Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec — 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 Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec 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.
Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Natural and Physical Science Professional (Not Elsewhere Classified) (ANZSCO 234999) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, a temporary employer-sponsored pathway that addresses skill shortages in regional Australia. The occupation's listing on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) enables approved regional employers to sponsor qualified Natural and Physical Science Professional (NEC)s to work outside major metropolitan centres. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. A regional employer approved by the Department of Home Affairs must nominate the applicant for a genuine position matching their skills. A skills assessment from relevant professional body depending on specialisation is required, evaluating the applicant's qualifications and professional scientific work in a natural or physical science discipline not covered by other categories against Australian occupational standards. Key requirements include relevant qualifications and experience in natural and physical sciences, English language proficiency meeting departmental thresholds, and standard health and character clearances. Visa holders must live and work in a designated regional area for the duration of the visa. After three years of compliant regional employment, holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway. Application fees and processing times depend on individual circumstances. 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 Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec
- 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 Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.