Drainer — 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 Drainer 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.
Drainer × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Drainer (ANZSCO 334113) qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa as it appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), enabling regional employers to sponsor skilled tradespeople to address workforce shortages in designated regional Australia. The Subclass 494 is a temporary employer-sponsored visa and is not points-tested. An approved regional employer must nominate the applicant for a genuine position that cannot be filled locally, supported by labour market testing evidence. A positive TRA skills assessment confirming competency in drain laying and sewerage system installation is required for the Direct Entry stream. Requirements include at least three years of relevant experience, demonstrating competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), and satisfying health and character requirements. Holders must live and work with the sponsoring employer in a designated regional area for three years, after which they may apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway. Application fees start from approximately $3,035 and processing typically takes four to eight months. 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 Drainer
- 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 Drainer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.