Marine Biologist — 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 Marine Biologist 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.
Marine Biologist × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Marine Biologists (ANZSCO 234516) are eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, enabling employer-sponsored migration to designated regional Australia. This occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation list, allowing regional employers to nominate skilled candidates where local workers are unavailable. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. Sponsoring employers must operate in a designated regional area, complete labour market testing, and pay market salary rates. The visa is granted for five years with a requirement to live and work in the sponsoring employer's regional location. A skills assessment from the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (AIAST) is mandatory before nomination, verifying Australian standards for Marine Biologists, who research marine organisms and ecosystems; roles with CSIRO, universities, conservation bodies, and aquaculture industry in coastal areas. Competent English applies, equivalent to IELTS 6.0. Applicants must generally be under 45 at time of nomination. Government fees are approximately AUD 3,480. Processing takes four to ten months. After three years of regional residence and employment, holders may apply for permanent residence via the Subclass 191. 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 Marine Biologist
- 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 Marine Biologist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.