Anaesthetist — 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 Anaesthetist for migration purposes is handled by: MedBA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Anaesthetist × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Anaesthetists (ANZSCO 253211) qualify for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, listed on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) for employer-sponsored regional provisional migration. This employer-sponsored provisional visa enables regional Australian healthcare organisations to fill specialist roles in anaesthetic care for surgical, obstetric, and critical care patients when suitably qualified Australians are unavailable. Sponsoring employers must be located in a designated regional area and hold Department of Home Affairs approval. A skills assessment from the Medical Board of Australia (MedBA) with Fellowship assessed through the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) is mandatory before lodgement, verifying that overseas specialist qualifications and clinical training are equivalent to Australian standards. Labour market testing must confirm genuine recruitment efforts occurred. Applicants must meet English proficiency requirements and standard health and character conditions, and must reside and work in regional Australia throughout the provisional period. Application charges and Skilling Australians Fund levy obligations apply to the sponsoring employer. After five years, holders satisfying regional living and income requirements may apply for the permanent Subclass 191 visa. 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 Anaesthetist
- 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 Anaesthetist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.