migration purposes, your actual job responsibilities matter more than your position title. Choosing the correct occupation is important before applying for a skills assessment or visa.
- Teach or lecture at the nominated level, with the qualification the assessing body expects
- Show classroom or academic duties, not only tutoring casuals
- Meet the assessing body’s English and qualification rules
- Treat teacher registration in a state as a separate step from the skills assessment
Frequently asked questions about early childhood (pre-primary school) teacher migration
ACECQA (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority) is the assessing authority for Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher under code 241111. It assesses whether your early childhood teaching qualification is equivalent to an approved Australian early childhood teaching qualification.
Our current data places 241111 on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This links to visa subclasses 189, 190, 491, 482, 186, 494, 485 and 407. Lists change, so EMC Australia confirms the position at the time you apply.
Prepare an early childhood teaching qualification covering birth to five years, with supervised professional experience. Reference letters should describe duties such as: plan play-based programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework.
Yes, if your actual duties match. Assessors look at what you did — for Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher, that means work centred on teaching and caring for children before formal schooling — rather than your employer's title. If your duties fit a neighbouring code in unit group 2411 better, nominate that instead.
Early Childhoods (Pre-primary School) Teacher are commonly employed by long day care centres, kindergartens and preschools. Regional employers may also open 491 or 494 options for 241111.
Not sure which Australian visa is right for you?
Your qualifications and experience may provide opportunities for skilled migration or employer sponsorship, but choosing the right pathway requires careful consideration. At EMC Australia, we can help you understand your available options, identify potential eligibility issues and plan your next steps. Tell us a little about your background through our free visa assessment, or book a consultation to discuss your circumstances with our migration team.