I Want to Work in Marketing and Advertising in Australia. What is the Process?

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Table of Contents

• The Australian Immigration Framework
• Which Are the Eligible Job Occupations in the Areas of Marketing and Advertising?
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to work in marketing and advertising in Australia, you must identify an eligible job occupation that best aligns with your academic and professional experience. Accordingly, this article will consider four common marketing and advertising occupations in Australia. Specifically, it will focus on employer-sponsored 482 visas and the specific visa requirements for each occupation. These four occupations currently sit under the short-term skilled occupation list, and are eligible for temporary work visas. The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code for each occupation specifies the qualifications and experience the position requires.  

The Australian Immigration Framework

There are two main avenues for overseas migrant workers to migrate and work in Australia.

Corporate Immigration Via Employer-Sponsored Visa Pathway

If you wish to obtain an employer-sponsored visa, the business will first need to become an approved sponsor and then nominate you for an eligible skilled occupation. You must then apply for a visa.

Personal Immigration Via Independent Visa Pathway

If you pursue a visa independently, you will need to take an alternative path, as a business is not part of this process. You must identify an eligible skilled occupation and then secure an invitation to apply for these visas.

What is the Process?

Eligible skilled occupations are classified under three main lists for Australian immigration purposes:

• the short-term skilled occupation list (STSOL);
• the medium and long-term strategic skills list (MLTSSL); and
• the regional occupation list (ROL).

Employer-sponsored visas are generally the most straightforward pathway for overseas migrant workers. There are three main visa subclasses you should consider:

• Training visa (subclass 407): this is a temporary visa that can last for up to 2 years;
• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482): this is a temporary work visa that lasts 2-4 years depending if the job occupation sits in the STSOL or MLTSSL. Only MLTSSL job occupations can lead to the 186 visa (TRT and DE stream) below; and
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) – Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) or Direct Entry (DE) streams: this is a permanent residency visa. The TRT stream can only be accessed by 482 visa holders with MLTSSL job occupations. The DE stream can only be accessed by any MLTSSL job occupation.

The first step is to assess which job occupation your tertiary education and work experience best align with. This is quite important as it will tell you three things:

• if your occupation is eligible for migration purposes;
• which list your eligible occupation sits under (MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL); and
• which visas you may consider applying for.

Which Are the Eligible Job Occupations in the Areas of Marketing and Advertising?

There are four ANZSCO job occupations in marketing and advertising that can be found in the eligible skill occupation list. These job occupations sit under the STSOL. This means that under these job occupations, you will only be able to apply for either the Training 407 visa or the TSS 482 visa for up to two years, with a renewal option for a further two years. Additionally, you will not be able to apply for the permanent residency 186 visa (TRT or DE streams).

IMPORTANT: From 1 July 2022, employers will be able to nominate eligible TSS 482 visa sponsored workers with STSOL job occupations for the 186 visa (TRT stream).

Marketing Specialist (ANZSCO Code 225113)

If you are a marketing specialist, your role will typically involve identifying market opportunities and advising on the marketing plans for a company’s products and services. In particular, your daily tasks should include:

• planning and managing advertising policies and campaigns;
• advising executives and clients on advertising strategies and campaigns;
• coordinating the production of advertising campaigns (e.g. artwork, scripting, TV production);
• analysing consumer data and predicting consumer trends;
• researching market characteristics and demand for new goods/services;
• preparing and executing marketing objectives to support business growth;
• conducting research to identify market opportunities; and
• advising on all elements of marketing.

In some cases, you will be required to have relevant experience and/or on-the-job training in addition to the formal qualification. If you are sponsored as a marketing specialist under the TSS 482 visa, there are other conditions that you should be aware of. In particular, you will not be eligible as a marketing specialist if your:

• annual salary is less than AUD $65,000;
• potential employer has an annual turnover of less than AUD $1 million; or
• position is based in a front-line retail setting that predominantly involves direct and regular client interaction.

Advertising Specialist (ANZSCO Code 225111)

As an advertising specialist, you usually coordinate advertising campaigns to increase and boost sales. This occupation falls within the same unit group as a marketing specialist and, therefore, has the same skill level and qualifications as above. However, there are no limitations if you apply under the TSS 482 visa.

Sales and Marketing Manager (ANZSCO Code 131112)

Generally, as a sales and marketing manager, you will be responsible for planning and managing the sales and marketing activities within a business. In particular, your daily tasks should include directing the development and implementation of:

• sales strategies and setting sales targets;
• strategies to promote an organisation’s goods and services;
• strategies to generate increased consumption of an organisation’s goods and services through creating and reinforcing a brand image or loyalty; and
• strategies to build and maintain an organisation’s image and reputation with its customers, investors and the wider public.

Some cases may also require relevant experience and/or on-the-job training in addition to formal qualification. However, if you are sponsored under the TSS 482 visa, you will not be eligible for this occupation if your position:

• is in a business with an annual turnover of less than AUD $1 million;
• has an annual salary of less than AUD $80,000; or
• is based in a front-line retail setting that predominantly involves direct and regular client interaction.

Advertising Manager (ANZSCO Code 131113)

As an advertising manager, you will usually be responsible for planning and managing the advertising activities within a business. This occupation falls within the same unit group as a sales and marketing manager and therefore has the same skill level and qualifications as described above. However, there are no limitations if you are applying under the TSS 482 visa.

Key Takeaways

In summary, if you want to work in the marketing or advertising industry in Australia, you will likely need an eligible skilled occupation to obtain a temporary work visa. Each job occupation will have a specific ANZSCO code. You should check the ANZSCO code to understand the skill level, qualifications or experience you need to work in your nominated occupation. 

If you have any questions about temporary work visas in Australia, our experienced immigration lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.

Frequently Asked Questions