Ship's Engineer — 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 Ship's Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: AMSA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Ship's Engineer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Ships Engineer (ANZSCO 231212) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa as it appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This visa enables regional maritime and port operators to sponsor skilled marine engineers where local professionals are not available. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. Applicants must be sponsored by an approved regional employer who demonstrates genuine need for a ships engineer and evidence of unsuccessful local recruitment. Regional maritime industries such as fishing, offshore support, and coastal freight are common sponsors. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the skills assessing authority for Ships Engineers, assessing certificates of competency and sea service against Australian and STCW convention standards. Overseas marine engineering qualifications must be assessed and may require conversion to Australian equivalents. Applicants must hold current valid AMSA certificates, meet English language requirements, and satisfy health and 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 under 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 Ship's Engineer
State nominations for Ship's Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.