This is a worked case study for a Family and Marriage Counsellor migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 272113. 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 272113 pathway guide and the VETASSESS + PACFA + FDR skills assessment guide.
The case profile
Anonymised composite. 36-year-old Senior Couples & Family Therapist, BSc Psychology UK + MSc Family Therapy + 12 years post-qualification practice (4 years generalist counselling NHS, 5 years systemic family therapy at NHS CAMHS, 3 years private practice — couples + family). Gottman Method Level 3 + EFT trained. Superior English. Family: spouse + two children under 18.
Pathway plan: 189 (high-points senior practitioner), then PACFA Clinical Registration + Graduate Diploma in FDR + supervised FDR practice post-arrival.
Pathway A — Subclass 189
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| VETASSESS | 1,200-2,500 |
| 189 visa fees (family of 4) | 9,260 |
| Health, police, English | 1,300 |
| Total visa-stage applicant cost | ~11,760 - 13,060 |
12 to 18 months wall-clock.
Pathway B — Subclass 190 / 491
Adds AUD 200-800 state nomination fee. NSW (Sydney + regional), VIC (Melbourne + regional), QLD all nominate. Total ~AUD 12,500.
Pathway C — Subclass 186 Direct Entry
Total applicant ~AUD 12,000. Employer SAF AUD 5,000 + AUD 540 nomination. 6-12 months. Relationships Australia, Centacare, Anglicare, Family Relationship Centres all sponsor experienced couples / family therapists.
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 ~12,400 | AUD 0 | 12-18 months | Yes |
| 190 | AUD ~12,900 | AUD 0 | 12-18 months | Yes |
| 186 DE | AUD ~12,400 | AUD 5,540 | 6-12 months | Yes |
| 491 → 191 | AUD ~14,000 | AUD 0 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 494 → 191 | AUD ~14,000 | AUD 6,000-25,540 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 482 → 186 TRT | AUD ~18,500 | AUD 9,000-25,000+ | 30-36 months | Yes |
Things that frequently surprise people
Relationships Australia is the largest employer. State branches in every state — substantial international hire pipeline for senior couples / family therapists.
Family Relationship Centres (FRCs). Federally funded national network of 65+ FRCs delivering FDR services and family counselling — substantial sponsor pipeline.
Centacare / CatholicCare / Anglicare. Faith-based family services — major sponsors.
FDR Practitioner premium. Adding FDR Practitioner accreditation post-arrival opens up Family Court Section 60I certificate work — significant revenue uplift for private practice.
Specialist training matters. Gottman Method Level 3, EFT, ICEEFT-accredited supervisor — these are practical hiring differentiators.
Salaries. Senior FRC counsellor: AUD 95-130k; private practice senior: AUD 130-200k+ depending on caseload; Family Court FDR work pays per certificate.
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
Want to model the visa options against your family / marriage counselling profile? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.