Production or Plant 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 Production or Plant 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.
Production or Plant Engineer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Production or Plant Engineers (ANZSCO 233513) are eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, enabling regional employers to sponsor qualified Production or Plant Engineers for a five-year temporary work period. This occupation is listed on the MLTSSL, supporting access to this regional employer-sponsored pathway. An employer in an eligible regional area must hold approved sponsor status and nominate the applicant for a genuine position. Labour market testing applies. Salary must meet or exceed the TSMIT and reflect regional market rates. Skill assessment through Engineers Australia is mandatory. CDR or qualification-based pathways are accepted. Competent English is required. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for primary applicants. Processing times vary from three to twelve months. After completing three years of compliant regional work, holders may apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residence visa. This pathway suits Production or Plant Engineers seeking regional employer connections in sectors such as mining, food processing, and agricultural product manufacturing. 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 Production or Plant 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 Production or Plant Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.