PR Points for Early Childhood Education in Australia: A Complete Guide

A Quick Glance:

• Your occupation is on the MLTSSL, making you eligible for top-tier skilled visas, such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491.
• A minimum of 65 PR points is required, but most early childhood teachers need more to stay competitive.
• ACECQA skills assessment is mandatory, and it won’t be approved unless your degree focuses on early childhood education (not just general teaching).
• State and regional nominations can add 5 to 15 points and massively improve your chances of being invited.
• Part-time jobs on student visas may be counted if they match the ANZSCO code 241111 and meet the required experience thresholds.
• One wrong document can delay your visa for months. Work with a qualified agent to avoid costly setbacks.

 

If you’re an early childhood teacher hoping to build a long-term future in Australia, the good news is – your profession is in high demand, and it’s firmly on the path to permanent residency (PR). However, like many skilled workers, understanding how the PR points for early childhood education in Australia work and how to improve your score can often be complicated.

This guide explains how PR points are calculated for early childhood educators, outlines the visa options you may be eligible for, and provides steps you can take to increase your chances of receiving an invitation. 

Whether you’re already studying, working, or planning your next move into the country, this is everything you need to know in 2025!

Please note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

How Does the PR Points System Work in Australia?

Australia uses a points-based immigration system to assess skilled visa applicants, including those in early childhood education and care. To be eligible for a skilled migration visa, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, where you’re awarded points based on specific factors.

Here’s how the system works. Each of the following elements adds to your total score:

1. Age
   Applicants aged 25–32 receive the highest points (30). Points reduce with age beyond 33.
2. English Language Proficiency
   Higher test scores = more points. Superior English gets the highest points (20).
3. Skilled Work Experience
   Both Australian and overseas work experience count. More years of experience earn more points, which go up to 15 points.
4. Educational Qualifications
   A relevant bachelor’s degree or higher will add to your score. A doctorate gets you the highest points (20).
5. Australian Study
   Completing a recognised course in Australia adds points—especially in regional areas.
6. Partner Skills
   If your partner meets language and skills criteria, you can earn additional points of upto 10 points.
7. State Nomination or Family Sponsorship
   Adds 5 points via a visa subclass 190 (Skilled — Nominated).

 

To qualify for most skilled visas, you need a minimum of 65 points, but the higher your score, the better your chances of being invited to apply. For early childhood teachers, many states prioritise this occupation, but demand can shift, so staying competitive is key.

Of course, not every job qualifies. Here’s why early childhood teachers have a strong edge in the migration process.

Is Early Childhood Teaching on the Skilled Occupation List?

Yes. Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teachers are listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This is a major advantage for skilled migration, as occupations on the MLTSSL are eligible for a broader range of permanent visa options.

What Does Being on the MLTSSL Mean?

1. You’re eligible to apply for an independent skilled visa (such as Subclass 189) without needing a state nomination.
2. You can also apply for state-nominated or regional visas, which often increase your chances of selection.
3. You’re seen as filling a long-term skill shortage, which keeps this occupation high on the government’s priority list.

Occupation Code: ANZSCO 241111

This is the classification code used for skills assessment and visa processing. It covers roles where teachers work with children aged 0–5 years in pre-primary settings, such as:

1. Preschools
2. Childcare centres
3. Kindergarten programs

 

If you’re qualified under this code, you’re on track for PR – provided you meet all the other criteria, like points, English language, and skills assessment.

Being on the list is just the start. Now, let’s look at the visa options available to early childhood educators and how each one works.

Visa Pathways for Early Childhood Teachers

As an early childhood teacher, you have multiple visa options that can lead to permanent residency in Australia. These fall into two main categories: skilled migration visas and employer-sponsored visas.

1. Skilled Migration Visas (Points-Based)

These visas require you to meet the minimum PR points threshold and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

1. Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
   No sponsorship required. You must score competitively on the points test to receive an invitation.
2. Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
   Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory. Adds 5 points to your PR score.
3. Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
   For regional areas. Offers 15 extra points for regional nomination and can lead to PR after 3 years.

