Drug and Alcohol Counsellor — Subclass 190 Pathway
Skilled Nominated visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- State / territory nomination required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-14 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Drug and Alcohol Counsellor for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority for migration purposes — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor × Subclass 190 — pathway overview
Drug and Alcohol Counsellors (ANZSCO 272112), listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), are eligible for the permanent Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa. The Subclass 190 is points-tested and requires formal nomination from an Australian state or territory government. State and territory governments issue invitations based on their specific workforce needs, and each jurisdiction publishes its own eligibility criteria and occupation ceilings. Applicants must be under 45 at time of invitation and hold Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent). A positive skills assessment from VETASSESS must be obtained before submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Competitive points scores are typically 85 or above. The indicative application fee is from AUD 4,640, with processing typically 8 to 15 months. Upon visa grant, permanent residency is conferred. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 190. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation on a state list
- State or territory nomination (each state runs its own program)
- Commitment to live and work in the nominating state
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.