Dental 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 Dental 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.
Dental Technician × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Dental Technician (ANZSCO 411213) is listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and 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. Dental Technicians construct and repair dental prostheses and appliances including crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic devices in dental laboratories, working to prescriptions from dentists and dental specialists using specialised materials, tools, and techniques. 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
Other visa pathways for Dental Technician
- 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 Dental Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.