Software Engineer — 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 Software Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: ACS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Software Engineer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Software Engineers (ANZSCO 261313) may be sponsored under the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. Regional technology companies, government agencies, and resource sector businesses use the 494 visa to recruit software engineers from overseas when local candidates are not available. The occupation is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The sponsoring employer must be in a designated regional area and hold Standard Business Sponsorship. Labour market testing confirming the genuine shortage of local candidates is required. The visa is granted for five years, and holders must remain in regional employment with the sponsoring business. After three years and meeting income thresholds, the permanent Subclass 191 visa may be applied for. ACS skills assessment is required. English proficiency must be evidenced through an approved test. Health and character checks apply. Nomination and visa fees are payable. 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 Software Engineer
- 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 Software Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.