Chemical 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 Chemical Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Chemical Engineer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Chemical Engineers (ANZSCO 233111) may qualify for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, enabling regional employers to sponsor skilled chemical engineers to work in designated regional areas. This provisional visa is valid for five years and carries regional living and employment obligations. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. The sponsoring employer must be located in a designated regional area, hold approved sponsorship, and demonstrate labour market testing unless exempt. Applicants must satisfy skills requirements, typically through a positive assessment from Engineers Australia via the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) process for internationally qualified engineers. 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 are approximately AUD 4,240 for the primary applicant. Chemical Engineers are in demand in regional resource states across roles in process engineering, minerals beneficiation, environmental compliance, and plant operations. Processing times depend on application completeness 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 Chemical Engineer
- 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 Chemical Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.