Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) — 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 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) for migration purposes is handled by: TRA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) (ANZSCO 323112) are eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, which enables approved employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled overseas workers in this occupation on a provisional basis. Regional charter aviation operators, flying training academies, and regional airlines with maintenance operations may utilise this pathway to address workforce shortages. The Subclass 494 visa is not points-tested. Instead, the nominating employer must be located in a designated regional area, hold approved standard business sponsor status, and demonstrate a genuine operational need for the role. A positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) aligned with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) licensing requirements is mandatory, confirming that the applicant's qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for the occupation. Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience, satisfy English language requirements, and meet health and character checks. The visa is provisional for five years; after three years of employment in a designated regional area above the required income threshold, holders become eligible to apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa. 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 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)
- 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 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.