Earth Science 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 Earth Science 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.
Earth Science Technician × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Earth Science Technician (ANZSCO 311412) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, supporting regional mining companies, geological survey firms, and environmental service providers in sponsoring qualified earth science technicians for roles in designated regional areas. The Subclass 494 is employer-sponsored and not points-tested. Applicants must secure a genuine offer from an approved regional employer and obtain a skills assessment from the relevant earth sciences authority. Health, character, and English language requirements must be satisfied. Visa holders must remain employed with the sponsoring employer in a designated regional area for the visa's duration. After three years of compliant regional employment, holders become eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residency pathway. Government fees start at approximately $4,770 plus the applicable 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 Earth Science 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 Earth Science Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.