Finance Manager — 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 Finance Manager for migration purposes is handled by: CPAA, CAANZ, IPA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Finance Manager × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Finance Manager (ANZSCO 132211) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa through its listing on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it available for employer-sponsored regional migration under this five-year provisional visa. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested; eligibility is established through nomination by an approved regional employer. Applicants must obtain sponsorship from a regional employer located in a designated regional area who can demonstrate genuine need for a Finance Manager and has completed labour market testing. A positive skills assessment is required under the Direct Entry pathway, typically from CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), or the equivalent approved body. At least three years of relevant experience in financial management is generally expected. Key requirements include being under 45 years of age, holding competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), having a valid employer nomination, and meeting standard health and character requirements. The position must be based in a designated regional area. After three years of regional employment and meeting the income threshold, holders may apply for permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa. Fees start from approximately $4,770. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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 Finance Manager
- 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 Finance Manager
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.