Quality Assurance Manager (ANZSCO 139916) sits on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The federal data file for ANZSCO 139916 confirms only two open channels: Subclass 186 Direct Entry and Subclass 482 Core Skills.
What's not available: Subclass 189, 190, 491, and 494 — closed for this listing.
For broader visa access (190 / 491 / 494 plus 186 / 482), see the Quality Assurance Manager (139914) pathway guide.
This guide walks through each open pathway for 139916, the VETASSESS skills assessment, and a realistic timeline.
Open pathways at a glance
| Visa | Status | Speed to PR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 186 Direct Entry | Open ✅ | 6-18 months | Direct PR via employer sponsor |
| Subclass 482 Core Skills | Open ✅ | 30-36 months | Up to 4y employer-sponsored, transitions to 186 TRT |
| Subclass 189 / 190 / 491 / 494 | Closed | — | Use 139914 listing if your role fits |
Pathway 1 — Subclass 186 Direct Entry (fastest)
Subclass 186 Direct Entry is direct PR via an employer sponsor. Requirements:
- Positive VETASSESS skills assessment
- Competent English (IELTS 6 each band, OET / PTE / TOEFL / CAE equivalent)
- Under 45 at lodgement (limited exemptions)
- At least three years post-qualification work experience
- Employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor
- Employer nomination citing ANZSCO 139916 with annual salary above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold
Realistic 186 Direct Entry sponsors include pharma manufacturers (CSL, Mayne Pharma, Sun Pharma), medical device manufacturers (Cochlear, ResMed, Atomo Diagnostics), food and beverage majors (Lion, Asahi, CCEP, Mondelez, Nestlé), and aerospace / automotive contractors.
Pathway 2 — Subclass 482 Core Skills
Subclass 482 is up to four years employer-sponsored. After 24 months with the same sponsor, you can transition to Subclass 186 TRT for PR if you are under 45.
What ANZSCO 139916 covers
The task profile under ANZSCO 139916 mirrors that of 139914 — both are listed Quality Assurance Manager codes covering:
- Quality system architecture (ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS-9100, GMP, TGA)
- Internal audit and management review
- Supplier and customer quality
- CAPA and continuous improvement
- Regulatory compliance (TGA, FSANZ, CASA, state EPA)
- Quality workforce and budget management
The VETASSESS skills assessment
VETASSESS is the named assessor for ANZSCO 139916. VETASSESS reviews:
- Tertiary qualification — typically a bachelor degree in engineering, science, food technology, pharmacy, manufacturing, or a closely related discipline
- Minimum five years of post-qualification employment in QA leadership
- Reference letters mapping duties to the ANZSCO task profile
- Evidence of decision authority over quality systems, audits, and team
For the evidence pack and rejection patterns (largely shared with 139914), read our Quality Assurance Manager (139916) skills assessment guide.
Realistic timeline
- 186 Direct Entry: 6-18 months from VETASSESS lodgement to grant if employer is set up
- 482 → 186 TRT: ~30-36 months end-to-end
Verify processing time bands on the global visa processing times tool.
Costs at a glance
For a typical 186 Direct Entry pathway with a family of three:
- VETASSESS skills assessment: AUD 1,096 per the VETASSESS fees page
- 186 visa fee (primary): AUD 4,910
- Health, police, English: AUD 1,050
- Employer SAF levy: AUD 5,000 one-off (large business) or AUD 3,000 (small business)
Read the breakdown in our Quality Assurance Manager (139916) cost and timeline case study. Use the visa fee calculator to model dependants.
Common mistakes
- Choosing 139916 when 139914 is the better listing. 139914 has broader visa access (190 / 491 / 494 also open). Confirm against the federal data file before lodging.
- Lodging 189 / 190 / 491 / 494 EOIs. Closed for 139916.
- Confusing with QC inspector / IC roles. ANZSCO 139916 is management.
Tools
- Eligibility wizard — quick scan of which visa streams might fit
- ANZSCO search — confirm 139916 vs 139914 / IC QC codes
- Document checklist — for VETASSESS + visa application
- Visa fee calculator — model fees for 186 or 482
- Invitation rounds tracker — context only
To verify any migration agent advising you, search the MARA register.
Next step
QA leadership track record and an Australian employer in mind? Start with the eligibility wizard. Book a 30-minute free strategy call to confirm whether 139916 or 139914 is the right code and pathway.