Sales and Marketing Manager Visa Pathway to Australia: Complete 2026 Guide
Updated: 13 May 2026
Australia classifies Sales and Marketing Manager under ANZSCO 131112. The Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML) conducts the skills assessment. The occupation sits on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), unlocking subclasses 190, 491, 482, and 186. Typical 2026 salaries range AUD $90,000-$180,000, with senior B2B SaaS and financial services roles pushing above AUD $200,000.
Quick Facts: Sales and Marketing Manager Migration Pathway
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ANZSCO Code | 131112 (Sales and Marketing Manager) |
| Skill Level | 1 (Bachelor degree or higher, plus relevant managerial experience) |
| Skills Assessment | IML (Institute of Managers and Leaders) |
| Occupation List | CSOL + STSOL |
| Visa Options | 190, 491, 482, 186 |
| Demand Level | Moderate — competitive market with consistent recruitment in tech, financial services, and retail |
| Salary Range | AUD $90,000-$180,000 (SEEK, May 2026) |
| Typical 190 Score | 80-85 points, with state nomination adding 5 |
| Key Challenge | IML expects managerial scope, not individual marketing contribution |
What a Sales and Marketing Manager Does in Australia
The ANZSCO 131112 code applies to managers who plan and direct an organisation's sales and marketing activities, develop the marketing strategy, and oversee commercial teams. In Australian practice, the title covers Heads of Marketing, Directors of Sales, Commercial Directors, Chief Marketing Officers in smaller organisations, and Sales and Marketing Directors in mid-market firms.
Australian employers actively recruiting in 2026 include consumer brands (Bunnings, Woolworths, Coles), B2B SaaS companies (Atlassian, Canva, SafetyCulture, Xero, MYOB), financial services (CommBank, NAB, ANZ, Westpac, AMP), property and construction (Stockland, Mirvac, Lendlease), and the major media and telco groups. Demand is strongest in Sydney's Surry Hills and CBD tech corridor, Melbourne's Cremorne and Richmond precincts, and Brisbane's growing tech belt.
The role is competitive. The Australian Bureau of Statistics tracks Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers (the parent ANZSCO unit group 131) at around 138,500 workers nationally. Inbound migration adds steady supply, which keeps the points test threshold relatively high for the 189 invitation — though 189 is not directly available for 131112.
ANZSCO 131112: How the Code Is Defined
Sales and Marketing Manager covers planning, directing and coordinating the sales and marketing activities of an organisation. Typical tasks include formulating marketing strategy, planning advertising campaigns, directing sales teams, analysing market data, setting pricing, and managing brand positioning.
Related and sometimes overlapping codes include:
- 131113 Advertising Manager — for roles focused specifically on advertising programs rather than the full sales-and-marketing remit
- 131114 Public Relations Manager — for communications-led roles
- 225113 Marketing Specialist — for individual contributor marketers (not managers)
- 225111 Advertising Specialist — for individual contributor advertising professionals
If your role description does not include people management of a sales or marketing team, 131112 is the wrong code — 225113 (Marketing Specialist) is the better fit for individual contributors and is assessed by VETASSESS.
Skills Assessment: IML
The Institute of Managers and Leaders is the sole assessing body for ANZSCO 131112.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or higher (AQF Level 7 equivalent) in marketing, business, commerce, communications, or a related discipline
- A minimum of three years of post-qualification managerial experience in sales and/or marketing, with at least two of those years in a role meeting the 131112 description
- Statement of Service evidencing team management, budget responsibility, and strategic remit
- English test result meeting visa pathway minimums
Assessment cost: AUD $788 (offshore standard), AUD $866 (onshore, GST inclusive). Express service AUD $210 (or AUD $231 inc GST).
Processing time: 10 weeks standard, 6 weeks express.
Common rejection reasons: Applicants frequently nominate 131112 when their day-to-day work is closer to Marketing Specialist (225113) — running campaigns rather than directing a team. IML will refuse where the Statement of Service describes campaign execution, content production, or single-channel responsibility without evidence of team leadership, P&L exposure, or strategic decision-making. A second common refusal is for roles where "sales and marketing" is a title rather than an actual function combining both — e.g. a sales-only manager misnaming the role to fit the code.
Visa Pathways for Sales and Marketing Managers
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa
Permanent residency via state nomination. Sales and Marketing Manager appears on several state programs in 2026, though availability changes mid-year.
Visa fee: AUD $4,910 (primary applicant). Points boost: +5 from state nomination. Processing time: 6-12 months. Obligation: Live in the nominating state for 2 years.
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional Visa
Provisional visa for regional Australia, 5 years, with a 191 PR pathway.
