This is a worked case study for a Natural and Physical Science Professional NEC migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 234999. Only Subclass 494 → 191 is open.
For broader visa access, strongly consider defined 234xxx codes — most have full visa stack including 189.
For visa-by-visa context, see the 234999 pathway guide and the VETASSESS skills assessment guide.
The case profile
Anonymised composite. 33-year-old cross-disciplinary scientist, BSc Natural Sciences. 10 years in genuinely cross-disciplinary research. PTE 79+. Family: spouse + one child under 18.
Pathway A — Subclass 494 → 191
Fees (primary + spouse + 1 child)
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| VETASSESS skills assessment | 1,096 |
| 494 visa fees (family of 3) | 8,560 |
| Health, police, English | 1,050 |
| Then 191 visa fees (after 3+ years) | 1,575 |
| Total applicant-side | ~12,281 |
Total wall-clock time: ~60 months.
Strategic alternative — defined 234xxx codes
Switch to defined code if practice fits. See the discipline case studies for full visa stack numbers.
Side-by-side
| Path | Applicant cost | Employer cost | Wall-clock to PR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 234999 → 494 → 191 | AUD ~12,281 | AUD 6,000-25,540 | ~60 months |
| Defined 234xxx → 189 | AUD ~10,706 | AUD 0 | 12-24 months |
Things that frequently surprise people
Code-fit determines everything. 234999 → 60 months. Defined 234xxx → 12-24 months.
Health examinations expire after 12 months. If your visa takes longer than 12 months to grant, expect to redo them.
Tax residency starts on arrival. The Australian tax year runs 1 July to 30 June. See ATO residency rules before signing.
MARA registration is mandatory for paid migration assistance. Verify any agent at the MARA register.
Tools
- Visa fee calculator — model 494 fees
- Document checklist — VETASSESS evidence pack
- ANZSCO search — critical: confirm 234999 vs defined 234xxx codes
- Eligibility wizard
- Invitation rounds tracker — context only
Where to verify the numbers
Next step
Want help confirming whether 234999 or a defined 234xxx code is the right fit? Book a 30-minute free strategy call. Code-fit is the most consequential decision.