@emily_strange ---
Based on SOL - SC189 - mukhang di ka pasok currently (PR / all states) so dapat state nomination direction mo.
Based on CSOL - SC190 - pasok ka lang sa NT currently for that ANZSCO 223111. Additional requirement ng NT ang 7 all bands IELTS. Pasok ka sana sa WA kaso schedule 2, which means kailangan mo ng contract of employment.
So it means that you need to proceed with state nomination process first with NT if you want to start processing now. Visit NT website if you want to do that.
With regards to your question, usually nagsusubmit ng EOI almost the same time as state nom process, at wala syang bayad kung NT or SA, di ko alam sa ibang state. Ang actual na bayaran ay during actual visa application na which you can only proceed kung meron ka na invite.
Kung advisable magantay --- depende siguro... most of the time naman nagoopen up ulit yung mga closed ANZSCO especially July. Di ako familiar sa certification kung magiging need ba sya in the future or mawawala..
Personally, I would not risking the opportunity na meron sa ngayon. I would suggest to go for that remark (increase in your score) where possible and proceed with NT state nom; consider moving to other states after 2 years kung meron ka preference for other states.
God bless, parang pamilyar yang nickname mo.