Specialist Managers nec (except Ambassador, Archbishop or Bishop)

Skills assessment

VETASSESS

Group B · AUD 1,146 + GST if resident · about 7 weeks

Visa application fee

from AUD 6,140

main applicant

190 decision

90% within 16 months

after you lodge

1. 1Confirm Specialist Managers nec (except Ambassador, Archbishop or Bishop) is the right occupationBefore you spend anything

   • Your nominated occupation must match the duties you’ve actually performed, compared with ABS’s description and tasks. Read them, then check a client’s duties against them.
   • This is a “not elsewhere classified” (nec) occupation. Assessing authorities look closely at nec claims: if your work fits a more specific occupation, you’ll usually be assessed against that one instead.
   • Other occupations in the same unit group: Arts Administrator or Manager, Environmental Manager, Laboratory Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Sports Administrator. Compare the tasks before choosing.
2. 2Skills assessmentGroup BAUD 1,146 + GST if residentabout 7 weeks

   Get a positive skills assessment from VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services) for Specialist Managers nec (except Ambassador, Archbishop or Bishop) (139999) before you submit your EOI.

   Assesses both your qualification and your employment. Both must be suitable for a positive outcome.

   Specialist Managers nec (except Ambassador, Archbishop or Bishop) is a VETASSESS Group B occupation. There are 4 pathways to a positive assessment, depending on your qualification and employment:

   Pathway 1

   This pathway requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher degree and in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation. Bachelor degree or higher degree includes AQF Master Degree or AQF Doctoral Degree. In addition, it is essential for applicants to meet the following employment criteria: at least one year of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level, undertaken in the last five years, working 20 hours or more per week, and highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

   Pathway 2

   This pathway requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher degree and in a field not highly relevant to the nominated occupation. Bachelor degree or higher degree includes AQF Master Degree or AQF Doctoral Degree. An additional qualification in a highly relevant field of study at a minimum AQF Diploma level is required. Additional qualifications in a highly relevant field of study include those comparable to the AQF Diploma or AQF Advanced Diploma or AQF Associate Degree or AQF Graduate Diploma. In addition, it is essential for applicants to meet the following employment criteria: at least two years of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level, undertaken in the last five years, working 20 hours or more per week, and highly relevant to the nominated occupation. For example, an applicant for the occupation Quality Assurance Manager completed a non-relevant AQF Bachelor qualification in April 2024 and later completed an AQF Diploma in Quality Management in May 2026. The applicant commenced employment with the organisation in May 2024 and remains employed there. Under Pathway 2, the applicant satisfies the minimum educational requirement for a Group B occupation through the AQF Bachelor qualification. Accordingly, employment is counted from the completion date of the Bachelor qualification, meaning employment from May 2024 onwards may be considered toward both the required Qualifying Period (QP) and any remaining eligible period for the points test. As the later

   Pathway 3

   This pathway requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher degree and in a field not highly relevant to the nominated occupation. Bachelor degree or higher degree includes AQF Master Degree or AQF Doctoral Degree. In addition, it is essential for applicants to meet the following employment criteria: at least three years of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level, undertaken in the last five years, working 20 hours or more per week, and highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

   Pathway 4

   This pathway requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher degree with or without a highly relevant major field of study to the nominated occupation. Bachelor degree or higher degree includes AQF Master Degree or AQF Doctoral Degree. In addition, it is essential for applicants to meet the following employment criteria: at least six years of employment at an appropriate skill level that includes at least one year of highly relevant employment within the last five years before applying, working 20 hours or more per week, and highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

   VETASSESS: “This occupation requires a qualification in a subject area that is highly relevant to the nec employment.”

   Duties VETASSESS looks for in your employment

   • Developing, implementing and monitoring strategies, policies and plans for their area of control;
   • Establishing and directing operational and administrative procedures;
   • Directing and coordinating the allocation of resources;
   • Monitoring work progress and performance, and adjusting processes and resources to keep goals on track;
   • Controlling budget planning and report preparation, and monitoring and controlling expenditure for their area of control;
   • Controlling selection, training and performance of staff;
   • Representing the organisation in negotiations, and at conventions, seminars, public hearings and forums.

   Job titles VETASSESS accepts under this code

   Airport Manager, Ambulance Services Manager, Harbour Master, Security Manager (Non-ICT)

   VETASSESS page for Specialist Managers nec (except Ambassador, Archbishop or Bishop), including the full criteria and how to apply.

