Engineering 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 Engineering Manager for migration purposes is handled by: EA, IML.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Engineering Manager × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Engineering Managers (ANZSCO 133211) are eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, which allows regional employers to sponsor skilled workers for a five-year provisional visa. This visa is not points-tested. Sponsors must be located in designated regional Australia and demonstrate the position cannot be filled by a local worker. A skills assessment from Engineers Australia is required, evaluating the applicant's qualifications and professional experience in engineering management against Australian standards. Applicants must hold Competent English and satisfy health and character requirements. The Subclass 494 requires the holder to live and work for the sponsoring employer in regional Australia for the duration of the visa. After three years, holders who meet residency and income conditions may apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 pathway. Indicative fees start from AUD 4,640. 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 Engineering Manager
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 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.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Engineering Manager
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.