Telecommunications Field Engineer — 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 Telecommunications Field Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Telecommunications Field Engineer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Telecommunications Field Engineer (ANZSCO 313212) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. As an MLTSSL occupation, it is broadly eligible for regional employer sponsorship under the Subclass 494 visa. Telecommunications Field Engineers plan, install, test, and maintain telecommunications infrastructure including fibre optic networks, towers, and switching equipment. The visa is not points-tested. An approved sponsor must nominate the position and demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit locally before engaging an overseas worker. Skills assessment by Engineers Australia (EA) is required, covering qualifications and work experience against Australian standards. English proficiency through an approved test and health and character checks are also mandatory. Processing generally takes three to nine months once a valid nomination and application are lodged, depending on document completeness and caseload. The Subclass 494 application fee is approximately AUD 4,115. After three years of living and working in a designated regional area and earning above the income threshold, Subclass 494 holders may apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa to obtain permanent residence. 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 Telecommunications Field Engineer
- 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 Telecommunications Field Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.