When early childhood teacher Zefra Ysais moved from New South Wales to Victoria with her family in October 2022, it marked the start of a new chapter.
Zefra secured a permanent visa through the Victorian Skilled Visa Nomination program. This gave her the certainty she needed to remain in Australia and focus on her career in early childhood education.
‘Knowing I had stability with a permanent visa gave me confidence in my role as an early childhood teacher,’ Zefra said.
Following the move, Zefra began teaching kindergarten at Hollins Children’s Centre in Pakenham.
Financial support
To support her relocation from New South Wales, Zefra received financial support through the Victorian Early Childhood Teacher Incentives program. She said the program had a ‘profound impact’ on her career.
‘It provided valuable financial and emotional support during the transition, reduced the stress of relocating and helped my family settle,’ she said.
‘Programs like this make a real difference in attracting, retaining and empowering teachers, and I’m grateful to have been a recipient.’
Growing professionally
As she settled into her new role, Zefra continued to build her skills and confidence. She took part in the free Beginning Teachers Conference series hosted by the department. This offered practical guidance the chance to connect with others at a similar stage of their careers.
One of Zefra’s proudest achievements has been moving from provisional to full registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
‘It was a meaningful milestone that represented all the learning, challenges and growth I experienced,’ she said
Zefra said the support from colleagues at her kindergarten service was important.
‘Their guidance, reassurance and willingness to share their expertise played a major role in helping me adapt to a new environment and develop confidence in my teaching practice,’ she said.
Find out more
The Victorian Skilled Visa Nomination program is currently accepting registrations of interest. To find out more refer to the Live in Melbourne website.
The Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is hosting a webinar about the program at 11 am on Wednesday 25 February 2026. Register here: Skilled migration pathways for early childhood teachers
For more information about financial support to study, refer to Financial support to study and work in early childhood.
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