Quality Assurance 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 Quality Assurance 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.
Quality Assurance Manager × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Quality Assurance Manager (ANZSCO 139916) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, which targets skilled migration to regional Australia through employer sponsorship. This occupation appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) supporting this visa pathway. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. Applicants must be sponsored by a regional employer who has obtained approval from the Department of Home Affairs and demonstrated a genuine need for the nominated position. The employer must also provide evidence of unsuccessful local recruitment efforts. A skills assessment is required from the appropriate authority, such as the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) or equivalent body, verifying the applicant's competency in quality assurance management, standards compliance, auditing, and process improvement roles. Applicants must demonstrate relevant professional experience in quality management, satisfy English language requirements, and pass health and character assessments. As a regional visa, holders must live and work in a designated regional location for the duration of the visa. The Subclass 494 provisional visa is valid for five years. After three years of regional employment, holders may become eligible to apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191. Government fees are approximately AUD 5,765 for the primary applicant. 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