Surveyor — 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 Surveyor for migration purposes is handled by: ISNSW.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Surveyor × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Surveyor (ANZSCO 232212) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, with this occupation appearing on lists supporting regional employer sponsorship. This visa enables regional engineering, mining, and land development firms to sponsor skilled surveyors. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. Applicants must be sponsored by an approved regional employer who demonstrates genuine need for a surveyor and evidence of unsuccessful local recruitment. Industries including mining, civil construction, and land administration in regional areas commonly sponsor under this pathway. The Spatial Sciences Institute (SSI) or an equivalent body conducts skills assessments for Surveyors, evaluating qualifications and professional experience against Australian standards. State-based registration requirements must also be addressed for the specific survey discipline. Applicants must demonstrate relevant professional experience, meet English language requirements, and satisfy health and character checks. The visa requires holders to reside 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 Surveyor
- 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 Surveyor
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.