Faculty Head — 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 Faculty Head 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.
Faculty Head × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Faculty Heads (ANZSCO 134411) are eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, which allows regional higher education institutions and TAFE campuses to sponsor experienced academic leaders 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 locally. Skills assessment requirements should be confirmed with the relevant assessing authority before applying. Applicants must hold Competent English and satisfy health and character requirements. Holders must live and work for the sponsoring employer in regional Australia for the visa duration. After three years of meeting residency and income conditions, holders may apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 pathway. Indicative fees start from AUD 4,640, with processing typically 9 to 18 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