Policy and Planning 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 Policy and Planning Manager 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.
Policy and Planning Manager × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Policy and Planning Manager (ANZSCO 132411) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa through inclusion on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), enabling 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 employer in a designated regional area. Applicants must secure sponsorship from a regional employer who has demonstrated genuine need for a Policy and Planning Manager and completed labour market testing. A positive skills assessment is required, with assessment conducted by the relevant approved authority for management occupations. The Direct Entry pathway also requires at least three years of relevant experience in policy, planning, or programme management roles. Key requirements include being under 45 years of age, holding competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), a valid employer nomination confirming the position is in a designated regional area, and standard health and character clearances. After three years of regional employment and meeting the income threshold, holders may apply for permanent residency via the Subclass 191 pathway. Fees start from approximately $4,770 and processing typically takes nine to eighteen months. 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 Policy and Planning Manager
- 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 Policy and Planning Manager
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.