Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist — 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 Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist for migration purposes is handled by: SPA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Speech Pathologist Speech Language Therapist (ANZSCO 252712) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, a provisional employer-sponsored visa that enables skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia when sponsored by an approved regional employer. This occupation's listing enables approved regional employers to address staffing needs by sponsoring skilled overseas professionals in this field. The 494 visa is not points-tested and requires sponsorship from an approved regional employer. Applicants must intend to live and work in a designated regional area. After three years, visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residence via Subclass 191. The sponsoring employer must be located in and operate within a designated regional area. Visa holders who complete three years of regional residence and employment may become eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. A skills assessment from Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) is required before applying for the visa. Applicants must demonstrate qualifications and experience appropriate to the Speech Pathologist Speech Language Therapist role in Australia. Standard health, character, and English language requirements apply. Certification with Speech Pathology Australia is strongly recommended and expected by most employers. 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 Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist
- 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 Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.