Civil Engineering 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 Civil Engineering Draftsperson for migration purposes is handled by: EA, VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Civil Engineering Draftsperson × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Civil Engineering Draftsperson (ANZSCO 312211) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, enabling regional engineering consultancies, infrastructure contractors, and government bodies to sponsor qualified civil draftspersons for work in designated regional areas of Australia. The Subclass 494 is employer-sponsored and not points-tested. Applicants must secure a genuine employment offer from an approved regional employer and obtain a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia or Professionals Australia, confirming civil engineering drafting qualifications and practical experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or BIM platforms used in road, drainage, and utility design. Health, character, and English language requirements must all be satisfied. Visa holders must remain in the sponsoring regional area for the visa's full duration. After three years of compliant regional employment, holders may apply for permanent residency via 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 Civil Engineering Draftsperson
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 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.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Civil Engineering Draftsperson
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.