2. Employer-Sponsored Visas

If you have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you, these are strong options, especially if you don’t meet the points threshold on your own.

1. Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
   Allows you to work in Australia for up to 4 years. An approved employer must sponsor you.
2. Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
   A direct pathway to permanent residency. Usually follows after 3 years on a TSS visa.
3. Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
   Employer sponsorship in designated regional areas. Can convert to PR via the 191 visa after 3 years.

If you’re unsure whether to pursue a skilled migration or employer-sponsored pathway, a professional consultation can help you choose the most strategic option based on your individual profile.

No matter which visa you pursue, your points still matter. Here’s what counts and what you can do to boost your total.

Minimum PR Points Needed (And How to Improve Them)

To apply for most skilled migration visas in Australia, you must score at least 65 points on the PR points test. However, meeting the minimum doesn’t guarantee an invitation. Competitive occupations, such as early childhood education, often require higher scores, especially under the Subclass 189 and 190 programs.

Here’s a quick look at how points are allocated:

Criteria	Max Points
Age (25–32 ideal range)	30
English proficiency	20
Skilled work experience (outside Australia)	15
Skilled work experience (in Australia)	20
Education qualifications	20
Australian study	5
Regional study	5
Partner skills	10
State nomination (Subclass 190)	5
Regional nomination (Subclass 491)	15

Note: These are subject to change. Always verify with Home Affairs or speak with a registered migration agent.

Here’s how to enhance your PR score:

1. Aim for ‘Superior English’: IELTS 8 (or equivalent) gives you 20 points.
2. Gain more work experience: Australian work experience carries more weight than international work experience.
3. Pursue study in regional Australia: This earns additional points and may increase nomination chances.
4. Check partner eligibility: If your partner meets age, English, and skills requirements, you could add up to 10 points.
5. Consider state or regional nomination: These can add 5–15 points instantly.

Having a clear strategy to improve your score can make the difference between waiting indefinitely and receiving an invitation.

Falling short on points? State nomination or regional sponsorship could be the shortcut you need.

State Nomination and Regional Opportunities

If your points are stuck below the competitive cut-off or you’re just looking to improve your chances, state nomination or regional sponsorship can shift everything in your favour.

A state nomination under Subclass 190 gives you five extra points, but the real value isn’t just the number. It’s access. States prioritising early childhood teachers may invite you even with a lower overall score, simply because your occupation is in demand. 

That means:

1. You don’t have to wait for the federal government to pick your EOI.
2. You compete in a smaller, state-level pool where educators are often a top priority.
3. Some states even accept applications with as few as 65 points, provided you meet their criteria.

This is particularly helpful if:

1. You’re already living or working in that state.
2. You’ve studied in Australia, especially in education.
3. You’re willing to commit to staying in that state after your visa is granted.

Subclass 491: Bigger Points with More Flexibility

The Subclass 491 visa offers 15 additional points, making it one of the most potent boosters in the system. Here’s why it works for early childhood teachers:

1. Regional areas across Australia (not just remote towns) are actively recruiting in this field.
2. You can be nominated by a regional state OR sponsored by a family member living in a regional area.
3. After 3 years of working and meeting income thresholds, you’re eligible to apply for PR via Subclass 191.

This pathway is ideal if:

1. You’re open to working outside major cities, such as Sydney or Melbourne.
2. You’re looking for realistic, faster-moving options instead of competing for high-point selections.
3. You value job security, as many regional employers offer sponsorships after initial employment periods.

State nomination isn’t just a points hack; it’s a strategic move that increases both your visibility and your options.

Points and nominations aside, there’s one thing every early childhood teacher must complete: a skills assessment through ACECQA.

Skills Assessment Process (ANZSCO 241111)

Before you can apply for any skilled migration visa, you need to prove that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. That proof comes in the form of a skills assessment, and for early childhood teachers, it’s a non-negotiable first step.

The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority(ACECQA) is the official authority for assessing early childhood (pre-primary school) teachers under the ANZSCO code 241111.

