Australia has long been a top destination for skilled professionals, and teachers are in particularly high demand. With a strong education system and growing need for qualified educators, the Teachers Skilled Visa offers a pathway for teachers from around the world to live, work, and build a future in Australia.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know — from eligibility requirements to the application process — to help you take the first step toward your Australian teaching career.
Why Australia Needs Teachers
Australia’s expanding population and commitment to quality education have created a shortage of skilled teachers, especially in:
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Early childhood education
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Special needs education
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Secondary school mathematics, science, and technology subjects
The Australian Government regularly updates its Skilled Occupation List (SOL), and many teaching roles are included, making this an excellent time for educators to apply.
Eligible Teaching Professions
The exact teaching positions eligible for a skilled visa can change depending on demand, but commonly listed roles include:
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Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teacher
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Primary School Teacher
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Secondary School Teacher (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, IT, etc.)
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Special Needs Teacher
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Teacher of English as a Second Language
Visa Options for Teachers
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
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For applicants without sponsorship from an Australian employer or state.
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Points-tested based on age, qualifications, work experience, and English skills.
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Permanent residency from day one.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
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Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
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Points-tested, but state nomination gives you extra points.
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Permanent residency visa.
3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
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For applicants willing to live and work in regional Australia.
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Offers a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a teachers skilled visa, you generally need to:
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Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
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Have your teaching qualifications assessed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
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Meet English language requirements, usually IELTS 8.0 band on Listening and Speaking and band 7.0 on Reading and Writing (or equivalent test scores).
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Have relevant teaching experience (often at least one year).
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Score the required points (minimum 65 points) in the migration points test.
Application Process
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Skills Assessment
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Submit your qualifications and experience to AITSL for verification.
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Expression of Interest (EOI)
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Lodge your EOI through the SkillSelect system.
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State Nomination (if applicable)
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Apply for nomination from a state or territory government.
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Receive Invitation
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If selected, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for your visa.
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Visa Application
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Submit your application with supporting documents, medicals, and police checks.
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Visa Grant
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If approved, you can move to Australia to start your teaching career.
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Benefits of the Teachers Skilled Visa
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Permanent residency (for Subclass 189 & 190).
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Opportunity to live and work anywhere in Australia (unless regional visa conditions apply).
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Access to Medicare (public health care).
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Pathway to Australian citizenship.
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Ability to sponsor eligible family members.
Tips for a Successful Application
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Start your skills assessment early – it can take several months.
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Prepare thoroughly for your IELTS test.
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Keep your documents (employment references, qualifications, ID) ready and organized.
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Consider seeking advice from a My Travel International to avoid costly mistakes.
Conclusion
The Teachers Skilled Visa to Australia is a golden opportunity for educators to advance their careers while enjoying a high standard of living. With demand for teachers continuing to grow, the time to apply is now. By meeting the requirements and preparing your application carefully, you could soon be shaping young minds in Australia’s vibrant and diverse classrooms.
