Building Associate — 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 Building Associate 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.
Building Associate × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Building Associate (ANZSCO 312112) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, supporting regional construction employers, project management firms, and building services companies in recruiting qualified building associates for work in designated regional areas. 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 VETASSESS or an appropriate construction skills assessing authority, confirming building construction qualifications and relevant field experience. Health, character, and English language requirements must all be satisfied. Visa holders must remain employed with the sponsoring employer in a regional area for the visa's full duration. After three years of compliant regional employment, holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 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 Building Associate
State nominations for Building Associate
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.