This is a worked case study for an ICT Support Engineer migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 263212. Multiple pathways: Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491 → 191, Subclass 186, Subclass 494 → 191, and Subclass 482.
For visa-by-visa context, see the 263212 pathway guide and the ACS skills assessment guide.
The case profile
Anonymised composite. 32-year-old Senior ICT Support Engineer, BSc Computer Science + ITIL 4 MP + ServiceNow CSA. 9 years professional career: 3 years L1/L2 helpdesk, 4 years infrastructure support engineer (insurer), 2 years senior support engineer leading a 5-person L2/L3 pod. Proficient English. Family: spouse + one child under 18.
Side-by-side
| Path | Applicant cost | Employer cost | Wall-clock to PR | ACS required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | AUD ~10,500 | AUD 0 | 12-18 months | Yes |
| 190 | AUD ~11,000 | AUD 0 | 12-18 months | Yes |
| 186 DE | AUD ~10,500 | AUD 5,540 | 6-12 months | Yes |
| 491 → 191 | AUD ~12,000 | AUD 0 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 494 → 191 | AUD ~12,000 | AUD 6,000-25,540 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 482 → 186 TRT | AUD ~17,000 | AUD 9,000-25,000+ | 30-36 months | Yes |
Things that frequently surprise people
Managed services providers (DXC, Kyndryl, Datacom, NTT, Atturra, CGI). All actively sponsor support engineers — particularly those with ServiceNow + ITIL combinations.
State government and universities. Steady L2/L3 hiring (NSW Health, Services Australia, Victorian state agencies, Group of Eight universities).
Regional 491 nominations. Tasmania, SA, and Northern Territory routinely nominate 263212 — useful when 189 cut-offs feel out of reach.
Health examinations expire after 12 months. Don't book too early.
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.
