Teacher of the Hearing Impaired — 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 Teacher of the Hearing Impaired for migration purposes is handled by: AITSL.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Teacher of the Hearing Impaired × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Teacher of the Hearing Impaired (ANZSCO 241512) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, enabling regional Australian employers to sponsor overseas Teachers of the Hearing Impaired for positions in designated regional areas. Regional businesses frequently struggle to recruit locally qualified Teachers of the Hearing Impaired, and the Subclass 494 provides a targeted employer-driven solution. The sponsoring employer must be based in or operating in a designated regional area and hold approved Standard Business Sponsor or accredited sponsor status. The employer must nominate the applicant for a genuine Teacher of the Hearing Impaired role, complete labour market testing, and offer a salary at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). The position must be located in a designated regional area throughout the visa period. A skills assessment from Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is required. Applicants must be under 45 years of age, demonstrate English language proficiency, and meet health and character requirements. The Subclass 494 is valid for five years and provides a pathway to the permanent Subclass 191 after three years of regional living and employment. Application fees start from approximately 4,640 dollars. 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 Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
- 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 Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.