Chemistry 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 Chemistry 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.
Chemistry Technician × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Chemistry Technician (ANZSCO 311411) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, enabling regional industrial, mining, agricultural, and research employers to sponsor skilled chemistry technicians to support technical operations in designated regional areas of Australia. The Subclass 494 is not points-tested. Applicants must secure a genuine employment offer from an approved regional employer and obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant science or chemistry assessing body. The assessment confirms analytical chemistry qualifications, laboratory safety knowledge, and practical technical experience meeting the standard required for the nominated position. Health, character, and English language requirements must all be met prior to visa application. Visa holders are committed to working for the sponsoring regional employer for the visa's duration. After three years of compliant regional employment, holders can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway. Government 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 Chemistry 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 Chemistry Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.