Petroleum 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 Petroleum 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.
Petroleum Engineer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Petroleum Engineers (ANZSCO 233612) are eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, a five-year provisional employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers in regional Australia. This occupation appears on the MLTSSL, supporting access to this employer-sponsored regional stream. A regional employer must hold approved sponsor status and nominate the applicant for a Petroleum Engineer role in an eligible regional area. Labour market testing is required. Salary must meet or exceed the TSMIT and reflect industry market rates. Skill assessment through Engineers Australia is mandatory. The CDR pathway or qualification recognition routes are available. Competent English is required. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for primary applicants. After three years of compliant regional employment, holders may apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residence visa. Petroleum Engineering roles in regional areas often include onshore production facilities, LNG plant operations, and technical support centres supporting offshore operations from regional hub locations. 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 Petroleum 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 Petroleum Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.