Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator — 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 Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator 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.
Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
The Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator occupation (ANZSCO 149911) is listed on the Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), making it eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa. This five-year provisional visa enables approved regional employers to sponsor skilled workers when no suitable local candidates are available, with holders required to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested; eligibility depends on a valid employer nomination and a positive skills assessment from VETASSESS, which evaluates the applicant's qualifications and relevant work experience against Australian standards for managing a boarding kennel or cattery. Applicants must be under 45 years of age at application, hold Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent), and have at least three years of relevant full-time work experience. The indicative application fee is from AUD 4,770, with processing typically taking 9 to 18 months. After three years of meeting regional living and income requirements, holders may apply for permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa. 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