Illustrator — 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 Illustrator 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.
Illustrator × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Illustrators (ANZSCO 232412) may qualify for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, enabling employer-sponsored skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. The Subclass 494 is provisional, valid for five years, and requires the sponsoring employer to be located in a designated regional area. This visa is not points-tested. The employer nominates the position, and the applicant must satisfy skills, age, and English language requirements. A skills assessment from the Design Institute of Australia or a relevant authority may be required. Labour market testing must be completed by the employer before lodging the nomination, unless exempt. After three years of compliant regional employment and meeting the income threshold, holders may apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Regional) visa. Government fees for the Subclass 494 are approximately AUD 4,240 for the primary applicant. Regional employers in education, tourism, community services, or local government may seek Illustrators for communications, training materials, or public art projects. Processing times depend on the completeness of the application and departmental workloads. 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 Illustrator
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 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.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Illustrator
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.