Pig 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 Pig 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.
Pig Farmer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Pig Farmer (ANZSCO 121318) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa as it appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), which forms the occupation eligibility basis for this visa subclass. The visa pathway is not points-tested, distinguishing it from other skilled migration routes. Instead, sponsorship by a regional employer in Australia is a fundamental requirement. Applicants must obtain a positive skill assessment from the appropriate assessing authority before visa application. For Pig Farmer, this assessment is conducted by the Skilled Trades Australia (STA) or equivalent body recognised by the Department of Home Affairs, which evaluates qualifications, work experience, and competency against Australian standards. Key requirements include demonstrating relevant agricultural qualifications and typically at least two years of recent work experience in pig farming. Applicants must also meet English language requirements and health and character checks. The regional employer sponsor must demonstrate genuine need for the position and inability to find suitable Australian citizens or permanent residents to fill the role. 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 Pig 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 Pig Farmer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.