Visa fee: AUD $4,910 (primary applicant). Points boost: +15 from regional nomination. Key reality: Many regional 491 programs include Sales and Marketing Manager because regional cities (Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, Townsville) host real corporate functions.
Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand Visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa. The Core Skills stream applies for nominated salaries between CSIT (AUD $79,499 from 1 July 2026) and SSIT (AUD $146,717). Senior CMO and Sales Director roles routinely clear SSIT and qualify for the Specialist Skills stream.
Visa fee: AUD $3,210. Processing time: Specialist Skills stream — 7-11 days. Core Skills — up to 8 months. Duration: Up to 4 years.
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme
Permanent residency through employer nomination. Direct Entry stream for offshore candidates with 3+ years post-assessment experience, or Temporary Residence Transition after 2 years on a 482.
Visa fee: AUD $4,770.
Points Test Strategy
Sales and Marketing Manager is not on the MLTSSL, so 189 is unavailable. The points test only matters for 190 and 491 applications.
| Points Factor | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age (25-32) | 30 | Maximum bracket |
| English — Superior (8.0+) | 20 | Marketing managers commonly hit this band |
| English — Proficient (7.0) | 10 | Realistic minimum for the role |
| Bachelor's degree | 15 | Minimum for Skill Level 1 |
| Master's degree | 15 | Common in the field (MBA, MMkt) |
| PhD | 20 | Rare but valuable |
| Australian study (2 years) | 5 | If completed in Australia |
| Overseas experience (8-10 years) | 15 | Maximum experience points |
| Australian work experience (5-8 years) | 15 | Higher value than overseas |
| State nomination (190) | 5 | Required for visa |
| Regional nomination (491) | 15 | Higher boost than 190 |
| Partner skills | 5-10 | If partner has skilled occupation |
| NAATI CCL | 5 | Community language credential |
Realistic Scenarios
Scenario 1 — Senior Marketing Director, 32, MBA, Superior English, 8 years experience
- Age 30 + Master's 15 + English 20 + Experience 15 = 80 points
- Add 190 nomination: 85 points — competitive for invitation in most states
- Add 491 instead: 95 points — very strong for regional nomination
Scenario 2 — Mid-career Sales and Marketing Manager, 35, Bachelor's, Proficient English, 6 years post-assessment experience
- Age 25 + Bachelor's 15 + English 10 + Experience 10 = 60 points
- 190 nomination: 65 points — marginal
- 491 nomination: 75 points — workable for regional pathways
- Or pursue employer sponsorship via 482
State Nomination
New South Wales
NSW operates an invitation-only nomination model with a closed occupation list. Sales and Marketing Manager (131112) has appeared on the NSW list in past programs but the 2025-26 program prioritises health, education, ICT, and infrastructure. Marketing managers should monitor the NSW Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and 491 program pages for mid-year occupation updates.
Victoria
Victoria runs a rolling-invitation Skilled Visa Nomination program with around 3,400 places in 2025-26 (2,700 for 190, 700 for 491). The program prioritises Superior English, onshore residence, and demonstrated employment in Victoria. Sales and Marketing Manager has historically been invited but only at higher points totals (typically 80+).
Queensland
Queensland's Skilled Nomination program includes Sales and Marketing Manager under certain streams. Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast all qualify for 491 in this occupation. State requirements typically include a current job offer in Queensland or 6+ months of recent Queensland residence.
South Australia
South Australia operates one of the more accessible state nomination programs for management occupations. Sales and Marketing Manager has been available in past rounds for both 190 and 491. Adelaide qualifies as regional for 491 purposes, which improves migration value.
Salary and Employment Outlook
What Sales and Marketing Managers Earn in Australia
| Role | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager (mid) | AUD $110,000-$140,000 |
| Senior Marketing Manager | AUD $130,000-$160,000 |
| Head of Marketing | AUD $150,000-$200,000 |
| Sales Manager | AUD $110,000-$150,000 |
| Sales Director / Head of Sales | AUD $160,000-$220,000+ |
| Chief Marketing Officer (mid-market) | AUD $200,000-$320,000+ |
| B2B SaaS sales leader | AUD $180,000-$280,000 + commission |
SEEK's May 2026 data on "Sales and Marketing Manager" listings shows median advertised salaries between AUD $90,000 and AUD $110,000 — the SEEK figure pulls down small-business and not-for-profit listings, so the true upper band for ASX-listed and tech roles sits substantially higher.
