Architectural Draftsperson — 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 Architectural Draftsperson 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.
Architectural Draftsperson × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Architectural Draftsperson (ANZSCO 312111) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, enabling regional architectural firms, engineering consultancies, and construction companies to sponsor skilled draftspersons for positions in designated regional areas of Australia. The Subclass 494 is employer-sponsored and not points-tested. Applicants must receive a genuine employment offer from an approved regional employer and obtain a positive skills assessment from Professionals Australia, VETASSESS, or another appropriate authority, confirming architectural drafting qualifications and technical proficiency with software tools such as AutoCAD and Revit. Health, character, and English language requirements must be met prior to lodging the visa application. Visa holders are required to remain employed in the sponsoring regional area for the full duration of the visa. After three years of compliant regional employment, holders may apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway. Government fees commence at approximately $4,770 plus the Skilling Australians Fund levy payable by the sponsoring employer. 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 Architectural Draftsperson
- 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 Architectural Draftsperson
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.