This is a worked case study for an Advertising Specialist migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 225111. Multiple pathways: Subclass 190, Subclass 491 → 191, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494 → 191, and Subclass 482.
For visa-by-visa context, see the Advertising Specialist pathway guide and the VETASSESS skills assessment guide.
The case profile
Anonymised composite. 35-year-old Senior Account Director, BA Communications (Westminster). 13 years professional career: 4 years account exec at major UK agency, 5 years account director at top-10 UK agency, 4 years senior account director at major UK independent agency (multiple Cannes Lions Bronze + Silver). PTE 79+ across all bands. Family: spouse + one child under 18.
Pathway A — Subclass 186 Direct Entry (fastest)
Fees (primary + spouse + 1 child)
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| VETASSESS skills assessment | 1,096 |
| 186 primary applicant base charge | 4,910 |
| Additional applicant 18+ (spouse) | 2,455 |
| Additional applicant under 18 (child × 1) | 1,230 |
| Health, police, English | 1,050 |
| Total applicant-side | ~10,741 |
Employer SAF levy: AUD 5,000 (large business — major holding-company agencies / large brand teams) one-off, plus AUD 540 nomination fee.
Total wall-clock time: 6 to 18 months from start to PR.
Pathway B — Subclass 190 (state-nominated PR)
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| VETASSESS skills assessment | 1,096 |
| 190 visa fees (family of 3) | 8,560 |
| State nomination fee (varies) | 200-800 |
| Health, police, English | 1,050 |
| Total applicant-side | ~10,906 - 11,506 |
Total wall-clock time: 12 to 24 months.
Pathway C — Subclass 482 → 186 TRT
Total wall-clock time: 30-36 months.
Side-by-side
| Path | Applicant cost | Employer cost | Wall-clock to PR | VETASSESS required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 186 Direct Entry | AUD ~10,741 | AUD 3,540-5,540 | 6-18 months | Yes |
| 190 (state-nominated) | AUD ~11,200 | AUD 0 | 12-24 months | Yes |
| 491 → 191 (regional) | AUD ~12,200 | AUD 0 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 494 → 191 (regional employer) | AUD ~12,281 | AUD 6,000-25,540 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 482 → 186 TRT | AUD ~17,670 | AUD 9,000-25,000+ | 30-36 months | Yes (at 186 stage if DE) |
Things that frequently surprise people
Major holding-company agencies actively hire international advertising talent. Saatchi, M&C Saatchi, Leo Burnett, BMF, Ogilvy, DDB all maintain international hire programs.
Australian advertising scene is concentrated in Sydney / Melbourne (non-regional). Major agencies primarily metro-based — 491 / 494 regional pathways limited.
Award-winning candidates favoured. Cannes Lions, D&AD, AWARD Awards credentials matter significantly.
Code matters. ANZSCO 225111 (Advertising Specialist) is for advertising / campaign work. Marketing strategy uses 225113. Pure copywriting uses 212411.
Health examinations expire after 12 months. If your visa takes longer than 12 months to grant, expect to redo them.
Tax residency starts on arrival. The Australian tax year runs 1 July to 30 June. See ATO residency rules before signing.
MARA registration is mandatory for paid migration assistance. Verify any agent at the MARA register.
Tools
- Visa fee calculator — model 190, 491, 186, 494, or 482 fees
- Document checklist — for VETASSESS evidence pack
- ANZSCO search — confirm 225111 vs 225113 / 212411
- Eligibility wizard — quick scan
- Invitation rounds tracker — context only
Where to verify the numbers
- Home Affairs visa pricing page
- Global visa processing times
- VETASSESS fees page
- Communications Council
- Office of MARA
- ATO
Next step
Want to model the cost and timeline against your specific advertising profile? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.