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Skilled migration opportunities for early childhood teachers to teach in Victoria
Fiona Alston
Jan 13, 2026
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New opportunities are available for qualified early childhood professionals to build meaningful careers through the state’s skilled migration program.
The Victorian Government is actively supporting the recruitment of early childhood teachers from overseas by offering skilled migration visa nomination, professional development and financial incentives, making it easier than ever to relocate, settle and thrive in early childhood education and care (ECEC) roles.Whether you're an experienced Early Childhood Teacher looking to make a new start in Melbourne, or seeking regional opportunities, the Victorian Skilled Visa Nomination Program offers a compelling pathway to both short-term and long-term career security.
The Skilled Visa Nomination Program allows eligible early childhood teachers to live and work in Victoria through one of two visa subclasses:
- Skilled nominated visa (subclass 190): A permanent visa that enables skilled professionals to reside and work anywhere in Victoria indefinitely.
- Skilled work regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491): A five-year provisional visa that supports skilled workers to live and work in regional Victoria, with a clear pathway to permanent residency.
Qualified Early Childhood Teachers are eligible to apply under both visa categories.
This program is part of Victoria’s broader commitment to strengthening the early childhood workforce, supporting workforce stability and delivering high-quality kindergarten programs in every community.
Those working in the Victorian early childhood sector benefit from a supportive, well-resourced professional environment with access to:
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
- Financial incentives and relocation support
- Flexible employment in both urban and regional settings.
Victoria’s reform agenda means demand for qualified Early Childhood Teachers and educators continues to grow. As more funded kindergartens become available across metropolitan and regional areas, the need for highly skilled, qualified professionals has never been greater.
To support skilled Early Childhood Teachers moving into the Victorian sector, a range of financial incentives are available through the Department of Education.These incentives are designed to make the transition into Victoria’s early childhood workforce as supported as possible, particularly for those moving from interstate or overseas.
Full details of the financial support available is at Financial support to study and work in early childhood | vic.gov.au
Victoria’s 2025–26 Skilled Visa Nomination Program is now open.
Early Childhood Teachers interested in applying are encouraged to visit the Live in Melbourne website to review eligibility requirements, understand the application process and begin their nomination.
For information on the current program and eligibility, visit Victoria’s 2025–26 skilled migration program now open - Live in Melbourne
Upcoming Information Session
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) will host an information session for stakeholders at 11:00am on Wednesday (AEDT), 25 February 2026.
Register here for the online event.
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