Flying Instructor — 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 Flying Instructor 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.
Flying Instructor × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Flying Instructor (ANZSCO 231113) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa as it appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This visa enables regional aviation training operators to sponsor skilled flying instructors to address instructor shortages in regional areas. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. Applicants must be sponsored by an approved regional employer, typically a flying school or aviation academy operating in a designated regional area, who demonstrates genuine need and unsuccessful local recruitment. The employer must hold or obtain standard business sponsorship approval. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) conducts skills assessments for Flying Instructors, verifying the applicant's instructor ratings, flying experience, and compliance with Australian aviation standards. Overseas qualifications may require conversion to Australian equivalents through CASA's licensing process. Applicants must hold a valid CASA medical certificate, meet English language requirements, and satisfy character checks. The visa requires holders to live and work in a designated regional area. The Subclass 494 provisional visa is valid for five years. After three years of 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 Flying Instructor
- 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 Flying Instructor
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.