Dairy Cattle 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 Dairy Cattle 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.
Dairy Cattle Farmer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Dairy Cattle Farmers (ANZSCO 121313) may qualify for the Australian Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa through the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This occupation appears on the ROL, making it eligible for sponsorship by regional employers seeking skilled workers in designated areas. The Subclass 494 pathway for this occupation is not points-tested. Instead, applicants require sponsorship from a regional employer who must meet specific requirements. The sponsoring employer must be located in a specified regional area and demonstrate genuine need for the position. A skills assessment is required for Dairy Cattle Farmers. The appropriate assessment body is AgSkilled, which evaluates qualifications and experience against Australian standards for agricultural occupations. Applicants must demonstrate competency in dairy farming operations, animal husbandry, and farm management. Key requirements include holding a valid employer sponsorship nomination, meeting health and character requirements, and satisfying English language proficiency standards. The nomination must specify the position offered and demonstrate that recruitment efforts have been made. 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 Dairy Cattle 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 Dairy Cattle Farmer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.