This is a worked case study for an RN Mental Health migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 254422. 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 254422 pathway guide and the ANMAC skills assessment guide.
The case profile
Anonymised composite. 31-year-old Senior Mental Health RN, BSc Mental Health Nursing (UK RMN) + NMC-registered. 8 years professional career: 3 years junior RMN (acute MH), 3 years senior RMN (CAMHS), 2 years CNS Mental Health (community / forensic). OET B grade. Family: spouse + one child under 18.
Pathway A — Subclass 189 (Independent PR)
Fees (primary + spouse + 1 child)
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| ANMAC skills assessment | 1,200-2,000 |
| 189 visa fees (family of 3) | 8,560 |
| Health, police, English | 1,050 |
| Total applicant-side | ~10,810 - 11,610 |
Total wall-clock time: 12 to 24 months end-to-end.
Pathway B — Subclass 190
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| ANMAC | 1,200-2,000 |
| 190 visa fees (family of 3) | 8,560 |
| State nomination fee | 200-800 |
| Health, police, English | 1,050 |
| Total applicant-side | ~11,010 - 12,410 |
Pathway C — Subclass 186 Direct Entry
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| ANMAC | 1,200-2,000 |
| 186 visa fees (family of 3) | 8,595 |
| Health, police, English | 1,050 |
| Total applicant-side | ~10,845 - 11,645 |
Employer SAF levy: AUD 5,000 + AUD 540 nomination fee. Total wall-clock time: 6 to 18 months.
Pathway D — Subclass 491 → 191 / 494 → 191 / 482
Critical regional MH shortage. Total wall-clock time: ~60 months for 491/494; 30-36 months for 482 → 186 TRT.
Side-by-side
| Path | Applicant cost | Employer cost | Wall-clock to PR | ANMAC required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 (Independent) | AUD ~11,000 | AUD 0 | 12-24 months | Yes |
| 190 (state-nominated) | AUD ~11,500 | AUD 0 | 12-24 months | Yes |
| 186 Direct Entry | AUD ~11,000 | AUD 5,540 | 6-18 months | Yes |
| 491 → 191 | AUD ~12,500 | AUD 0 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 494 → 191 | AUD ~12,600 | AUD 6,000-25,540 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 482 → 186 TRT | AUD ~17,900 | AUD 9,000-25,000+ | 30-36 months | Yes |
Things that frequently surprise people
Critical national MH shortage. Substantial demand across all states.
ACMHN. Australian College of Mental Health Nurses — substantial CPD network.
UK RMN → Australian MHN. Direct mapping; UK RMN-trained candidates highly valued.
Code matters. ANZSCO 254422 = mental health RN.
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
- Document checklist — ANMAC evidence pack
- ANZSCO search — confirm 254422 vs other RN codes
- Eligibility wizard
- Invitation rounds tracker
Where to verify the numbers
Next step
Want to model 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482 against your MH RN profile? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.