Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician — 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 Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician 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.
Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician (ANZSCO 311114) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa as the occupation appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This visa enables skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia under an approved regional employer's sponsorship. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. Instead, applicants must secure sponsorship from an eligible regional employer and obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. For aquaculture and fisheries technicians, assessment is typically conducted by the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (AIAST), which evaluates qualifications, technical competencies, and practical experience in fisheries or aquaculture operations. Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of relevant technical experience and satisfy standard health, character, and English language requirements. The sponsoring employer must be based in a designated regional area and demonstrate that the position cannot be filled locally. Visa holders are required to work in the sponsoring region for the visa's duration and may apply for permanent residency after three years of compliant employment. Application fees commence at approximately $4,770 plus the Skilling Australians Fund levy. 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 Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician
State nominations for Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.