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 134311
School Principal
School Principal (134311): Plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate educational and administrative aspects of primary and secondary schools.
Are you a qualified school principal considering working or settling in Australia? School Principal 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
134311
Assessing authority
Skills assessment for School Principal (ANZSCO 134311) is carried out by VETASSESS.
Occupation lists
STSOL · CSOL
Industry
Management
Can I migrate to Australia as a school principal?
Yes. School Principal is an eligible occupation for several Australian skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas. However, being a school principal 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 school principals?
Australian school principals 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 school principals?
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 school principal skills assessed?
For points-tested skilled migration, you generally need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. School Principal skills assessments can be undertaken by one of the recognised assessing authorities: Skills assessment for School Principal (ANZSCO 134311) is carried out by VETASSESS.. 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.
How skills assessments workWhat 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 134311?
Not everyone working in a related position will necessarily qualify under School Principal. 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.
- Manage people, budgets or operations at the nominated occupation’s level
- Show decisions and accountability, not only a supervisor title
- Evidence has to match the ANZSCO manager code, not a professional specialist code
- A business card that says manager is not a skills assessment
Frequently asked questions about school principal migration
A School Principal is employed to lead a primary or secondary school, setting educational direction, managing staff and resources and ensuring students learn in a safe environment. Typical tasks include: set the school's educational vision, priorities and policies; manage school budgets, facilities and enrolments; and ensure compliance with education regulations and child safety standards.
VETASSESS is the assessing authority for ANZSCO 134311. A positive skills assessment is needed before you can lodge most skilled visa applications as a School Principal.
Our data lists School Principal on the STSOL and CSOL, linked to visa subclasses 190, 491, 482, 186, 494 and 407. List settings change, so confirm the current position before you lodge an Expression of Interest or nomination.
Prepare teaching qualifications, principal or deputy appointments and references showing you led a school. Detailed references on company letterhead with dates, hours and duties are essential.
134311 is for school principals. Teachers and heads of department fit teaching codes unless they lead the whole school.
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.