Research and Development 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 Research and Development 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.
Research and Development Manager × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Research and Development Manager (ANZSCO 132511) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa through its listing on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Subclass 494 is a five-year provisional regional visa that is not points-tested; eligibility is established through nomination by an approved regional employer. Applicants must secure sponsorship from a regional employer located in a designated regional area who can demonstrate genuine need for an R&D Manager and has completed labour market testing. A positive skills assessment is required under the Direct Entry pathway, conducted by the relevant approved body for the applicant's research or engineering discipline. At least three years of relevant experience in managing research and development programmes is generally required. Key requirements include being under 45 years of age, holding competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), a valid employer nomination for a position 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 Research and Development 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 Research and Development Manager
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.