Veterinary Nurse — 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 Veterinary Nurse for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Veterinary Nurse × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Veterinary Nurse (ANZSCO 361311) is eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. Listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), it is eligible for employer-sponsored skilled migration in designated regional areas under the Subclass 494 visa. Veterinary Nurses assist veterinarians in the care and treatment of animals, administering medications, preparing animals for procedures, monitoring post-operative recovery, and maintaining clinical records and equipment in veterinary practices. The visa is not points-tested. An approved regional sponsor must nominate the position and demonstrate genuine efforts to source a suitably qualified Australian worker before sponsoring an overseas candidate. Skills assessment by VETASSESS is required, covering qualifications and work experience against Australian standards. English proficiency and satisfactory health and character outcomes are also required. Processing generally takes three to nine months once a valid nomination and application are lodged. The Subclass 494 application fee is approximately AUD 4,115. After three years of residence and employment in a designated regional area and meeting income requirements, holders may apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 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 Veterinary Nurse
- 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 Veterinary Nurse
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.