Travel Agency 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 Travel Agency 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.
Travel Agency Manager × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Travel Agency Manager (ANZSCO 142116) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa as it appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This visa enables regional travel agencies to sponsor skilled managers for work in designated regional areas of Australia. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. Applicants must be sponsored by an approved regional employer who demonstrates genuine business need and evidence of unsuccessful local recruitment for the management role. Employer sponsorship approval must be current at the time of nomination. A skills assessment from a relevant tourism industry assessing authority is required, evaluating the applicant's competency in travel agency management, including operational oversight, client account management, staff supervision, and compliance with Australian Consumer Law and AFTA standards. Applicants must demonstrate relevant professional experience, meet English language requirements, and satisfy health and character checks. The visa requires holders to reside and work in a designated regional area. The Subclass 494 provisional visa is valid for five years. After three years of eligible regional employment, holders may apply for permanent residency under Subclass 191. Government fees are approximately AUD 5,765. 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