Skills Assessment Authority
AITSL
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) assesses primary, middle, secondary and special needs teachers for Australian skilled migration, in a qualifications-based assessment with an English-language requirement. Visa Plan Lawyers prepares and lodges AITSL applications.
Assessment Fees
$1,154 AUD
Skills assessment for migration, effective 1 July 2025; Skilled Employment Statement $255; appeal $904.
Processing Time
Most assessment-ready applications complete within 4 weeks; some take up to 6 weeks.
Official Website
www.aitsl.edu.auOccupations assessed by AITSL
School teaching occupations including Primary, Middle, Secondary and Special Needs teachers. Early Childhood Teacher moved to ACECQA in December 2024, so AITSL covers school teachers, not early childhood.
Key Occupations
Primary School Teacher, Middle School Teacher, Secondary School Teacher, Special Needs Teacher.
Always verify the designated assessing authority for your specific ANZSCO occupation code on the Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list before applying.
Assessment requirements
Qualifications-based assessment model
AITSL conducts a qualifications-based assessment rather than a registration-based one. The applicant must hold at least four years of full-time-equivalent higher education, including an initial teacher education qualification. The focus is on the academic pathway completed, not on current teacher registration.
English-language and evidence requirements
A mandatory English-language component must be satisfied through either a recognised study pathway or an accepted English test. Applicants submit qualification documents and supporting evidence demonstrating the required years of teacher education. Incomplete evidence will delay the assessment.
Optional Skilled Employment Statement
An optional Skilled Employment Statement assesses skilled employment for a separate fee of $255. It is undertaken in addition to the core skills assessment and is not part of the standard fee. Applicants choose whether this component is relevant to their visa pathway.
Outcome validity
AITSL does not state a validity period for its assessment outcome. The general Department of Home Affairs rule applies, under which a skills assessment is ordinarily usable for three years from the date of issue. Confirm currency before lodging a visa application.
Why Visa Plan for your skill assessment with AITSL?
Occupation confirmation
We confirm the correct CSOL occupation title and the designated assessing authority for your specific role before you apply, avoiding the cost of an incorrect application.
Application preparation
A complete, well-prepared application reduces the risk of delay or adverse outcome. We advise on documentation requirements, employment reference content, and how to present your qualifications and experience.
Migration strategy
A positive skills assessment is a prerequisite, not a migration plan. We build your complete migration strategy from the assessment through to visa grant or permanent residence.
Reviewed by Visa Plan Migration Lawyers · Last updated: June 2026 · Assessment fee and processing time information is approximate and subject to change. Always verify current fees and processing times directly with AITSL at https://www.aitsl.edu.au before applying. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Visa Plan for advice specific to your circumstances.