Music Director — 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 Music Director 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.
Music Director × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
The Music Director occupation (ANZSCO 211212), listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa. This five-year provisional visa requires sponsorship from an approved regional employer who cannot fill the position locally, with holders required to live, work, and study in designated regional Australia throughout the visa period. The visa is not points-tested. Applicants must be under 45, hold Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent), and obtain a positive skills assessment from VETASSESS demonstrating that qualifications and professional experience in music direction meet Australian standards. A minimum of three years of relevant full-time experience as a Music Director is typically required. The indicative fee is from AUD 4,770, with processing usually 9 to 18 months. After three years of satisfying 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
Other visa pathways for Music Director
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Music Director
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.