Apiarist — 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 Apiarist 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.
Apiarist × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Apiarists (ANZSCO 121311) qualify for the Australian Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa as the occupation appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This visa pathway is not points-tested; instead, it requires sponsorship from a regional employer located in designated regional areas of Australia. To proceed with a Subclass 494 application, applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority. For apiarists, skills assessment is typically conducted by relevant industry bodies or vocational assessment organisations that evaluate qualifications and experience against Australian standards. Key requirements include demonstrating genuine employment offer from a regional sponsor, meeting English language proficiency standards, and providing documentation supporting agricultural or beekeeping qualifications and experience. The regional employer must be willing to sponsor the applicant and comply with sponsorship obligations throughout the visa period. Applicants should ensure their credentials align with Australian beekeeping practices and regulations. Processing timelines and specific documentation requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances and visa processing workloads. 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 Apiarist
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 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 Apiarist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.