What You Need to Provide (And Why It Matters)

ACECQA requires specific documents to assess your suitability. Here’s what they look for and what each document proves:

Requirement	Purpose
Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in education or early childhood	Verifies you meet academic standards for teaching
Academic transcripts with subject breakdowns	Shows the depth and relevance of your coursework
Proof of supervised teaching practice (≥45 days)	Demonstrates practical classroom experience
English language test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.)	Confirms the communication skills required for teaching

Note: A general teaching degree may not always meet the standards of ACECQA. The focus must be on early childhood education specifically, not just primary or secondary teaching.

Your education and experience may be solid, but without the correct English test scores, your application won’t move forward.

English Language Requirements

For early childhood teachers, English proficiency is also a part of the skills assessment process with ACECQA. ACECQA and the Department of Home Affairs accept the following tests for skilled migration:

1. IELTS Academic
2. PTE Academic
3. TOEFL iBT
4. Cambridge C1 Advanced
5. OET (specific to healthcare, not applicable here)

ACECQA requires IELTS Academic or PTE Academic, not the General Training version. To pass the English requirement for ACECQA, you must achieve the minimum score in one sitting. 

Test results are valid for 3 years for migration purposes, but only 2 years for some skills assessments. Always double-check the expiry dates before lodging any application.

Note: The specific band/score thresholds change periodically and are set by Home Affairs. To stay up to date, keep referring to the Home Affairs English requirements for accurate information.

Now that you know what’s required, let’s discuss the broader picture: what the market looks like for early childhood teachers in Australia right now.

Career Demand and Future Outlook

The demand for qualified early childhood teachers in Australia is genuine, urgent, and growing, especially in regional areas. Several key factors are fuelling Australia’s need for early childhood educators:

1. Population growth and increased birth rates mean more children entering preschool and care centres.
2. The government has committed to expanding access to affordable early learning, especially in regional and low-income areas.
3. There’s a nationwide skills shortage, with many centres struggling to fill roles, even in metro cities.

The result? Early childhood teachers are not only in high demand, but they’re often listed as a priority occupation at both the state and national levels.

Early childhood educators work in a variety of settings:

1. Long day care centres
2. Kindergartens and preschools
3. Community-run early learning programs
4. School-based early years programs

And while cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane offer plenty of roles, many regional zones have:

1. Fewer applicants
2. Faster sponsorship opportunities
3. Higher chances of nomination for regional PR visas (Subclass 491)

Tip: Willingness to work in regional areas can fast-track your visa and lead to stronger career growth due to higher demand.

Final Thoughts

As an early childhood teacher, you’re already in a strong position to qualify for Australian permanent residency. With your skills on the MLTSSL, you’re not just eligible but in demand. By improving your English scores, obtaining a solid skills assessment, gaining local experience, and considering state or regional nominations, you can increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

That said, the process isn’t always straightforward. From documentation to shifting state requirements, there’s a lot to get right, and small mistakes can cost you time.

Contact Knowbal today, and let our experts help you turn your early childhood teaching career into a permanent future in Australia.

FAQs

Q1. Can my supervised teaching experience in my home country be counted toward the ACECQA requirement?

Yes. If it was structured, documented, and supervised to the equivalent standard of 45 days, ACECQA may accept it as valid supervised practice during skills assessment.

Q2. If I am already living in Australia on a student visa, can my part-time teaching experience count toward my work experience?

Likely yes. If the role matches your nominated occupation, is paid, and meets the required hours, always include complete employment contracts and payslips for proof.

Q3. Does completing my degree in a regional Australian campus give me extra points?

Yes. If your study was in a designated regional area, it can earn you five additional points under the Australian study criteria.

Q4. How long does the ACECQA skills assessment usually take for early childhood teachers?

Most complete applications are assessed within 4 to 6 weeks; however, delays may occur during peak periods or for incomplete applications.

Q5. Can I combine employer sponsorship and state nomination to boost my PR points?

Yes. You can hold an employer‑sponsored visa and later apply for state nomination (Subclass 190) to add extra points, as long as you meet both streams’ criteria.

Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!