Teaching in Australia: PR visas, sponsorships and migration advice for teachers

SA-Recruitment
11 hours ago
3 min read

We’ve been speaking with teachers about opportunities in Australia for the past two years. While our focus is on recruitment, we’ve gained a strong understanding of the visa requirements involved in the process. Many of the schools we partner with can organise sponsorships and temporary work visas for the right candidates, and we understand how this fits into the bigger picture.

For many teachers—particularly those from South Africa—the move to Australia is a long-term plan. Because of that, understanding the pathway to permanent residence (PR) is essential.

To help answer the most common questions, we spoke with Reuven Abeshouse, a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0854073) from Migrate 2 Oz.

Can I accept a sponsored role while applying for PR?

Yes. You can apply for a sponsored teaching position in Australia (such as on a Subclass 482 visa) while also pursuing PR.

However, the timing matters. Ideally, your PR application should be lodged first. If your temporary work visa is granted after your PR application is already submitted, it usually won’t affect the PR process. But if the order is reversed, complications can arise.

This is why it’s important to seek professional advice. A registered migration agent can help you sequence your applications so your short-term visa supports your long-term goals.

What is an expression of interest (EOI)?

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a critical step in Australia’s skilled migration program. It’s how you notify the government—and relevant states or territories—that you want to apply for a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa.

To lodge an EOI, you’ll need:

a completed skills assessment
your English language test results

The form itself is simple, but accuracy is essential. Over-claiming points can cause delays or even refusals later in the process.

How does age affect PR chances?

For most skilled PR visas, the age cut-off is 45. Your visa application must be submitted before you turn 45, although the visa can still be granted after that.

It’s worth noting that the Subclass 482 temporary work visa has no age limit. However, if you are planning to use the 482 as part of your pathway to PR (for example, by working in Australia to build experience and points for skilled migration), the age restrictions on PR visas will still apply.

This means that while you can get a 482 at any age, you need to plan carefully if you’re in your early 40s to make sure you can transition to PR before turning 45. Professional migration advice is especially important if you’re close to that age limit.

What can I claim points for on my PR application?

To lodge an EOI, you need at least 65 points. The more points you have, the higher your chance of being invited to apply.

You can claim points for:

age
English language ability
skilled work experience
education and qualifications
study in Australia (especially in regional areas)
partner qualifications
NAATI accreditation (interpreting or translating)

The good news for teachers is that demand is currently very high across Australia. Because of this shortage, teachers are often receiving invitations with fewer points than other professions.

Is a teacher skills assessment the same as teacher registration?

No. These are two separate processes.

The skills assessment (through AITSL) is required for migration and visa purposes.
Teacher registration is handled by each state or territory and only becomes relevant once you are ready to work in Australia.

Should I apply for a skilled visa if I already have a job offer on a 482 work permit?

This is a common question. The answer depends on your long-term plans.

A Subclass 482 work visa (employer-sponsored) may allow you to move to Australia quickly but doesn’t always guarantee a pathway to PR.
A skilled visa (such as the 189, 190, or 491) is independent or state-nominated and often offers a more stable route to permanent residence.

Understanding the differences—and risks—between these options is crucial for planning your future.

The bottom line: plan with the right support

For teachers considering a move to Australia, it’s not just about finding a job. It’s about ensuring that the role supports your long-term migration pathway.

We can guide you with recruitment and connect you with schools open to sponsorship. But when it comes to navigating the PR process—EOIs, visa sequencing, skills assessments, and long-term migration strategy—a registered migration agent is the right professional to advise you.

For many South African teachers in particular, teaching in Australia is about more than just career progression—it’s about building a stable, long-term life for themselves and their families.

Want help finding a teaching role in Australia?

We can assist you with employment opportunities and connect you with Reuven Abeshouse (MARN 0854073) at Migrate 2 Oz, who can provide expert advice on your migration pathway.