Pharmacy 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 Pharmacy 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.
Pharmacy Technician × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Pharmacy Technician (ANZSCO 311215) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, enabling regional healthcare employers including pharmacies and hospitals to sponsor qualified pharmacy technicians for designated regional roles. The Subclass 494 is employer-sponsored and not points-tested. Applicants must secure sponsorship from an approved regional employer and obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant health sciences or pharmacy assessing body. The assessment confirms qualifications, dispensary competencies, and professional experience. Health, character, and English language requirements must be met. Visa holders are committed to working for the sponsoring regional employer for the visa's duration. After three years of compliant employment in a regional designation, holders may apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa. Application government fees commence 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 Pharmacy Technician
- 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 Pharmacy Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.