This is a 2026 step-by-step pathway guide for a Drug and Alcohol (AOD) Counsellor migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 272112. 272112 is on MLTSSL and CSOL — full skilled visa stack: Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491 → 191, Subclass 186, Subclass 494 → 191, Subclass 482 → 186 TRT.
For the cost / timeline view see the 272112 cost & timeline case study. For VETASSESS / PACFA details see the skills assessment guide.
Step 1 — Confirm 272112 is the right code
ANZSCO 272112 covers AOD counselling — substance use assessment, motivational interviewing, harm reduction counselling, relapse prevention, group therapy facilitation, AOD-specific case management, dual-diagnosis (AOD + mental health) work. Use ANZSCO search to verify against 272199 Counsellors NEC and 272511 Social Worker.
Step 2 — VETASSESS skills assessment
VETASSESS for 272112 requires:
- Qualification — at least AQF Bachelor degree (Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, Health-related). Some senior practitioners qualify with extensive experience + Cert IV / Diploma + Master's.
- Skilled employment — at least 1 year highly relevant employment in the 5 years before applying.
- Document evidence — qualifications, transcripts, employment references, payslips.
Standard turnaround 12-16 weeks.
Step 3 — Practice registration
VETASSESS is for visa. Practice registration:
- PACFA Clinical Registration (pacfa.org.au) — for counselling practice.
- ACA Level 4 (theaca.net.au) — alternative counselling registration.
- AOD-specific qualifications — Cert IV in AOD (entry-level), Graduate Certificate / Diploma in AOD work, AOD Council of Australia recognised CPD.
- State-specific registrations — some states have AOD worker registers (e.g., NSW Health AOD worker pathway).
Step 4 — English
EOI lodgement requires Competent English. For points-tested visas, target Proficient (10 pts) or Superior (20 pts).
Step 5 — Choose a visa pathway
Subclass 189 / 190 / 491
189 Independent for senior AOD counsellors. 190 +5 points; 491 +15 points regional. AOD demand is concentrated in regional / outer-urban areas — 491 nomination is often most accessible.
Subclass 186 / 494 / 482
Major NGO providers — Odyssey House (NSW + Vic + Qld), Turning Point (Vic), We Help Ourselves WHOS (NSW), Salvation Army Recovery Services, Mission Australia AOD programs, St Vincent's AOD services, Lives Lived Well (Qld). State-funded AOD services — NSW Health AOD, Victorian DH AOD services, QLD Health AOD services. Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) — Maari Ma Health, Aboriginal Medical Services. Defence and emergency services AOD — ADF Mental Health Strategy AOD components, fire / police EAP services.
Step 6 — Score / Step 7 — Submit
Use points calculator. Lodge via SkillSelect.
Tools
- Visa fee calculator
- Document checklist — VETASSESS evidence pack
- Eligibility wizard
- Invitation rounds tracker
Authoritative sources
- Home Affairs
- VETASSESS
- PACFA
- ACA — Australian Counselling Association
- Alcohol and Drug Foundation
- Office of MARA
Next step
Want to map your AOD profile against 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.