   Fees and timing

   VETASSESS fee	AUD
   Full skills assessment (qualification and employment)	AUD 1,146.00 (AUD 1,260.60 incl. GST if you're an Australian tax resident)
   Priority processing (in addition)	AUD 863.00 (AUD 949.30 incl. GST)
   485 (Post-Vocational Education Work) assessment	AUD 435.00 (AUD 478.50 incl. GST)
   Post-485 employment assessment, same occupation	AUD 891.00 (AUD 980.10 incl. GST)

   Service	Typical time
   Professional occupations	7 weeks
   Priority processing	10 business days after the application is confirmed eligible
   485 assessment	1 to 2 weeks
   Chinese qualifications verification (if needed)	8 to 10 weeks extra

   • Your qualification must be in a field VETASSESS treats as highly relevant to the occupation, and your employment must be highly relevant, at an appropriate skill level, and 20 hours or more a week.
   • For 'nec' (not elsewhere classified) occupations VETASSESS assesses case by case, and employment that's highly relevant to another ANZSCO occupation can't be counted for the nec code.
   • Priority processing is available for professional occupations, not trades.

   VETASSESS fees and processing times, checked 17 October 2026: vetassess.com.au

   Validity. A skills assessment is generally valid for 3 years from the date it's issued, or for the period stated on it if shorter. It must be valid when you’re invited and when you lodge. If you’ll claim points for work experience, make sure the assessment covers your employment: generally only employment the authority assesses as skilled counts.
3. 3English testCompetent minimumup to +20 points

   • You need at least Competent English to be invited (IELTS 6 in each of the four bands, or the equivalent in another accepted test).
   • Proficient English (IELTS 7 in each band) adds 10 points; Superior English (IELTS 8 in each band) adds 20. For many occupations this is the biggest points lever.
   • Accepted tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced and CELPIP. Each has its own score table, and results are generally valid for 3 years.
   • Passport holders from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland are taken to have Competent English, but still need a test to claim points.

   Home Affairs English language requirements: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

4. 4Points score65 minimum

   • The minimum is 65 points, but invitations go to the highest scores first, so the real target is set by the competition for your occupation.
   • The most common score among EOIs waiting for Specialist Managers nec (except Ambassador, Archbishop or Bishop) is 190: 75, 491: 85 (190 and 491 scores include nomination points).
   • Points you may be able to add:
     • Australian study (2 years, CRICOS): +5
     • Study in regional Australia: +5
     • NAATI credentialled community language: +5
     • Master’s by research or doctorate in a STEM field from an Australian institution: +10
     • Partner with a skills assessment and Competent English: +10 (or single: +10; partner with Competent English only: +5)
   • Build a dated PR plan · see when your points change · Victorian points test.
5. 5Expression of Interest in SkillSelectFreevalid 2 years

   Submit a free Expression of Interest in SkillSelect for each visa you’re eligible for. Specialist Managers nec (except Ambassador, Archbishop or Bishop) can be nominated for:

   • Skilled Nominated (190)
   • Skilled Work Regional (491), state nominated

   • Your EOI stays in SkillSelect for 2 years. Update it whenever your points change: your “date of effect” resets each time your score changes, and it decides ties at the cut-off.
   • Claim only what you can prove at the time you’re invited. Points you can’t evidence when you lodge lead to refusal.
   • For the 190 and 491 most states also need a separate state application (often called a Registration of Interest).

   Competition for Specialist Managers nec (except Ambassador, Archbishop or Bishop) (September 2026)

   Visa	EOIs waiting	Most common score	Invited that month
   Skilled Nominated (190)	90–198	75	0
   Skilled Work Regional (491), state nominated	133–259	85	under 40

   See how many EOIs are ahead of your score →

   SkillSelect: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

6. 6State or territory nomination190: +5 points491: +15 points

   No state that lists Specialist Managers nec (except Ambassador, Archbishop or Bishop) is open right now. Watch for the 2026–27 openings, and see states with no published list.

   ACTSee siteListed for 190 and 491

   Occupation list current (updated 10 Oct 2025). Candidates are ranked with the Canberra Matrix.

   Official ACT page · nominated so far this year: <5 (190) / <5 (491)

   VictoriaNot open yetListed for 190 and 491

   2026–27 Registration of Interest opening soon; date not yet announced. Victoria ranks with the Victorian Points Test and gives extra consideration to priority occupations.

   Official Victoria page · nominated so far this year: 0 (190) / 0 (491)

   TasmaniaOpenNo published list

   Open since 17 Aug 2026 with weekly invitations. The 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles pathway won't invite in 2026–27.

   Official Tasmania page · nominated so far this year: 206 (190) / 55 (491)

   New South WalesInvitingNot on the list

   Invites throughout the year by ranking, with no published round dates. NSW calls 190 nomination exceptionally competitive.

   Official New South Wales page · nominated so far this year: 11 (190) / 0 (491)

   Northern TerritoryClosedNo published list

   Has received enough applications for 2026–27. New applications only by exception for some onshore 491 applicants (NT Graduate or NT Resident) with deadlines before 30 Sep 2027. No new 190 or offshore applications.

