Is using a teaching diploma and skills assessment purely to gain Australian PR before switching back to accounting a viable strategy?
Technically yes, since permanent residency carries no legal requirement to work in your nominated occupation afterward. AITSL demands four years of full time study, forty five days of supervised classroom practice, and a strict IELTS score of 7.0 in reading and writing plus 8.0 in speaking and listening.
Using a teaching qualification purely as a PR shortcut before returning to accounting is legally possible, but the practical hurdles and career risks are significant enough that you should think this through carefully.
Key Requirements And Risks
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| AITSL study length | Minimum 4 years full time higher education |
| Supervised teaching practice | At least 45 days, formally certified |
| English requirement | IELTS 7.0 reading/writing, 8.0 speaking/listening |
| PTE accepted for AITSL | No, IELTS only for this assessment |
How Your Visa Subclass Affects Freedom To Switch
- A Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa gives you immediate freedom to work in any field, including accounting, once granted.
- A Subclass 190 state nominated visa carries an expectation to work in your state for around two years, and some states audit this closely.
- A Subclass 491 regional visa expects three years of regional living and work, which can limit your accounting job options further.
My Advice
If you go this route, be genuinely prepared to work as a teacher for a period, since your accounting skills and network will go cold during the diploma and placement. Also confirm which visa subclass will actually invite you before you start, since a state nominated or regional grant restricts your freedom to switch back far more than an independent visa does.
Planning to settle in Australia after your master's?
PR pathways, timelines and which countries make it easier. Honest guidance.
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