This is a worked case study for an Early Childhood Teacher migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 241111. Multiple pathways: Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491 → 191, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494 → 191, and Subclass 482.
For visa-by-visa context, see the 241111 pathway guide and the AITSL skills assessment guide.
The case profile
Anonymised composite. 32-year-old senior early childhood teacher, BA Early Childhood Education and PGCE (UK / Ireland-trained). 9 years professional career: 4 years junior ECT at major UK / Irish nursery / EYFS, 4 years lead ECT at major UK / Irish kindergarten, 1 year educational leader at major UK / Irish kindergarten group. PTE 79+ / IELTS 7.5/7.0. Family: spouse + one child under 18.
Pathway A — Subclass 189 (Independent PR)
Fees (primary + spouse + 1 child)
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| AITSL skills assessment | 1,000-1,500 |
| 189 visa fees (family of 3) | 8,560 |
| Health, police, English | 1,050 |
| State teacher registration | 200-500 |
| Total applicant-side | ~10,810 - 11,610 |
Total wall-clock time: 12 to 24 months end-to-end.
Pathway B — Subclass 190
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| AITSL skills assessment | 1,000-1,500 |
| 190 visa fees (family of 3) | 8,560 |
| State nomination fee | 200-800 |
| Health, police, English | 1,050 |
| State teacher registration | 200-500 |
| Total applicant-side | ~11,010 - 12,410 |
Pathway C — Subclass 186 Direct Entry
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| AITSL skills assessment | 1,000-1,500 |
| 186 visa fees (family of 3) | 8,595 |
| Health, police, English | 1,050 |
| State teacher registration | 200-500 |
| Total applicant-side | ~10,845 - 11,645 |
Employer SAF levy: AUD 5,000 (large business — Goodstart, G8, Affinity, Guardian) one-off, plus AUD 540 nomination fee. Total wall-clock time: 6 to 18 months.
Pathway D — Subclass 491 → 191 / 494 → 191 / 482
Strong regional pathway via regional kindergartens / centres. Total wall-clock time: ~60 months.
Side-by-side
| Path | Applicant cost | Employer cost | Wall-clock to PR | AITSL + state registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 (Independent) | AUD ~11,200 | AUD 0 | 12-24 months | Yes |
| 190 (state-nominated) | AUD ~11,700 | AUD 0 | 12-24 months | Yes |
| 186 Direct Entry | AUD ~11,200 | AUD 5,540 | 6-18 months | Yes |
| 491 → 191 | AUD ~12,700 | AUD 0 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 494 → 191 | AUD ~12,800 | AUD 6,000-25,540 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 482 → 186 TRT | AUD ~18,200 | AUD 9,000-25,000+ | 30-36 months | Yes (at 186 stage if DE) |
Things that frequently surprise people
Goodstart Early Learning is the largest single employer. Non-profit operator with 600+ centres nationally — substantial international ECT recruitment.
G8 Education + Affinity + Guardian + Story House. Major corporate operators with hundreds of centres.
State pre-school programmes. Every state runs free / subsidised kindergarten — major employer.
Massive ECT shortage. Australia has chronic ECT shortages, particularly regional. State governments offer relocation grants in some areas.
English requirement is strict. AITSL English (IELTS 7.5 / 7.0) is non-negotiable. PTE-A 79 / 65 / 65 / 65 = equivalent.
State teacher registration. Required for practice. Process is post-arrival in many cases (or pre-arrival for 186/494).
Code matters. ANZSCO 241111 = degree-qualified ECT. AQF Cert III / Diploma = 421111 Child Carer (different code).
Health examinations expire after 12 months. If your visa takes longer than 12 months to grant, expect to redo them.
Tax residency starts on arrival. The Australian tax year runs 1 July to 30 June. See ATO residency rules before signing.
MARA registration is mandatory for paid migration assistance. Verify any agent at the MARA register.
Tools
- Visa fee calculator — model 189, 190, 491, 186, 494, or 482 fees
- Document checklist — AITSL evidence pack
- ANZSCO search — confirm 241111 vs 421111
- Eligibility wizard
- Invitation rounds tracker — for 189 / 190 round cut-offs
Where to verify the numbers
Next step
Want to model 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482 against your ECT profile? Book a 30-minute free strategy call. We will work through pathway choice and walk through your AITSL + state registration readiness.