Regulatory Affairs 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 Regulatory Affairs 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.
Regulatory Affairs Manager × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Regulatory Affairs Manager (ANZSCO 139917) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, enabling skilled regulatory professionals to work in regional Australia under employer sponsorship. This occupation appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. Applicants must be sponsored by a regional employer approved by the Department of Home Affairs. The employer must demonstrate genuine need for the role and provide evidence of unsuccessful local recruitment prior to nominating an overseas applicant. A skills assessment from the relevant authority is required, verifying the applicant's competency in regulatory affairs management, including experience in compliance systems, regulatory submissions, and liaison with government regulatory bodies such as the TGA or APVMA. Applicants must demonstrate relevant professional qualifications and experience, meet English language proficiency requirements, and satisfy health and character checks. The visa requires holders to reside and work in a designated regional area throughout the visa period. The Subclass 494 is a provisional five-year visa. After three years of regional employment, holders may apply for permanent residency under 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