Irrigation Designer — 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 Irrigation Designer 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.
Irrigation Designer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Irrigation Designer (ANZSCO 311115) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa as the occupation appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This visa is designed to address regional skill gaps by enabling qualified specialists to work for approved employers in designated regional zones across Australia. The Subclass 494 pathway is employer-sponsored and not points-tested. A positive skills assessment is required, typically through Engineers Australia or AIAST, depending on the applicant's professional background. The assessment must confirm the applicant's qualifications and experience meet the required standard for irrigation design work. Applicants must secure sponsorship from a regional employer operating in an eligible area and satisfy health, character, and English language conditions. Irrigation designers entering under the 494 visa must work in the sponsoring region for a minimum period before applying for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway. Application government charges start at approximately $4,770. 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 Irrigation Designer
State nominations for Irrigation Designer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.