Helicopter 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 Helicopter 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.
Helicopter Pilot × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Helicopter Pilot (ANZSCO 231114) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa as it appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This visa enables regional helicopter operators to sponsor skilled pilots to address shortages in designated regional areas of Australia. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. Applicants must be sponsored by an approved regional employer who demonstrates genuine need for a helicopter pilot and evidence of unsuccessful local recruitment. Industries such as mining, agriculture, and emergency services in regional areas regularly sponsor under this pathway. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the skills assessing authority for Helicopter Pilots. CASA evaluates the applicant's licences, ratings, and flight hours against Australian regulatory standards, and overseas pilot licences may require conversion to Australian equivalents. Applicants must hold a valid CASA aviation medical certificate, demonstrate English language proficiency, and satisfy character requirements. The visa requires holders to live and work in a designated regional location. 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 Helicopter 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 Helicopter Pilot
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.