Carpenter and Joiner — 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 Carpenter and Joiner 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.
Carpenter and Joiner × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Carpenter and Joiners (ANZSCO 331211) may be sponsored under the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, which allows employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled overseas workers in this occupation. The occupation's presence on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) confirms eligibility for the program. The sponsoring employer must be located in a designated regional area, hold approved sponsor status, complete mandatory labour market testing, and pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy. The employer must also meet ongoing sponsorship obligations and ensure equivalent employment terms and conditions. Applicants must obtain a skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) and demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience. English language proficiency must be satisfied through an approved test. Health and character checks apply. The Subclass 494 visa is valid for five years and requires holders to live and work with their sponsoring employer in the designated regional area. After three years and meeting minimum income thresholds, holders may apply for the Subclass 191 permanent 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 Carpenter and Joiner
- 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 Carpenter and Joiner
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.