Equipment Hire 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 Equipment Hire 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.
Equipment Hire Manager × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Equipment Hire Managers (ANZSCO 149915) are listed on the Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) and are therefore eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa. This five-year provisional visa enables approved regional employers to sponsor skilled workers for positions that cannot be filled locally, requiring holders to live, work, and study only in designated regional Australia. The visa is not points-tested. Applicants must be under 45 at application, hold Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent), and obtain a positive skills assessment from VETASSESS prior to applying. The VETASSESS assessment evaluates the applicant's qualifications and work history against Australian benchmarks for equipment hire management. A minimum of three years of relevant full-time experience is typically required. The indicative application fee is from AUD 4,770, with processing usually taking 9 to 18 months. After three years of satisfying the regional residence and income threshold requirements, holders may apply for permanent residency through 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