Plastics Technician — 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 Plastics Technician 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.
Plastics Technician × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Plastics Technician (ANZSCO 399916) is listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and qualifies for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. This five-year employer-sponsored regional visa enables businesses in regional Australia to recruit skilled overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally. Plastics Technicians set up, operate, and maintain injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding, and other plastics processing equipment in manufacturing facilities producing components for the automotive, packaging, construction, and consumer goods industries. The visa requires an approved regional employer sponsor and a relevant skills assessment from TRA confirming the applicant's qualifications and experience. Applicants must hold at least Competent English and satisfy a minimum annual salary requirement at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. Health and character requirements must also be met. The Subclass 494 application fee is approximately AUD 4,640, with processing typically taking six to twelve months. Holders must live and work in regional Australia with their sponsoring employer. After three years of regional residence and meeting income requirements, holders may apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (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