Psychotherapist — 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 Psychotherapist for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Psychotherapist × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Psychotherapists (ANZSCO 272314) may be eligible for the provisional Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, which targets employers in regional Australia who cannot source suitably qualified workers locally. This occupation appears on the Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL). The Subclass 494 is not points-tested; instead, it requires a regional employer to act as an approved sponsor and nominate the position. Labour market testing is required to demonstrate genuine local recruitment efforts. A skills assessment from VETASSESS is required before lodgement. Applicants must hold vocational English and satisfy health and character requirements. The visa is provisionally granted for five years; after three years of regional employment at or above the income threshold, the holder may apply for permanent residence via the Subclass 191 visa. The indicative fee is from AUD 3,115, with processing typically 6 to 18 months. 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 Psychotherapist
- 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 Psychotherapist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.