Telecommunications Network 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 Telecommunications Network Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Telecommunications Network Engineer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Telecommunications Network Engineers (ANZSCO 263312) may be sponsored under the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, with this occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This employer-sponsored provisional visa supports regional employers in accessing overseas telecommunications engineering expertise when local candidates are unavailable. The sponsoring employer must operate in a designated regional area, hold Standard Business Sponsorship approval, and nominate the position after completing labour market testing. The visa is granted for five years, requiring the holder to remain employed with the sponsoring employer in the regional area throughout the visa period. After three years of continuous regional employment and meeting income requirements, the holder may apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa. A skills assessment from Engineers Australia (EA) confirming engineering qualifications and competency is mandatory. English language proficiency, health, and character requirements must all 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 Telecommunications Network 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 Telecommunications Network Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.