Vocational Education Teacher / Polytechnic Teacher — 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 Vocational Education Teacher / Polytechnic Teacher for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS, TRA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Vocational Education Teacher / Polytechnic Teacher × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Vocational Education Teacher / Polytechnic Teacher (ANZSCO 242211) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, enabling regional Australian employers to sponsor overseas Vocational Education Teachers for positions in designated regional areas. Regional businesses frequently struggle to recruit locally qualified Vocational Education Teachers, 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 Vocational Education Teacher / Polytechnic Teacher 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 VETASSESS 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 Vocational Education Teacher / Polytechnic Teacher
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Vocational Education Teacher / Polytechnic Teacher
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.