Aquaculture Farmer — Subclass 494 Pathway
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa · 5 years provisional → PR pathway via Subclass 191
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,770 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~9-18 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Aquaculture Farmer for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Aquaculture Farmer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Aquaculture Farmer (ANZSCO 121111) qualifies for the Australian Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa through inclusion on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This occupation appears specifically on the ROL, making it eligible for sponsorship by regional employers in designated areas. The Subclass 494 pathway for Aquaculture Farmers is not points-tested. Instead, applicants require sponsorship from a regional employer who meets specific criteria under the program. The employer must be located in an eligible regional area and nominate the applicant for the position. Skill assessment is a mandatory requirement for this occupation. The relevant assessing authority is the Aquaculture and Fisheries Professionals body, which evaluates whether applicants meet the required competency standards. Applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment before visa application. Additional requirements include meeting health and character standards, demonstrating adequate English language proficiency, and satisfying work experience expectations as determined by the assessing body. Regional sponsorship agreements must be executed between the employer and the applicant prior to visa lodgement. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.2026-06-26T10:18:49.818Z
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 494. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at application
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation
- Three years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Nominated by an approved regional employer in a designated regional area
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Aquaculture Farmer
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Aquaculture Farmer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.