Additional Requirements for Early Childhood Teachers in Victoria's 491 Nomination

Early Childhood Teachers (ANZSCO 241111) considering Victoria's Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa should pay particular attention to their English proficiency, work experience and professional registration.

Additional occupation-specific criteria were reportedly discussed at the MIA VIC/TAS information session on 15 October 2026, including Proficient English and one year of relevant teaching experience. However, these requirements should be checked against Victoria's final published 491 criteria.

Important update: As at 26 October 2026, Victoria's 2026–27 subclass 491 nomination program is not yet open for Registrations of Interest (ROIs). Nomination places have not been finalised.

What Are the Additional Requirements?

Two important areas for Early Childhood Teachers to review are:

1. Proficient English: The proposed occupation-specific threshold is Proficient English, equivalent to IELTS 7.0 in each component. For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the equivalent minimum scores are Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 69 and Speaking 76.
2. One year of relevant work experience: A minimum of 12 months of employment as an Early Childhood Teacher was reportedly identified as an additional criterion. Applicants should confirm how qualifying experience is assessed, including the relevance of their duties and supporting employment evidence.

These thresholds should not be treated as confirmed requirements for the 2026–27 program until Victoria publishes the applicable nomination criteria.

Who Do These Requirements Apply To?

The additional English and employment criteria were reportedly discussed in relation to the primary applicant, rather than accompanying family members.

However, applicants should confirm the final occupation-specific rules once Victoria releases its 491 nomination requirements.

Secondary applicants must still meet any applicable Commonwealth visa requirements.

Why Do These Requirements Matter?

Early childhood teaching is a regulated profession in Victoria.

Applicants may need to satisfy three separate requirements:

• ACECQA skills assessment for migration purposes.
• Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration to work as an Early Childhood Teacher.
• Victorian state nomination eligibility for the subclass 491 pathway.

These are separate processes. A positive skills assessment does not automatically qualify an applicant for state nomination.

English standards for professional registration and skills assessment may also differ from migration visa requirements.

Practical Steps for Applicants

1. Review your English results: Check your test scores, validity and whether they meet the relevant migration and professional requirements.
2. Verify your work experience: Prepare employment references, payslips and evidence of your actual teaching duties.
3. Check your skills assessment and registration: Confirm your ACECQA assessment and VIT requirements.
4. Review your EOI: Ensure your claimed points, employment history and qualifications are accurate before proceeding with nomination.

Key Takeaways

• Victoria's 2026–27 subclass 491 ROI process is not yet open as at 26 October 2026.
• Proficient English and 12 months of relevant employment have been reported as additional criteria for Early Childhood Teachers, pending confirmation in the final published rules.
• Any occupation-specific requirements must be checked separately from Commonwealth visa eligibility.
• ACECQA skills assessment, VIT registration and state nomination are separate requirements.
• Preparing your English, employment and qualification evidence early can help identify potential eligibility issues.

Planning Your Victoria 491 Application?

Qualified as an Early Childhood Teacher but unsure whether you meet Victoria's nomination requirements?

Having an Australian teaching qualification or a positive skills assessment does not guarantee a state nomination.

At Riverwood Migration, our migration lawyers can assess your English results, work experience, skills assessment and potential skilled migration pathways, including subclasses 189, 190 and 491.

Understand your options before investing more time and money in the wrong pathway.

Official Sources

• Live in Melbourne – 2026–27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program
• Department of Home Affairs – Proficient English
• ACECQA – Skills Assessment
• Victorian Institute of Teaching

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

For skilled migration and skills assessment matters, we recommend speaking with Scott Gan, our lawyer specialising in points-tested visas and occupation skills assessments. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.

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