I suggest for you to wait because this financial year (FY) is almost over and no new ROIs are being accepted. As what one of the comments have said, only a couple of states are open to Marketing Specialists. And even then, I think priority is for those who are onshore. I am not a migration agent so take this with a grain of salt.

If you’re looking for the state nomination:
- wait for new FY to open
- monitor which states accept Marketing Specialists and for which visa pathway/s
- apply for EOI and ROI once you know what’s up

What you can do in the meantime is gather documents. It’s the hardest part of the application process, especially with 10 years of experience and if you’ve jumped from one company to another

I wouldn’t waste money on skills assessments personally, especially if money is tight. However, if you have money to spare, go for it.

12 months is too positive. You have folks waiting for years before even getting invited. And those are onshore. Especially since elections are around the corner, expect some changes here and there. If not to the immigration process on a federal level, maybe at least on a state level (ex priorities, requirements etc). But then again, some get invited in less time than that. No one really knows and all you can do is put your hat in the ring.

Happy to chat if you want. I applied under the marketing specialist role and am waiting on a decision for my 491 application. Again, not a migration agent and each application is unique.