Construction Estimator — 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 Construction Estimator 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.
Construction Estimator × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Construction Estimator (ANZSCO 312114) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, enabling regional construction companies, infrastructure developers, and quantity surveying firms to sponsor skilled estimators for work 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 Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) or an appropriate assessing authority, confirming construction cost estimation qualifications and practical experience in project budgeting and tendering. Health, character, and English language conditions must all be met prior to application. Visa holders must remain employed with the sponsoring employer in a regional area for the visa's duration. After three years of compliant regional employment, holders can apply for permanent residency via the Subclass 191 pathway. Government fees start 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 Construction Estimator
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 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 Construction Estimator
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.