This is a worked case study for a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 272112. Multiple pathways: Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491 → 191, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494 → 191, and Subclass 482.
For visa-by-visa context, see the 272112 pathway guide and the VETASSESS + PACFA skills assessment guide.
The case profile
Anonymised composite. 33-year-old Senior AOD Counsellor, BSc Psychology UK + MSc Counselling + 9 years post-qualification practice (3 years generalist mental health, 4 years AOD service in NHS UK, 2 years senior AOD counsellor at residential rehab). Motivational interviewing trained + dual diagnosis specialist. Superior English. Family: spouse + one child under 18.
Pathway plan: 491 regional NSW / VIC nomination (regional AOD demand high), then PACFA Clinical Registration + Cert IV AOD (recognition of prior learning) post-arrival.
Pathway A — Subclass 189
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| VETASSESS | 1,200-2,500 |
| 189 visa fees (family of 3) | 8,560 |
| Health, police, English | 1,050 |
| Total visa-stage applicant cost | ~10,810 - 12,110 |
12 to 24 months wall-clock — niche occupations have slower 189 invitation rounds.
Pathway B — Subclass 190 / 491 (recommended)
For AOD niche occupations, 190 / 491 with regional nomination is typically faster. NSW (regional Hunter / Newcastle / Western), VIC (regional Geelong / Bendigo / Ballarat), QLD (Cairns / Townsville), SA, TAS all have AOD service demand.
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| VETASSESS | 1,200-2,500 |
| 190 / 491 visa fees (family of 3) | 8,560 |
| State nomination fee | 200-800 |
| Health, police, English | 1,050 |
| Total visa-stage applicant cost | ~11,010 - 12,910 |
Pathway C — Subclass 186 Direct Entry
Total applicant ~AUD 11,000. Employer SAF AUD 5,000 + AUD 540 nomination. 6-12 months. Major NGO providers (Odyssey House, Turning Point, WHOS, Salvation Army, Mission Australia, Lives Lived Well) sponsor experienced AOD counsellors.
Pathway D — Subclass 491 / 494 / 482
~60 months for 491/494; 30-36 months for 482 → 186 TRT.
Side-by-side
| Path | Applicant cost | Employer cost | Wall-clock to PR | VETASSESS required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | AUD ~11,500 | AUD 0 | 12-24 months | Yes |
| 190 | AUD ~12,000 | AUD 0 | 12-18 months | Yes |
| 186 DE | AUD ~11,500 | AUD 5,540 | 6-12 months | Yes |
| 491 → 191 | AUD ~13,000 | AUD 0 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 494 → 191 | AUD ~13,000 | AUD 6,000-25,540 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 482 → 186 TRT | AUD ~17,500 | AUD 9,000-25,000+ | 30-36 months | Yes |
Things that frequently surprise people
Major NGO providers sponsor heavily. Odyssey House (3 states), Turning Point (Vic), WHOS (NSW), Salvation Army Recovery Services (national), Mission Australia AOD programs, Lives Lived Well (Qld) — substantial international hire pipeline.
State Health AOD services. NSW Health AOD, Victorian DH AOD services, QLD Health AOD — substantial AOD counsellor roles.
Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations. Maari Ma Health, Aboriginal Medical Services, Wuchopperen Health Service, Inala Indigenous Health Service — strong demand for AOD counsellors with cultural competency.
Salaries. State Health Award AOD Counsellor: AUD 80-110k; senior NGO AOD roles: AUD 95-130k; clinical lead / program manager roles: AUD 130-170k.
Health examinations expire after 12 months.
Tax residency starts on arrival. See ATO residency rules before signing.
MARA registration is mandatory for paid migration assistance. Verify any agent at the MARA register.
Tools
Where to verify
Next step
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