Aeroplane Pilot — 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 Aeroplane Pilot for migration purposes is handled by: CASA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Aeroplane Pilot × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Aeroplane Pilot (ANZSCO 231111) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa as it appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), enabling regional airlines and aviation operators to sponsor skilled pilots for regional employment in Australia. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. Applicants must be sponsored by an approved regional employer who demonstrates genuine operational need for a pilot and evidence of unsuccessful local recruitment. Employers in regional aviation services are common sponsors under this pathway. The skills assessment authority for Aeroplane Pilots is the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which verifies the applicant's pilot licences, flight ratings, and flying hours. CASA determines whether overseas licences and experience meet Australian regulatory standards. Applicants must hold a valid aviation medical certificate from a CASA-approved Designated Aviation Medical Examiner. English language proficiency must be demonstrated, and character requirements apply. Licence conversion to an Australian licence through CASA may be required prior to commencing employment. The Subclass 494 provisional visa is valid for five years. After three years of eligible regional employment, holders may apply for permanent residency through 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
Other visa pathways for Aeroplane Pilot
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Aeroplane Pilot
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.