Industrial 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 Industrial 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.
Industrial Engineer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Industrial Engineers (ANZSCO 233511) qualify for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, a temporary employer-sponsored visa specifically targeted at regional Australia. This occupation appears on the MLTSSL, making it eligible for this five-year provisional regional visa. An employer located in an eligible regional area must sponsor the applicant and nominate them for a full-time Industrial Engineer position. The employer must hold approved sponsor status and demonstrate that recruitment of an Australian worker was attempted first. Salary must meet or exceed the TSMIT and reflect market rates for the location and role. Skill assessment through Engineers Australia is mandatory. The CDR pathway or qualification recognition routes are available depending on applicant background. Competent English is the minimum language requirement. Government fees for Subclass 494 are approximately AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant. Processing times vary but typically fall within three to twelve months. After completing three years of regional work, holders may apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Regional) visa. This pathway is particularly relevant for engineers willing to work outside major metropolitan centres where demand for industrial expertise is strong. 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 Industrial 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 Industrial Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.