What Is the Visa 189?

The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers whose occupation appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).For teachers, common eligible occupations include:

• Early Childhood Teacher

• Primary School Teacher

• Secondary School Teacher

• Special Needs Teacher

It does not require state nomination or employer sponsorship.

 Full Cost Breakdown for Teachers

Below is a practical estimate for a single applicant applying from Kenya (costs may vary slightly depending on exchange rates).

1️⃣ English Test (IELTS Academic)

Teachers must meet strict English requirements:

• IELTS 8.0 in Listening & Speaking

• IELTS 7.0 in Reading & Writing

Estimated Costs:

• IELTS Exam: KES 36,380/= at MyTtrave international

• Preparation/ Coaching : KES 8,000/= at MyTravel international

👉 Estimated Budget: KES 44,380/=

 Skills Assessment (AITSL)

Authority: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership

You must submit:

• Teaching degree documents

• Academic transcripts

• Evidence of supervised teaching practice

• English results

• Passport

• National ID 

• Birth Cert

Estimated Cost:

• Assessment fee: AUD 1,154

• Equivalent in KES: KES 90,000 – 110,000

3️⃣ Visa Application Fee (Government Fee)

Main Applicant:

• ~AUD 4,640

Equivalent in KES (approximate):
👉 KES 450,000 – 520,000 (depending on exchange rate)

Additional fees apply for spouse and children.

4️⃣ Medical Examination

Required after lodging visa application.

Estimated:

• KES 25,000 – 35,000

5️⃣ Police Clearance Certificate

Estimated:

• KES 1,000 – 3,000

6️⃣ Document Certification & Miscellaneous Costs

Includes:

• Certified copies

• Passport renewal (if needed)

• Courier services

Estimated:

• KES 15,000 – 30,000

 Total Estimated Budget (Single Teacher)

💵 Total Estimated Budget:

👉 KES 625,000 – 760,000

(Costs increase if applying with dependants.)

⚠️ Important Notes

• Exchange rate fluctuations can affect total cost.

• You do not pay everything at once — payments are made in stages.

• Agent or consultancy fees (if using one) are separate.

• Strong IELTS results can reduce delays and extra attempts (saving money).

 Is It Worth It?

With Visa 189, you receive:

✅ Permanent Residency immediately
✅ Freedom to live anywhere in Australia
✅ Access to Medicare
✅ Ability to sponsor family
✅ Pathway to Australian citizenship

For many teachers, the long-term income potential in Australia significantly outweighs the initial investment.

How My Travel International Can Help

At My Travel International, we guide teachers through:

• IELTS preparation

• AITSL skills assessment

• Expression of Interest submission

• Visa application documentation

• Step-by-step professional support

📍 Khetias Building, 4th Floor, Eldoret
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 0722622157
🌐 www.mytravelinternational.com