Respiratory 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 Respiratory 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.
Respiratory Technician × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Respiratory Technician (ANZSCO 311217) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, supporting regional hospitals and respiratory health services in recruiting qualified technicians to fill workforce gaps in designated regional areas. The Subclass 494 is employer-sponsored and not points-tested. Applicants must have a confirmed employment offer from an approved regional sponsor and secure a positive skills assessment through the relevant allied health assessing body. Assessment focuses on respiratory technology qualifications, clinical experience, and pulmonary diagnostic competencies. Health, character, and English language conditions apply to all visa applicants. Visa holders must remain employed by the sponsoring regional employer for the visa's duration. After three years of compliant regional employment, holders can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residency pathway. Government application fees start 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 Respiratory Technician
State nominations for Respiratory Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.