Software Tester — 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 Tester 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 Tester × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Software Testers (ANZSCO 261314) may be sponsored under the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, with this occupation listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). The 494 visa is an employer-sponsored points-tested pathway for skilled workers willing to work in regional Australia, where ICT expertise is critical for growing regional businesses and public sector agencies. The sponsoring employer must operate in a designated regional area, hold Standard Business Sponsorship, and nominate the position following completion of labour market testing. The visa is granted for five years, and holders must remain employed with their sponsoring employer in the regional area for the duration of the visa period. After three years of continuous regional employment and satisfying an income threshold, holders become eligible for the Subclass 191 permanent residence visa. A skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS) is mandatory, confirming qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. English language proficiency, health, and character requirements must be satisfied. Fees are payable to the Department of Home Affairs. 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 Tester
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 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.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Software Tester
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.