   Official Northern Territory page · nominated so far this year: 91 (190) / 25 (491)

   QueenslandNot open yetNot on the list

   2025–26 program closed (all places filled). 2026–27 settings, lists and opening date not yet announced.

   Official Queensland page · nominated so far this year: 6 (190) / <5 (491)

   South AustraliaNot open yetNo published list

   Not accepting Registrations of Interest until the 2026–27 program starts; no 2026–27 occupation list published yet.

   Official South Australia page · nominated so far this year: 0 (190) / 0 (491)

   Western AustraliaNot open yetNo published list

   2026–27 program not yet announced. 2025–26 used the WASMOL Schedules 1 and 2 and the Graduate occupation list.

   Official Western Australia page · nominated so far this year: 17 (190) / 120 (491)

   • Each state has its own criteria on top of the federal ones: usually residence or work in the state, a minimum score, and sometimes a job offer or specific experience.
   • A 190 nomination adds 5 points and a 491 nomination adds 15. Nomination triggers an invitation, which you then have 60 days to lodge.
   • How many places each state has this year · compare all states
7. 7Invitation and visa application60 days to lodgefrom AUD 6,140

   After you’re invited you have 60 days to lodge a complete application.

   Have these ready

   • Passport and identity documents for everyone in the application
   • Skills assessment outcome letter (valid on the invitation date)
   • English test results, if you claimed points for English or your passport doesn’t exempt you
   • Evidence for every point claimed: qualifications and transcripts, employment references, payslips and tax records, and partner documents
   • Health examinations and police certificates, when Home Affairs asks for them
   • For a 190 or 491: the state’s nomination approval

   Visa application charge (main applicant)

   Visa	Base fee
   Skilled Nominated (190)	AUD 6,140
   Skilled Work Regional (491), state nominated	AUD 6,140

   Partners and children pay additional charges. Health checks, police certificates and translations cost extra.

   Home Affairs, checked 14 October 2026: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

8. 8Processing and decision90% within 16 months

   • Specialist Managers nec (except Ambassador, Archbishop or Bishop) isn’t in a priority sector under Direction 122, so the order depends on where you are when you apply: in Australia comes before outside Australia. Check your group.

   Visa	90% decided within
   Skilled Nominated (190)	16 months
   Skilled Work Regional (491), state nominated	18 months

   Home Affairs’ published processing times. The clock starts when you lodge.

9. 9After the grantPR, 191, registration

   • The 190 is a permanent visa from the day it’s granted.
   • With a 190, you’ve committed to your nominating state: check its terms for how long it expects you to live and work there.
   • The 491 is a 5-year provisional visa. After holding the 491 (or 494) for at least 3 years, living and working in a designated regional area and complying with its conditions, you can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191). You need ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years out of the 5 years of your eligible visa; there's no minimum income requirement. Subclass 191.
   • Australian citizenship generally becomes possible after 4 years living in Australia on a valid visa, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident.

General information from official sources, checked on the dates shown. It isn’t migration advice for your circumstances: a registered migration agent can advise on your case.

Employer-sponsored route

The median is above the Core Skills Income Threshold ($79,423) and above the Specialist Skills Income Threshold ($146,576) for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026. Thresholds apply to the worker’s guaranteed earnings and the annual market salary rate for the actual job, not to this median, which is a guide only.

Where they work and qualifications: Specialist Managers nec (except Ambassador, Archbishop or Bishop) at the 2021 Census (33,600 employed). Main industries: Public Administration and Safety, Manufacturing, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.

Specialist Managers nec (except Ambassador, Archbishop or Bishop) isn’t in Direction 122’s priority sectors, so its order depends on where you are when you apply: in Australia comes before outside Australia.

1. Primary applicants in a construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing or resources occupation, or one related to Australia's law enforcement or defence interests, whether in or outside Australia.
2. All other primary applicants who were in Australia when they applied.
3. Primary applicants outside Australia when they applied, whose application isn't combined with anyone else's.
4. All other applications.

This sets the order Home Affairs works through applications, not who is eligible or who gets invited. Check your processing group →

SkillSelect EOIs as at September 2026. Counts are EOIs, not people; 190 and 491 scores include nomination points. See how many are ahead of your points →

Program status is for 2026–27. Being listed doesn’t mean a state is inviting now, and each state has its own criteria. “Nominated so far”: 190 / 491 nominations this program year (Home Affairs).

No shortage nationally, and the same in every state and territory.

Jobs and Skills Australia’s rating of the labour market. Invitations also depend on planning levels, ceilings and how many EOIs are waiting, so the two don’t always line up.

Home Affairs, decisions to 31 August 2026. Clock starts when you lodge, which you must do within 60 days of an invitation.

• Arts Administrator or Manager
• Environmental Manager
• Laboratory Manager
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Sports Administrator