Highest-Paying Sectors
- B2B SaaS and technology — Atlassian, Canva, SafetyCulture, REA Group, and Xero pay senior marketers AUD $200,000-$320,000 packages including equity
- Financial services — Big 4 banks and AMP pay competitive base salaries plus 25-35% short-term incentives
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices — Sydney's North Shore is the cluster; senior product marketers clear AUD $200,000
- Property — Stockland, Mirvac, Lendlease pay strong base salaries plus equity
- Mining and resources — Perth-based commercial leadership roles command remote-area premiums
Geographic Concentration
Sydney and Melbourne together host the majority of senior marketing roles. Brisbane is the third market with growing tech and infrastructure recruitment. Perth roles cluster in resources commercial leadership. Adelaide and Canberra are smaller but specialised — Canberra particularly for government services, advocacy, and defence-industry marketing.
Tips for a Successful Application
1. Be Honest About Whether You're a Manager or a Specialist
The single biggest reason 131112 assessments fail is that the applicant is actually a Marketing Specialist (225113) — assessed by VETASSESS, not IML. If you do not lead a team, control a budget, or have strategic remit, 131112 will be refused. 225113 is also on the CSOL with a different pathway.
2. Quantify Your Statement of Service
IML wants numbers: team size, budget controlled, revenue impact, campaigns delivered, brand metrics moved. Reference letters that read "responsible for marketing activities" rarely succeed. Letters that read "led a team of 12 marketers and 6 contractors, managed AUD $4.2M annual marketing budget, drove 22% YoY pipeline growth" succeed.
3. Aim for Superior English
131112 is a competitive code in the points system. The difference between Proficient (10 points) and Superior (20 points) English often decides whether you receive an invitation. Most marketing managers come from communications-strong backgrounds — invest the time to score 8.0+ across all four IELTS bands or the PTE equivalent.
4. Compare Big-State Nomination vs Regional 491
The 491 regional nomination adds 15 points vs the 190's 5. For mid-band candidates, 491 often clears the invitation threshold where 190 doesn't. Regional cities like Newcastle, Geelong, Wollongong, and the Sunshine Coast host genuine corporate marketing roles and should not be dismissed.
5. If You Have a Sponsor, Skip the Points Game
The 482 visa doesn't require a points test. If your skills assessment is positive and you have an offer with a salary above CSIT (AUD $79,499 from July 2026), employer sponsorship is faster and more reliable than 190/491 invitation rounds. The Specialist Skills stream processes in 7-11 days.
Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap
- Confirm 131112 fits your actual role — see the ANZSCO code finder and compare against 225113 Marketing Specialist
- Verify list status for your target visa — 131112 is on CSOL and STSOL
- Sit your English test — aim for Superior band
- Prepare IML documentation — Statement of Service, organisation chart, reference letters with quantified scope
- Apply for IML skills assessment — AUD $788 standard
- Decide pathway — points-based 190/491 or employer-sponsored 482/186
- For points-based: lodge EOI in SkillSelect for 190 and 491
- Apply for state nomination — directly with the relevant state
- For employer-sponsored: sponsor lodges nomination, you lodge 482 application
- Receive invitation/nomination approval and lodge visa
- Complete health and character checks
- Plan onshore relocation — major hubs are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sales and Marketing Manager on the MLTSSL?
No. ANZSCO 131112 is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), but not the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This means the 189 Skilled Independent visa is not available. The 190 (state nomination), 491 (regional), 482 (employer sponsorship), and 186 (employer nomination) all work.
Should I apply under 131112 or 225113 Marketing Specialist?
The deciding factor is whether you manage people and own strategic decisions. If you lead a marketing or sales team with budget and headcount responsibility, 131112 is correct. If you are a senior individual contributor running campaigns, programs, or channels without direct reports, 225113 is the better fit. IML assesses 131112; VETASSESS assesses 225113. Choosing the wrong code is the most common reason for refusal.
What's the salary threshold for 482 sponsorship?
For nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD $79,499 and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is AUD $146,717. The employer must also pay the Annual Market Salary Rate for the role, whichever is higher. Most senior sales and marketing manager roles clear CSIT comfortably; many clear SSIT.
Which state is most likely to nominate me?
State priorities shift each program year, but in 2025-26 Victoria and South Australia have been the most accessible for Sales and Marketing Manager 190 and 491 nominations. NSW currently weights its nomination program toward health, education, ICT, and infrastructure, making 131112 less likely. Always check the state's published occupation list before submitting an EOI.
Can I get PR without a job offer?
Yes — via the 190 (state nomination) or 491 (regional nomination) pathways, both of which lead to PR. Neither requires a job offer at the time of application, but they do require positive skills assessment, competitive points, and state nomination. Realistic point totals for invitation are 80+ for 190 and 85+ for 491 (which already includes the 15-point regional boost).
