This is a working migration guide for Private Tutors and Teachers NEC under ANZSCO 249299 in 2026. This is a residual code with restricted visa access. Most candidates fit a defined code (249211 / 249212 / 249213 / 249214) and should pivot accordingly.
For costs and timelines see the 249299 cost & timeline case study. For VETASSESS, see the skills assessment guide.
What 249299 covers — and doesn't
ANZSCO 249299 is residual. It captures private tutoring outside the four defined private tuition codes:
- Academic subject tutors (maths, sciences, humanities) — but see 243xxx series if QTS-qualified
- Language tutors (foreign languages, conversation classes)
- Chess / strategic game tutors
- Swimming / sport tutors (one-on-one private)
- Religious / faith education tutors
- Specialist subject tutors (philosophy, law, finance) outside formal education
- ESL / EAL home tutors (without TESOL specialism — TESOL is 249311)
If you teach:
Use those codes. They have wider visa access.
Visas open to 249299
| Visa | Open? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 189 Independent | ❌ | Not available |
| 190 State-nominated | ❌ | Not available — pivot to defined code |
| 491 Regional state-nominated | ❌ | Not available |
| 186 ENS Direct Entry | ❌ | Not available |
| 494 Regional employer-sponsored | ✅ | Only path open |
| 482 Core Skills | ❌ (typically) | Confirm individual case |
See Subclass 494. 494 → 191 is the only realistic structured pathway under 249299.
Strategic pivot — almost always recommended
| If your tutoring is | Pivot to | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Academic subjects + QTS-qualified | 241411 Secondary | 189 access via AITSL |
| Visual art tuition | 249211 | 190 / 491 / 186 access |
| Dance tuition | 249212 | 190 / 491 / 186 access |
| Drama tuition | 249213 | 190 / 491 / 186 access |
| Music tuition | 249214 | 190 / 491 / 186 access |
| ESOL / EAL with TESOL specialism | 249311 | 190 / 491 / 186 access |
| Vocational / trade tutoring | 242211 | Full visa stack |
| University-level subject tutoring | 242112 | 190 / 491 / 186 access |
The 249299 NEC code only fits a narrow set of cases — chess, swimming, niche academic specialism without QTS, religious education without seminary degree.
VETASSESS — what evidence wins
Private Tutor / Teacher NEC is Group B at VETASSESS:
- AQF Bachelor or higher in a field highly relevant to the tutoring subject
- Plus 1 year highly relevant employment within last 5 years
Expected evidence:
- Subject-specific degree (e.g., Mathematics tutor → BSc Maths)
- Teaching qualification (PGCE / Cert Ed) — strengthens case
- Employment letters with hours, age groups, subjects, outcomes
- Self-employment business registration + reference letters
Sponsors that hire 249299
Limited — 494 only:
- Regional tutoring chains — Kumon (regional franchises), MathsHub, NumberWorks regional outlets
- Regional language schools — Mandarin / French / Spanish private schools in regional centres
- Regional sports academies — swim schools, regional tennis academies (rarely)
- Faith-based education centres — regional madrasas / yeshivas / Sunday school networks
This is a thin sponsor pool. Most candidates are better served by pivoting.
Common mistakes
- Self-coding 249299 when defined code fits. Almost always a mistake — wider visa access on defined codes
- Generic education degree without subject specialism. Need degree in the subject taught
- Self-employment without business registration. ABN/UTR-style proof essential
- Online-only delivery from overseas. VETASSESS may treat this differently — confirm individual case
Tools
- Eligibility wizard
- ANZSCO search — critical: confirm 249299 vs defined codes
- Document checklist
- Visa fee calculator
Where to verify
Next step
Want help confirming whether 249299 or a defined code is right? Book a 30-minute free strategy call. Code-fit is the most consequential decision — the difference between 12 months and 60 months to PR.